Drain Unblocking
Drain Cleaning
CCTV Drain Survey
Drain Repairs
Toilet Unblocking
Trusted Local Experts for Plymouth, Plympton, Saltash & Surrounding Areas
Blocked drains are annoying. But drains that keep blocking? That’s next-level frustration.
We’ve helped hundreds of Plymouth homeowners, landlords, and businesses clear their drains—only to find that, a few months later, the problem returns.
That’s because most blockages are just symptoms of something deeper.
This blog post covers
– Why your drain might keep blocking (even after you’ve cleared it)
– What common mistakes to avoid
– How to fix the root cause—for good
– Why preventative services make a massive difference in areas like Tavistock, Efford, and Plymstock
If you’re constantly asking:
“Why do my drains keep blocking?” or “How can I stop this from happening again?”
You’re in the right place. What’s Really Causing Repeated Drain Blockages? Let’s break down the usual culprits, especially in and around Plymouth, where many homes still rely on ageing pipework or older clay systems.
This is the single most common cause of repeated kitchen drain blockages in our callouts. When cooking fats or oils are rinsed down with hot water, they cool inside the pipework and harden. Over time, this builds into a sticky, impenetrable mess that traps crumbs, soap scum, and debris.
Common in: Mannamead, Mutley, St Budeaux These areas have a mix of older homes and rental flats, where shared kitchens or dated waste systems make grease build-up more frequent. Roman and the Drainblock team respond to FOG-related issues in these zones nearly every week.
Showers, baths, and bathroom sinks often clog from the daily mix of hair and shampoo. Over time, this settles into the waste trap and pipe bends, restricting flow. Common in: Tavistock, Plympton, Estover In these suburbs, where many homes have multi-person households or rental units, hair-related clogs are a recurring complaint. We frequently advise customers here on prevention methods like drain guards and enzyme cleaners—especially after repeat visits.
Not every blockage is caused by what’s flushed—sometimes it’s how the pipes are built. Misaligned joints, subsided pipes (known as “bellies”), or crumbling clay systems from pre-1970s homes lead to recurring issues. Particularly in: Greenbank, Peverell, older terraces across Plymouth We’ve found that properties in these areas often suffer from poor drainage design due to age or DIY renovations. CCTV surveys in these zones regularly reveal long-standing pipework faults.
Tree roots are drawn to moisture—and small cracks in outdoor drainpipes are an open invitation. Once inside, they grow and clog the entire system. This issue often worsens during wetter months. Especially common in: Southway, Yelverton, Ivybridge These areas are greener and more rural, with larger gardens and mature trees. We’ve seen root intrusion in over 50% of outdoor drain jobs in these locations over the past year alone.
Too Much Toilet Paper or Non-Flushables
Even “flushable” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. When used in excess or in homes with older pipes, they cause clogs that keep returning.
Happens frequently in: Saltash, Torpoint, Devonport These areas have a higher density of shared households and rentals.
We’ve had repeated callouts where blockages were traced to flushed wipes, cotton buds, and nappies. We always recommend a simple rule here: “Only flush the 3 Ps—pee, poo, and paper.”
What Not to Do When Your Drains Keep Blocking
When people search:
“How can I fix a drain that keeps blocking?”
…they’re often tempted to do the same thing over and over. Here’s what we recommend avoiding:
– Stop pouring bleach or drain cleaner every week
– These products can corrode older pipes and only offer temporary relief – Don’t ignore gurgling or slow drainage
– It’s an early warning sign
– Never force rods if you hit resistance
– You might break the pipe or damage a joint
– Avoid DIY chemical cocktails. Mixing products can cause dangerous fumes
Signs Your Drain Issue Needs a Professional Fix
If you’ve tried home remedies, store-bought unblockers, or a plunger more than twice, and the problem returns, you’re not fixing the root issue.
Here’s when to call in help:
– Drains clear, then slow again within days
– You notice bad smells, especially in the mornings
– There’s water backing up in places it shouldn’t
– The blockage affects multiple rooms
– External drains flood during rain
At Drainblock Services, we use:
– CCTV drain cameras to inspect the system from the inside
– High-pressure water jetting to clear and clean the pipes
– Specialist root-cutting tools for invasive tree growth
– Long-term advice to keep things clear
How to Stop Drains from Blocking for Good
Ready to future-proof your home? These five tips can save you stress and money
down the line.
1. Install Strainers in Every Sink
2. Flush With Boiling Water Weekly
3. Educate the Household
4. Schedule Annual CCTV Inspections
5. Book a Preventative Jet Wash
Areas We Serve in and Around Plymouth
We provide repeated blockage solutions in:
– Plymouth (PL1–PL9)
– Plympton, Plymstock – Saltash, Torpoint – Yelverton, Tavistock, Southway – Mannamead, Efford, Estover, St Budeaux
FAQs – Your Questions, Answered
Yes. Many of our long-term customers first came to us after another firm failed to resolve a recurring issue. We’re happy to take a second look and offer a new solution.
We aim to respond to most local callouts within 1–2 hours—often much faster in central Plymouth. For Tavistock, Saltash, and surrounding towns, same-day support is always available.
Always. We’ll talk you through your issue and help you decide if it needs a callout—or if there’s something simple you can try first.
Drain Unblocking