Drainage

Drainage: blocked drains and repairs

A blocked drain rarely fixes itself. Slow sinks, gurgling pipes and bad smells are often early warnings of a build-up or damage further down the line. Left alone, they can lead to overflows, damp and costly repairs.

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What we can help with

Drainage: the jobs we take on

We can help you find where the problem is and whether you need a simple clear-out or a repair.

Blocked sinks, basins, baths and showers
Blocked toilets and soil pipes
Outside drains, gullies and manholes
Recurring blockages and slow drainage
Damaged, cracked or displaced drain pipes
Downpipes and surface water drainage
Investigating smells from drains
Advice on private and shared drainage

Know what to look for

Signs of a drainage problem

Slow-draining sinks and baths

If water takes longer than usual to clear, there may be a partial blockage forming.

Gurgling noises

Bubbling when the toilet is flushed or a basin empties can indicate trapped air or a restriction in the drain.

Smells around the property

Persistent smells near drains or inside the home can mean a dry trap, a leak or a build-up in the system.

Water backing up or pooling

Overflowing gullies, standing water in the garden or damp patches by a wall may mean a blocked or damaged pipe.

Practical guidance

Good to know about drains

Who is responsible?: Responsibility is shared between property owners and the water company. Many shared drains outside the property boundary are now the water company's responsibility. Check with your provider before paying for work on a shared pipe.
Prevention: Avoid pouring fat or grease down sinks, and only flush toilet paper. Wipes marketed as flushable can still cause blockages.
Cause as well as symptom: A one-off clear-out works for a one-off blockage. If it keeps coming back, the cause may be damage, a displaced joint or tree roots, so it is worth investigating.
Insurance: Some home insurance and drainage cover policies include drain repair. Check your policy before booking.

How it works

How a drainage enquiry works

Tell us what is happening
Which fixtures are affected, any smells or overflows and when it started. Mention whether neighbours have the same problem.
Locate the problem
The blockage or damage is located so the correct fix is chosen.
Clear or repair
Drains are cleared or repaired and, where useful, you are advised how to prevent a repeat.
Check and report
Flow is checked and you are told what was found and whether any follow-up is recommended.

Quick enquiry

Request a drainage quote

A few details are enough to get started. Tell us what is wrong and where. A call is not a booking.

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Prefer to talk? 01737 947226
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RYAN GROUPMaintenance & Construction

Repair or small job enquiry

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What do you need help with?

When do you need us?

Tell us what is happening

What is wrong, where, and how long has it been going on? For gas smells, call 0800 111 999 instead of using this form.

Photos: you can send them by replying to our acknowledgement email once you have sent this form.

We use these details only to reply to your enquiry. Ryan Group Maintenance & Construction Ltd will email you; nothing is booked and no payment is taken through this form. See our privacy notice.

Questions

Drainage: frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for a blocked drain?

Generally, you are responsible for pipes within your property boundary that serve only your home. Shared pipes and those beyond the boundary are often the water company's. If in doubt, ask your water provider.

Why does my drain keep blocking?

Repeat blockages often have an underlying cause such as grease build-up, damaged or misaligned pipework, roots or a design problem. It is worth investigating rather than repeatedly clearing the same drain.

Can I use drain cleaning chemicals?

They can help with minor sink blockages, but strong chemicals can damage some pipes and are rarely effective on deeper problems. Always follow the label and never mix products.

Do you handle commercial drainage?

Commercial enquiries are welcome. Please describe the premises, the problem and any access constraints.