Plumbing 4 min read25 May 2026
A slow drain is an early warning. Dealing with it then is cheap; dealing with a full blockage and an overflow is not.
What actually blocks drains
- Cooking fat and grease solidifying in the waste run
- Wet wipes and sanitary products — the biggest cause of toilet blockages
- Hair and soap scum in bath and shower traps
- Limescale narrowing older pipework
- Root ingress or collapsed sections in external drainage
Safe DIY steps
Try a plunger with the overflow blocked off, or remove and clean the trap under the sink with a bucket underneath. Avoid strong chemical cleaners: they rarely clear a solid blockage, they damage older pipework, and they make the job hazardous for whoever opens the pipe afterwards.
When it needs equipment
Gurgling from several fittings, waste backing up into a bath, or a manhole surcharging point to a blockage in the shared or external drainage. That needs rodding, jetting or a camera survey rather than a plunger.
Need help with this?
We handle this work every week. See Plumbing Services in Glasgow or browse all our services.
Frequently asked questions
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
We do not recommend them — limited effectiveness and real risk to pipework and skin.
Who is responsible for a shared drain?
It depends on the property and whether the drain is private or public; we can advise after inspection.
Do you carry drain cameras?
Yes, for persistent or recurring blockages where the cause needs to be seen.
Related reading
Burst Pipe: The First Five Minutes Matter
Bathroom Installation: Planning It Properly
Unvented Cylinders: Better Showers, Explained