How Often Should Drains Be Cleaned?
Learn how often you should clean your drains to avoid blockages, bad smells, and costly repairs. Expert advice from 24hrs Drainage Reading.
What Are the Signs of a Blocked Drain?
Learn the signs of a blocked drain, from slow drainage to bad smells. Get fast help from 24hr Drainage Reading with expert unblocking and CCTV surveys.
How to Unblock an Outside Drain
Discover how to unblock an outside drain with this easy-to-follow guide. Learn expert tips, tools required, and preventative advice from 24hrs Drainage specialists.
Are Drainage Emergencies More Likely During the Summer?
Drainage issues rise in summer due to roots, dry soil and heat. Learn how to spot the signs early and prevent blocked drains across Reading and nearby towns.
5 Signs You Need Drains Unblocking Today
Slow drains, bad smells or water backing up? Discover 5 signs your home may need urgent drain unblocking in Reading. Available 24/7 across Berkshire.
Four Common Drain Problems
Four Common Drain Problems What are the most common drainage problems faced by people living in Berkshire and nearby towns? Homeowners in Berkshire and nearby towns including Reading, Bracknell, Wokingham and Henley-on-Thames often experience drainage issues such as blocked drains, pipe leaks, slow draining sinks and strange gurgling noises. These are frequently caused by everyday household habits, ageing infrastructure, or root intrusion. Identifying the symptoms early reduces the chance of damage to property and saves money on repairs. Table of Contents Recognising and Solving Four Common Drain Problems Blocked Drains What usually causes drain blockages? Blocked drains are frequently caused by a combination of cooking grease, food particles, hair and soap buildup. In older properties around Woodley, Crowthorne and Ascot, tree roots often find their way into clay pipework, leading to obstructions that worsen over time. Signs your drain might be blocked Slow draining water in sinks, baths or showers Gurgling sounds coming from plugholes Unpleasant smells rising from plugholes Water levels in toilets fluctuating or backing up What you can do Use a plunger or enzyme-based drain cleaner for minor issues Arrange professional water jetting if household methods fail Book a CCTV drain survey to inspect and locate persistent blockages Plan routine maintenance with a drainage specialist to avoid repeat problems Internal tip: For more information about our CCTV drain surveys in Berkshire, visit our services page. Pro Tip: Use drain guards in kitchen sinks and shower trays to prevent buildup from hair, food and soap before it causes blockages. Need Help With a Blocked Drain? Our local engineers are available 24/7 to clear blockages quickly and safely. Request Immediate Assistance Leaking or Broken Pipes Why do pipes start leaking? Leaks are common in areas like Shinfield, Sonning and Lower Earley where pipe systems may be decades old. Corrosion, movement in the ground and poor pipe installation are key factors. Roots that penetrate cracked joints often make the damage worse, especially in systems made from clay or pitch fibre. Signs of leaking pipes Damp patches on floors, ceilings or external walls Persistent mould or mildew, especially in hidden spaces Higher than expected water bills How to fix leaks Schedule a professional leak detection using acoustic or tracer gas methods Replace only the damaged sections with modern, long-lasting materials like PVCu or HDPE Consider pipe relining to repair internally without excavation Helpful note: Our team also handles drain relining services across Bracknell and Reading for both minor and large-scale repairs. Gurgling and Odd Noises What causes gurgling sounds in your drains? Gurgling noises indicate trapped air or a partial blockage in the system. In homes around Winnersh or Twyford, this is often caused by poor ventilation or incorrect gradient in the waste pipes. Blocked vent pipes can prevent air from escaping, leading to pressure build-up and unusual sounds. What to watch for A bubbling noise from the toilet after flushing Water rising in nearby sinks or baths when another fixture drains What to do Have the vent stacks and pipework checked for blockages or faults Balance air flow and water pressure within the drainage system Reroute pipework where the layout contributes to airflow disruption Pro Tip: Schedule a drain inspection every 12 to 18 months, especially if your home has older clay pipes, to catch problems before they escalate. Slow Draining Water What’s behind slow drainage? In Slough, Theale and Virginia Water, many homes have drainpipes that clog due to limescale, food waste or silt buildup. Inadequate pipe gradients or poor initial design can also make drainage sluggish, especially in properties with extensions or conversions. How to spot the signs Water pools in sinks, basins or showers after use External gullies overflow during rain Toilets flush slowly or incompletely How to sort it Use non corrosive descaling treatments to break down mineral deposits Employ high flow water jetting to restore normal flow Conduct a full system inspection to identify and resolve underlying issues Book a CCTV Drain Survey Today dentify hidden problems before they cause damage. Fast service across Berkshire. Schedule a Survey Other Drainage Issues and Tips to Avoid Them Tree Roots Getting Into Drains Tree root intrusion is a regular issue in towns like Marlow, Newbury and Arborfield. Roots naturally follow moisture and can enter through even the smallest hairline cracks in older pipework. Once inside, they expand and restrict flow, sometimes leading to complete blockages. What helps: Regular mechanical root cutting to remove invasive growth Installing root barriers to prevent entry from surrounding soil Pipe lining to reinforce internal walls and protect against cracks For long term protection, visit our tree root removal service page for guidance. Collapsed or Misaligned Pipes Pipes can shift or collapse over time due to pressure from soil, vehicles or construction work nearby. Older clay pipes are especially vulnerable. This is more common in homes built over 30 years ago where maintenance may have been infrequent. What to look out for: Ongoing damp areas in the same place outside Sudden total drainage failure Strong odours from surface-level drains How to prevent damage: Book an annual inspection for ageing drainage systems Resolve early symptoms like slow flow before structural issues develop Everyday Habits That Can Help Avoid pouring cooking fats or oils down the sink. Allow them to cool and dispose of them in the bin Only flush toilet paper. Wipes, cotton wool and sanitary products often clog pipes even if labelled flushable Use drain guards to collect food and hair before it enters your pipework Book a maintenance check once a year to stay ahead of hidden problems Worried About Drain Leaks or Odours? We provide leak detection, pipe repair and drainage diagnostics you can trust. Speak to an Expert Local Help When You Need It Whether you live in Earley, Bracknell, Basingstoke or Ascot, the 24hrs Drainage team is nearby and ready to help. Our engineers understand local infrastructure and offer fast support with the latest equipment. If you hear gurgling, smell sewage or notice water backing up, we can
