What causes blocked drains in homes?

The most common causes are a build-up of grease, fat and food debris in kitchen drains, hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, and root ingress or collapsed pipework in outdoor drains. Baby wipes, cotton pads and sanitary products flushed down toilets are also a very frequent cause of blockages. Regular maintenance can help prevent most blockages from developing.

Can you unblock a drain on the same day?

In most cases, yes. We carry drain rods, high-pressure water jetting equipment and CCTV drain cameras in our vans, so we can tackle most blockages the same day you call. Severe root ingress or collapsed pipes may require additional investigation, but we'll advise you fully before any extra work is carried out.

How do I know if I have a blocked drain?

Common signs include slow-draining sinks or baths, gurgling noises from pipes or toilets, unpleasant odours from drains, and in more serious cases, water backing up out of the drain. If you notice any of these, it's worth calling us before the blockage becomes a complete stoppage.

Do you use water jetting or drain rods?

We use the most appropriate method for each situation. Drain rods work well for straightforward blockages, while high-pressure water jetting is more effective for stubborn grease build-up and longer runs of pipework. For suspected root ingress or structural issues we use CCTV cameras to inspect the drain before recommending a solution.

Is drain clearance covered by home insurance?

Some home insurance policies include drainage cover — it's worth checking your policy documents or calling your insurer. We can provide a detailed report of the blockage and the work carried out, which most insurers will accept as supporting documentation for a claim.

Blocked Drain Specialists in Richmond

Blocked drains cleared fast in Richmond — from sinks and toilets to outside drains, we'll get things flowing again today.

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Clear & Upfront Pricing
24/7 Callouts, 365 Days A Year
Trusted Local Business
Gas Safe Registered Installers
£5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance

0203 886 3037

Richmond Plumbers 247 drainage engineer clearing a blocked drain in Richmond

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Blocked Drain Specialists in Richmond

A blocked drain can quickly turn into a messy, unpleasant problem — slow-draining sinks, gurgling pipes, unpleasant smells and, in the worst cases, water backing up into your home. Richmond Plumbers 247 247 clear blocked drains quickly and cleanly across Richmond and the surrounding TW9, SW14, TW1, TW10, TW11, TW7 and SW13 areas, restoring proper flow with the minimum of fuss.

We deal with every kind of blockage, from kitchen sinks clogged with grease and bathroom drains full of hair, to blocked toilets and larger external drains affected by wipes, debris or tree roots. For stubborn or recurring problems, we can carry out a CCTV drain survey to see exactly what's going on underground and target the blockage precisely, rather than treating the symptoms.

Blocked drains in Richmond can be affected by mature trees, older external runs and heavy use in busy households, so we clear the blockage and check for the underlying cause too.

Our engineers arrive prepared and work hygienically, leaving your home clean once the job is done. We'll also give you honest, practical advice on keeping your drains clear in future. With 24/7 availability, we're here whenever a blockage strikes.

Drain Unblocking Prices

Manual drain unblocking (first hour): from £95 + VAT

All prices are given upfront before work begins. For major drain issues we provide a full written quote. See our full pricing page for all service rates, or read our guide to choosing a reliable plumber in Richmond.

Call 0203 886 3037

Richmond Plumbers 247 engineer using a CCTV drain camera to inspect a blocked drain in Richmond

Our Drain Unblocking Process

Tell us the symptoms
Slow drainage, gurgling, bad smells or standing water — we take the details and get an engineer to you fast.
Locate the blockage
We identify where and what the blockage is, using drain rods or a camera survey for stubborn cases.
Clear the drain
We remove the blockage safely, whether it’s a build-up of grease, wipes, roots or debris.
Check & advise
We confirm the drain is flowing freely and offer simple advice to help prevent it happening again.

Blocked drain problems we fix in Richmond

If you need a plumber in Richmond for a blocked drain, we can help with everything from slow sinks to more serious outdoor blockages. Our engineers work across Richmond TW9, Kew, Twickenham and nearby streets, with a practical approach suited to local townhouses, flats and riverside homes.

Blocked Toilet

A blocked toilet is often caused by too much paper, wipes, sanitary items or a partial blockage further down the branch pipe. We clear the blockage safely, check the flush and flow, and make sure the system is draining properly before we leave.

Blocked Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks often block because cooking fat, food waste and soap build up inside the pipework over time. We trace where the restriction is, clear it without damaging the fittings, and look for any signs of recurring drainage issues.

Blocked Shower Or Bath

Slow-draining showers and baths are commonly caused by hair, soap scum and limescale narrowing the waste pipe. Our engineer will clear the blockage, test the drain speed and check whether the trap or waste needs further attention.

Outside Drain Blockage

Outside drains and manholes can block with leaves, silt, wipes or root intrusion, which may cause surface water to back up near the property. We lift and inspect the chamber, clear the obstruction and identify whether the problem is local to your home or further along the line, including properties in TW9 and TW1.

High Pressure Jetting

High-pressure drain jetting is used when a blockage is too stubborn for standard rodding or when the pipe walls need a thorough clean. We use controlled water pressure to break up grease, scale and debris, restoring flow while keeping the pipework intact.

CCTV Drain Survey

A CCTV drain survey helps when blockages keep returning or when we need to find a hidden fault in the pipework. We send a camera through the drain to spot cracks, displacement, roots or heavy buildup, then explain the issue clearly so you can decide on the next step.

Bad Drain Smells

Bad drain smells can come from trapped waste, dry traps, poor venting or a partial blockage in the system. We check the affected drains, clear any buildup and investigate the cause so the smell does not keep coming back, whether you are in Kew, Barnes or Ham.

Expert Advice

“Blocked drains in Richmond can be caused by ageing pipe runs, tree roots and everyday build-up, especially where homes have older external drainage. I always check the full route, not just the visible blockage, so the fix lasts.”

RobertDrainage Specialist13 years’ experience

Frequently Asked Questions

: The most common causes are a build-up of grease, fat and food debris in kitchen drains, hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, and root ingress or collapsed pipework in outdoor drains. Baby wipes, cotton pads and sanitary products flushed down toilets are also a very frequent cause of blockages. Regular maintenance can help prevent most blockages from developing.
: In most cases, yes. We carry drain rods, high-pressure water jetting equipment and CCTV drain cameras in our vans, so we can tackle most blockages the same day you call. Severe root ingress or collapsed pipes may require additional investigation, but we'll advise you fully before any extra work is carried out.
: Common signs include slow-draining sinks or baths, gurgling noises from pipes or toilets, unpleasant odours from drains, and in more serious cases, water backing up out of the drain. If you notice any of these, it's worth calling us before the blockage becomes a complete stoppage.
: We use the most appropriate method for each situation. Drain rods work well for straightforward blockages, while high-pressure water jetting is more effective for stubborn grease build-up and longer runs of pipework. For suspected root ingress or structural issues we use CCTV cameras to inspect the drain before recommending a solution.
: Some home insurance policies include drainage cover — it's worth checking your policy documents or calling your insurer. We can provide a detailed report of the blockage and the work carried out, which most insurers will accept as supporting documentation for a claim.