If you are dealing with slow drainage, unpleasant smells, strange gurgling noises, water backups or frequent blockages, your drainage system may already be compromised. These five signs are key indicators that your home or business in Reading or the surrounding areas may need urgent professional drain unblocking. Ignoring the symptoms could lead to costly repairs, property damage and even health hazards. Understanding these early warning signs allows for quick action and helps avoid major plumbing issues.
Whether you live in Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell or Maidenhead, your drainage system plays a vital role in managing waste water safely. From removing grey water from your sinks and baths to carrying away waste from toilets, effective drainage helps protect the hygiene and safety of your home or workplace. A properly functioning drainage system supports indoor air quality, prevents structural damp and reduces the risk of flooding.
Many homeowners and property managers in places like Henley on Thames, Marlow and Slough often delay dealing with early drain issues, thinking the problem will resolve itself. But slow drains or foul odours often indicate build up or obstructions that need professional intervention. Addressing these problems early prevents long term complications such as cracked pipes, damp foundations and contaminated water systems.
At 24hrs Drainage, we specialise in providing rapid and effective drainage solutions across the South East. We cover Reading, Woodley, Tilehurst, Twyford and as far out as High Wycombe and Basingstoke. Our drainage engineers are available all hours to deliver reliable drain clearance using CCTV drain surveys, high pressure water jetting and mechanical rodding. With decades of hands on experience, we understand the specific challenges of homes and commercial premises throughout Berkshire, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire.
Pro Tip: Never pour fats or oils down the kitchen sink. They solidify inside pipes and are one of the most common causes of blocked drains.
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Water pooling in showers, slow sink drainage or baths that take a long time to empty are strong indicators of a developing blockage in the waste system. This is a frequent issue in homes across Winnersh, Crowthorne and Sandhurst where hard water, grease and daily use combine to clog pipes.
Grease from cooking, soap scum, hair and food particles can stick to the inside of waste pipes. Over time, these build ups restrict flow. In areas like Basingstoke and Newbury, where older pipework is common, this can lead to internal pipe damage and potential leaks.
Our team uses CCTV inspection cameras to locate obstructions accurately and safely. Once found, we apply high pressure jetting to restore proper flow. This method is frequently used in Virginia Water, Slough and Ascot, especially in larger properties with extensive drainage networks.
Bad smells coming from drains are more than an inconvenience. They usually point to trapped organic matter, stagnant water or even a blocked gully. These smells often worsen during warm spells, which is a regular concern for households in Shinfield, Sonning and Pangbourne.
Persistent odours often stem from biofilm build ups or venting issues that trap gas inside the system. These gases may carry bacteria that affect the health of anyone nearby, particularly in settings like nurseries, care homes and cafes in Maidenhead and Marlow.
We isolate the cause quickly using non invasive tools. Whether the issue lies under the floor, behind the wall or outside in a drain chamber, we clean and flush the system thoroughly. Our technicians are based across Arborfield, Theale and Lower Earley and can often attend the same day.
Pro Tip: If you hear gurgling in multiple fixtures, the issue is likely deeper in your waste system and should be checked with a camera inspection.
If you hear gurgling noises after flushing the toilet or draining water, that is usually air getting pushed through a partial blockage. This is a common sign of restricted flow and often happens in older systems found in Twyford, Woodley and nearby villages.
When waste water cannot move freely due to build up or a misaligned pipe, air gets trapped. As water pushes past, the air escapes and creates a bubbling or gurgling noise. These noises can affect multiple fixtures if the issue lies deeper in the system.
We use diagnostic equipment including inspection rods and drain cameras to find and remove the cause. Whether it is a blocked air vent or a growing root intrusion, we fix the issue with minimal disruption. Many clients across Reading and Wokingham trust us for this type of specialist drainage work.
