Blocked Drains
Common Causes of Blocked Drains in Surrey
Surrey is home to a mix of rural villages, commuter towns, and historic estates — all of which bring their own drainage issues. Here's what typically causes blocked drains across the county:
- Tree Root Intrusion: From Guildford to Godalming, mature trees are common and their roots can infiltrate drainage systems, cracking or displacing old pipes.
- Legacy Pipe Systems: Older homes, especially in areas like Farnham and Haslemere, still use clay or pitch fibre pipes, which are more prone to collapse and misalignment.
- Increased Water Usage: Modern appliances place more demand on ageing infrastructure, particularly in Victorian and post-war homes.
- Grease & Wipe Disposal: Across suburban towns like Woking and Camberley, flushed wipes and kitchen fats are a common cause of domestic drain blockages.
- Surface Water Overload: Sudden rainfall across the Surrey Hills can overwhelm gullies, especially in poorly maintained or low-lying areas.
How to Prevent Blocked Drains in Surrey
Maintaining healthy drains across Surrey means being proactive — particularly in older or tree-heavy areas. Here are some useful tips:
- Never Pour Grease Down the Sink: Let fats cool and dispose of them with household waste.
- Install Drain Grates & Filters: Catch debris before it enters your pipes.
- Flush Smart: Only flush the 3Ps — paper, poo, and pee. Avoid wipes, cotton buds or sanitary products.
- Annual Maintenance: In high-risk areas like Bramley or Cranleigh, regular drain jetting helps clear build-up before it becomes a blockage.
- Tree Root Monitoring: If you're near woodland or mature gardens, consider yearly CCTV drain surveys to spot root ingress early.
How a CCTV Drain Survey Can Help in Surrey
Drainage problems in Surrey aren’t always visible on the surface. A CCTV drain survey is the most reliable way to assess your underground pipework without digging.
- Find the Source of Blockages: Identify collapsed sections, root ingress, and major debris build-up.
- Homebuyers’ Peace of Mind: Buying in Surrey? Ensure you're not inheriting drainage issues with a pre-purchase survey.
- Avoid Unnecessary Excavation: Target repairs precisely and reduce costs with accurate CCTV reporting.
- Support for Insurance: High-definition footage can support claims for damage caused by flooding or pipe collapse.
What to Do in a Drain Emergency in Surrey
- Stop Using Drains Immediately: Cease flushing or running taps to avoid overflow.
- Call Our Emergency Team: We're available 24/7 on 01420 561661 for drain unblocking across Surrey.
- Don't Rely on Chemicals: Over-the-counter solutions can corrode old pipework and worsen damage.
- Contain the Overflow: Place towels around the affected area to limit water spread while help arrives.
- Document for Insurance: Take photos of the issue and any damage to help with claims.
We respond quickly to emergency callouts across Surrey including Guildford, Farnborough, Haslemere, and beyond.
Blocked Drain FAQs – Surrey
1. What are the most common blocked drain causes in Surrey?
Tree roots, grease, and ageing pipes are the main causes of blockages in Surrey homes and businesses.
2. Are CCTV drain surveys necessary?
Absolutely. They're essential for diagnosing hidden issues and protecting your property — especially in older parts of Surrey.
3. Do you offer emergency unblocking in Surrey?
Yes, we provide round-the-clock emergency drain services across Surrey.
4. How much does it cost to clear a drain?
Costs vary depending on location and severity. Call 01420 561661 for a fixed quote.
5. What Surrey towns do you cover?
All of Surrey, including Guildford, Woking, Godalming, Haslemere, Farnham, Cranleigh, and beyond.
ReliableProfessional24/7 Support
