Blocked drains? Here’s what to do before you call a professional

Blocked drains? Here’s what to do before you call a professional

Blocked drains are never convenient. No matter if it’s a slow-draining sink or an overflowing toilet, it can cause stress and mess fast.

Before you pick up the phone, here are a few simple steps to try first. If the problem persists, know that our local team at DMI Draincare & Groundworks is ready to help — quickly and with free quotes. Read our 5-star reviews from customers across Yorkshire. We’re trusted to get the job done.

1. Blocked Drains? First, identify the signs of a blocked drain

First, check for these common signs of blocked drains:

  • Water draining slowly
  • Gurgling noises from pipes
  • Bad smells near sinks or outside drains
  • Water rising in toilets or overflowing gullies

If you spot these, you likely have a blockage.

2. You may (or may not) try clearing the blockage

Important: If you suspect a serious issue (foul smells outdoors, overflowing manholes), skip this step and call a professional.

Otherwise, you can try:

  • Using a sink plunger to dislodge minor blockages
  • Pouring boiling water (not for PVC pipes) to clear grease
  • Adding bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, followed by hot water
  • Checking and clearing external drain covers of leaves and debris

If these steps don’t resolve the problem, the blockage may be deeper in the system.

3. Know when to call a professional

Some blockages need expert equipment and experience. Contact us if:

  • Water is backing up indoors or outdoors
  • Smells are worsening
  • More than one drain is affected
  • You suspect tree roots or damaged pipes
  • DIY methods made no difference

DMI Draincare & Groundworks uses advanced CCTV drain surveys and high-pressure water jetting to locate and clear stubborn blockages fast.

4. Choose a local drainage expert

We are proud to be a Yorkshire-based drainage company. Our team works across Selby, Goole, York, Harrogate and beyond.

We’re not a national call centre. When you call us, you get local, friendly help and quick service. We offer:

5. Prevent future drain blockages

Prevention is always better than cure. We advise:

  • Never pour oil or fat down the sink
  • Use strainers in kitchen and bathroom drains
  • Only flush toilet paper — no wipes, sanitary products or nappies
  • Clear garden gullies regularly
  • Book an annual CCTV drain survey to catch small issues early

Need help? Our drain maintenance services are available for homes and businesses across Yorkshire.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve tried the simple steps above and your drains are still blocked, we’re here to help. We cover all of Yorkshire with fast, local service and free quotes.

Call Us:

Office – 01757 429296
Out of Hours – 07947978854

Email Us:
info@dmidraincareandgroundworks.co.uk

Contact us here to book your visit or for friendly advice.

FAQ: Blocked Drains

1. How do I know if my drain is blocked or damaged?

Slow draining, foul smells, and recurring blockages often point to damaged pipes. We recommend a professional CCTV survey to diagnose the issue.

2. Are over-the-counter drain unblockers safe?

Many chemical unblockers can damage pipes and harm the environment. We suggest safer manual methods first — and call us if those don’t work.

3. Can I book a free quote before committing to a drain unblocking service?

Yes. DMI Draincare & Groundworks offers free quotes and no hidden fees. Contact us anytime to arrange a visit.

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