Blocked drains and plumbing leaks don’t just spoil your day – they can damage finishes, cause odours and increase bills if they’re not dealt with quickly. This practical guide from SOS Drainage & Plumbing explains the early warning signs, what you can try safely yourself, and when to call a professional. We also share simple, low-cost habits that keep your system running smoothly all year round.
Spot the Early Warning Signs
Plumbing and drainage issues very rarely appear out of nowhere. Most problems announce themselves in small ways first.
Typical indicators to watch for
- Slow-draining sinks, showers or baths that keep getting worse
- Gurgling sounds from plugholes or the toilet after you flush
- Smells of damp, mildew or sewer gas around the property
- Patchy, unusually green grass above external pipe runs
- Dripping taps, staining on ceilings, bubbling paint or blown plaster
- The boiler pressure dropping for no obvious reason
Catching problems early usually means a faster fix and a lower final bill. If you’re unsure, SOS Drainage & Plumbing can assess the situation and tell you honestly whether it needs urgent attention or simple monitoring.
What You Can Try (Safely) Before Calling
A few quick checks may clear a minor issue. If any task needs specialist tools or you’re not confident, stop and call a pro.
Safe first steps
- Boiling water (not for PVC waste lines): pour slowly down a greasy kitchen waste to melt fat buildup.
- Manual plunger: effective for shallow blockages in basins and toilets. Maintain a good seal and use short, sharp plunges.
- S-trap and P-trap clean: place a bowl under the trap, undo the collars carefully and remove the slug of hair/soap.
- Check outside gully: leaves and debris can block the grate; clear by hand and rinse with a hose.
- Isolate water if you have a leak: locate the stop tap, turn clockwise to close, and open cold taps to drain down.
Avoid
- Overusing caustic chemicals – they damage seals, can crack older pipework and rarely solve deeper blockages.
- Forcing drain rods if you hit resistance – you risk unscrewing a section and losing it in the system.
- Ignoring slow drains – recurring symptoms often indicate a structural fault that needs a CCTV survey.
How a Professional Diagnoses the Root Cause
Modern drainage is all about targeted diagnosis. Guesswork and trenches are last resorts.
Our typical approach at SOS Drainage & Plumbing
- History & symptoms – we ask a few questions about when and where the issue happens.
- Visual checks – traps, junctions and access points are inspected first.
- High-pressure water jetting or rotary cleaning clears the line rapidly and safely.
- CCTV survey if symptoms persist – crisp video identifies cracks, displaced joints, root ingress or scale.
- Clear written report with imagery and costed options so you can choose the right fix for your budget.
Because we provide both drainage and plumbing in-house, we tackle the cause, not just the symptom. If a kitchen blockage is actually due to a collapsed section outside, we’ll find it and put it right.
Repair Options Explained
Every property is different. The best solution balances durability, cost and disruption.
Common methods
- Patch lining – a resin-impregnated sleeve seals a localised defect without digging.
- Full relining – creates a new, joint-free pipe within the old one; ideal for long runs with widespread damage.
- Excavation & replacement – used when the pipe has collapsed or levels are wrong; surfaces are reinstated afterwards.
- Plumbing repairs – replacing traps, wastes, valves, cistern internals or damaged sections of copper/plastic pipework.
We’ll always explain the pros and cons and never pressure you into unnecessary work. Where a simple clearance is all that’s needed, that’s exactly what we’ll do.
Preventative Care That Really Works
A few small habits prevent most blockages and leaks. They’re easy to adopt and kinder to your drains.
In the kitchen
- Wipe pans with a paper towel before washing; bin fats, oils and grease.
- Fit a sink strainer and empty it into the bin.
- Run hot water for 30 seconds after using the sink to keep fats moving.
In bathrooms
- Use hair catchers in showers and baths.
- Only flush the 3 Ps – paper, pee and poo (never wipes, cotton buds or sanitary products).
- Check silicone seals and grout; repair gaps to avoid hidden water ingress.
Around the property
- Know where your stop tap is and test it twice a year.
- Insulate exposed pipework and outside taps before winter.
- Keep gutters and downpipes clear so rainwater systems don’t overload the foul drain.
- Book a routine CCTV survey for older homes or after building works to catch problems before they escalate.
Landlords & Businesses – Keep Facilities Open
A single blocked toilet can close a café at lunchtime; a persistent leak can sour tenant relationships. Our planned maintenance packages reduce emergency call-outs and protect revenue.
What we offer
- Scheduled drain cleans for food businesses and high-use sites
- Periodic camera surveys with digital reports for compliance
- Priority response for reactive issues
- Clear, itemised invoicing for agents and portfolio managers
Transparent Pricing & Respectful Working
Plumbing and drainage can be messy – but the process doesn’t need to be. SOS Drainage & Plumbing is built on clear communication:
- Upfront estimates before we start and options where more than one fix is possible
- Photos and video so you can see exactly what we’re recommending
- Tidy working practices – dust sheets, shoe covers and careful clean-down
- Responsible waste disposal and reinstatement where excavation is required
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can you attend?
We prioritise emergencies and aim for same-day attendance across Dorset and nearby areas, subject to traffic and demand.
Is jetting safe for old pipes?
Used correctly, yes. We assess the pipe material and condition first and select the right pressure and nozzle to avoid damage.
Why does the same drain keep blocking?
Recurring blockages usually mean a structural defect or poor gradients. A CCTV drain survey will identify the fault so we can propose a lasting remedy.
Can you repair without digging up the patio?
Often we can. Patch repairs and full relining are no-dig solutions that seal defects internally. If excavation is necessary, we’ll keep it neat and reinstate surfaces.
Do you work out of hours?
Yes, we provide extended hours for urgent problems and plan works around trading times for commercial clients.
When You Need Help – We’re Ready
Whether you’re dealing with a midnight overflow, a damp ceiling or a drain that keeps backing up, SOS Drainage & Plumbing is here to respond quickly and fix the problem properly. From emergency unblocking to CCTV surveys, relining and everyday plumbing repairs, you’ll get straight answers, neat workmanship and dependable aftercare.
