If your drain is still blocked after cleaning, the real issue likely hasn’t been resolved. Common causes include using the wrong drain tool, not reaching the clog, overusing chemical cleaners, skipping prevention steps, or missing signs of structural damage. Knowing these missteps helps you fix the problem properly and avoid it happening again.
Using the wrong equipment is a common reason for recurring blockages. A cup plunger suits sinks, while a flange plunger is better for toilets. A coat hanger might look like a quick fix, but it can scrape the inside of pipes and cause lasting damage. It also creates a risk of pushdown clogs by forcing debris further into the system instead of removing it. Another common mistake is misusing a drain rod when used without care, it can push the clog deeper instead of dislodging it.
Manual augers and drain snakes are designed for tougher blockages. If used improperly, they can cause trap displacement or pipe scoring. Selecting the correct DIY unblocking tools ensures safer, more effective results and avoids surface only clearing or plunger seal failure that leaves blockages untouched.
Pro Tip: Never mix different chemical cleaners, it can damage your pipes and harden the blockage.
Need Help with a Stubborn Blockage?
Our Richmond-based drainage team uses CCTV, jetting and expert diagnostics to solve the real problem fast.
Could your drain issue be deeper? Look out for:
Gurgling sounds after flushing
Foul odour from multiple drains
Water backing up in the bath or toilet
Damp patches in the garden
Previous unblocking didn’t solve the issue
If your drain works briefly and clogs again, the problem might be further down the line. Clearing the trap near the sink only solves part of the issue. Residual clogs may still be lodged in the waste pipe, soil stack, or inspection chamber. This often leads to a recurring drain clog that reappears days after cleaning.
Water backing up, repeated slow draining, or strange gurgling sounds all point to a blockage deeper in the system. Using overflow diagnostics is one way to check whether the blockage further down the system is beyond reach of household tools.
Which is better: Enzyme or Caustic Cleaner?
Enzyme cleaners eat away at organic matter over time.
Caustic soda reacts fast but can damage plastic pipes.
Enzymes are safer for monthly maintenance.
Chemical drain cleaners often seem like an easy fix but repeated use can create new problems. Mixing acidic and caustic solutions causes heat reactions that soften plastic pipes. Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide, may also lead to P trap corrosion or pipe fusion when overused.
A safer alternative is to use enzyme cleaner products that digest organic matter without harming pipes. Misuse of strong chemical unblockers often results in build up rehardening instead of dissolving the blockage.
Always check compatibility with your pipework, especially with PVC pipe standards, and follow disposal guidelines from the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme.
Pro Tip:Â A CCTV drain survey often reveals the real issue when everything else has failed.
After clearing a blockage, prevention becomes the priority. Try these simple daily and monthly habits:
Flush hot water through kitchen pipes once a week
Use enzyme drain maintenance monthly
Fit a mesh strainer in your sink to catch food
Install a grease trap to block fats and oils
Dispose of cooking waste in the bin, not the sink
Avoid flushing anything but toilet paper
Eco-friendly WRc approved drain products are ideal for long-term pipe care. Flushing with hot water weekly, using monthly enzyme treatments, and fitting a strainer or grease interceptor all reduce the chance of repeat blockages.
Letting grease solidify, pouring coffee grounds or pasta water down the drain, or flushing wipes can lead to fatbergs, slow build-up, and kitchen pipe fouling. Small changes in behaviour protect your drainage system. Eco drain maintenance products that carry WRc approval are a practical addition to regular routines.
Stop Guessing, Start Fixing
Not sure why your drain keeps blocking? Let our professionals identify and fix it properly the first time.
Persistent clogs could be the result of something deeper. If your home has damp soil patches outside, ongoing sewer smell indoors, or you hear gurgling after flushing, the issue may be structural. Tree root ingress or offset pipes can disrupt water flow and require specialist intervention.
In these cases, a CCTV drain survey is essential. It reveals pipe misalignments, collapsed sections, and other hidden defects. Acting early can prevent costly excavation work.
There’s no shame in calling a professional when needed. Repeated blockages, ongoing bad smells, or no-access clearance situations require advanced tools. Drain cleaning services near me can use CCTV inspections, high pressure jetting, and full drain diagnostics to resolve stubborn issues more effectively.
A blocked drain callout often includes professional drain diagnostics that identify hidden issues early and help prevent major repairs. If you’ve tried everything and your drain keeps backing up, hiring a drain professional is the next step. They understand domestic pipework regulations and offer diagnostics most homeowners simply can’t do on their own.
Tired of DIY Drain Fixes That Don’t Last?
From fatbergs to collapsed pipes, we tackle the root cause and keep your pipes clear.
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
We provide Drainage Services across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, London, Oxfordshire, and the surrounding areas.
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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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