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Regular backups are usually a warning that your waste pipes are not able to carry water away properly. This might be due to wipes, fat, foreign objects or structural faults such as pipe collapse. Properties in Ascot, Reading and Bracknell experience this often where old connections meet newer pipework.
In many cases, backups start in low points of the system such as ground floor toilets or kitchen sinks. We regularly handle these in homes around Henley on Thames and Marlow where high usage and tree roots near pipework are common causes.
We respond quickly with all the right equipment. Our engineers use rodding and jetting to clear the blockage and then clean the area properly. This approach gets your drainage working again and reduces the risk of it returning. We offer this service across Berkshire and into surrounding counties, always with transparent prices and reliable results.
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If you notice puddles forming near your patio, driveway or garden gully, it often means an external drain is blocked. This could be caused by mud, leaves, roots or even collapsed pipe sections. We often see this in Tilehurst, Earley and areas with mature trees or sloped landscapes.
Poor outdoor drainage can lead to water seeping into your foundations or creating damp patches on walls. It also increases the chance of internal flooding during heavy rain. This is particularly relevant for homes in flood sensitive spots like Theale and parts of Pangbourne.
We clear external drains using high pressure jetting and mechanical rods. If the problem is deeper, we carry out a CCTV survey to locate pipe collapse or intrusion. We can also provide advice on long term outdoor drainage maintenance to prevent the issue coming back. This service is available throughout all listed areas including Crowthorne and Virginia Water.
Blockages are often caused by items that should not go down drains. Grease, oils, fat, food waste and wet wipes are common culprits. In outdoor systems, tree roots, leaves and soil can enter through cracks or broken joints. We frequently see these issues in Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell where properties range from older builds to new developments.
In high usage homes and busy commercial kitchens, scale and grease solidify in pipework over time. In older systems, cracked or displaced pipes allow root ingress and debris build up. A CCTV survey helps identify the source quickly so we can provide an accurate solution.
Ignoring blocked drains allows pressure to build in the system. That pressure can lead to leaks, burst pipes or sewage backing up into your home. Over time, moisture build up may damage walls, flooring and even the foundation of your property. Early action protects both health and structure.
Local authorities may also hold homeowners responsible for blockages in shared drains or lateral connections. By resolving problems early, you avoid disputes and higher repair bills later on.
We are a local company trusted by homeowners and businesses throughout Reading and the surrounding areas. Our services are available all day every day, including bank holidays. Every call is answered by a real person, and we aim for a quick response wherever you are.
We carry out CCTV inspections, emergency unblocking, pipe repairs and ongoing drain maintenance. All work is carried out by trained engineers using quality tools. There are no hidden charges, and we explain everything before starting.
If you have noticed any of the signs we have listed, don’t wait. A blocked drain never clears itself and waiting only makes things worse. Call 24hrs Drainage now to arrange a prompt visit. We cover Reading, Wokingham, Henley on Thames, Slough, Maidenhead and all nearby towns. Let us get your drains flowing again quickly and cleanly.
How often should drains be checked? It’s good practice to check your drains once a year. For busy homes or food businesses, more frequent inspections are a good idea.
Do you offer CCTV drain surveys? Yes, we offer full camera inspections that help pinpoint the cause and location of the problem.
Can tree roots really block a drain? Yes. Root ingress is a common problem, especially in older clay or concrete pipes.
Do you charge for emergency call outs? No. We do not charge for call outs. You only pay for the work we carry out.
What areas do you cover? We cover Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Slough, High Wycombe, Basingstoke and all towns within a 20 mile radius.
24hrs Drainage Limited
33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday : Open and available 24 hours per day
Drain Services
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If You’re Dealing With Blocked Drains Or Require Drain Repairs, You’ve Come To The Right Destination. Contact Our Team Today At 0800 0209198 For Professional Guidance And A Complimentary, No-Obligation Quote!
We are the premier providers of comprehensive drainage solutions in Reading and throughout Berkshire. With years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, we are your trusted partners for all your domestic and commercial drainage needs.
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