Drain Unblocking
Drain Cleaning
CCTV Drain Survey
Drain Repairs
Toilet Unblocking
Most homeowners don’t think about their drains until there’s a smell, a backup, or water starts pooling where it shouldn’t. The truth is, your drains are always working — quietly and constantly.
But just like any part of your home, they need regular maintenance to stay in good shape. This guide covers everything you need to know: what causes drainage issues, how to spot them early, what happens if you ignore them, and what professional maintenance actually involves. If you’re in Plymouth, Devon, or Cornwall, this one’s for you.
What Causes Drains to Need Maintenance?
Over time, your drainage system naturally accumulates debris. Think of everything that goes down your sinks, toilets, baths, and gutters. Bits of food, cooking oil, soap, hair, wipes, leaves, and even small objects all find their way into the pipes.
Drainage problems usually build up slowly. By the time symptoms show, there’s often a bigger issue hidden beneath the surface — like a clog, a crack, or tree root invasion.
That’s why regular checks and maintenance are so important. Clogged drains aren’t just inconvenient; they can become health hazards if left unattended. Bacteria thrive in stagnant water, and the longer you ignore a slow or blocked drain, the greater the chance it will impact your plumbing system — and your
home life.
10 Signs Your Drains Might Be Crying for Help
What Happens If You Ignore Drain Issues?
Ignoring the signs won’t make them go away. In fact, most drain problems worsen the longer they’re left. Minor blockages can turn into full backups. Leaks can damage your foundation. And undiagnosed collapses can cost thousands to repair.
In many cases, homeowners end up facing:
• Flooded bathrooms or kitchens
• Structural repairs
• Emergency callouts
• Pest infestations
• Bad smells that won’t go away
Delaying maintenance doesn’t just put your property at risk. It often leads to more
intrusive work that could’ve been avoided — not to mention higher repair bills. What starts as a simple inspection could save you a major plumbing disaster down the line.
What Professional Drain Maintenance Includes
When you call in experts like Drainblock Services, here’s what a typical drain
maintenance visit includes:
01
CCTV Drain Inspection
We feed a small camera into your drains and get a live view of what’s happening inside.
This helps us spot cracks, clogs, and any underlying issues without needing to dig.
02
High-Pressure Jetting
We use a jet of water to blast away stubborn blockages and clean out your pipes. It’s fast, effective, and safe for your drainage system.
03
Root Removal and Repairs
If we find roots, cracks, or broken pipework, we can advise on the best repair — whether that’s patch lining, full relining, or a small excavation.
04
Preventative Advice
Once everything’s flowing again, we’ll give you tips to help keep your system in good shape, tailored to your home and plumbing.
Drain maintenance isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s also about future-proofing your system and avoiding nasty surprises later.
Why Preventative Drain Maintenance Saves You Money
Many homeowners wait until there’s a problem before calling in the professionals. But regular drain maintenance isn’t just about prevention — it’s about saving money in the long run.
Think of it like a health check for your home’s plumbing. By catching issues early, you can avoid:
• Emergency callout fees
• Water damage restoration
• Mold remediation costs
• Structural repairs
• Expensive replacements of collapsed pipes
Professional maintenance costs a fraction of what you’d spend dealing with burst pipes, persistent water ingress, or foundation subsidence. A CCTV drain inspection alone can catch damage that may have gone unnoticed for years. And once that problem is located, most modern repairs can be done with minimal disruption — often without digging up your garden or driveway.
Another often overlooked benefit is protecting your property value. Homes with poorly maintained drainage systems often show signs of deterioration that turn off buyers.
A home inspection report highlighting standing water, slow drains, or damp can derail a sale — or force you to accept a lower offer.
Whether you’re planning to stay long-term or thinking of selling, having clean, healthy drains sends a message: this home has been well looked after.
Bonus Tip: Build Healthy Drain Habits
Frequently Asked Questions About Drain Maintenance
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
We recommend at least once a year, especially for older homes or properties with large gardens or lots of trees nearby.
Is it bad to use chemical drain cleaners regularly?
Yes. While they can give a quick fix, overuse of chemical cleaners can damage your pipes and harm the environment.
Can tree roots really break drains?
Definitely. Roots are a common cause of blocked or collapsed pipes, especially in older clay drainage systems.
What’s the difference between a blockage and a collapse?
A blockage is usually caused by a build-up of waste, while a collapse means the pipe itself has broken, shifted, or deteriorated.
What if I only notice issues when it rains?
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm damaged or blocked drains, making hidden problems
more visible. It’s still a good reason to get them checked.
Book Your Drain Maintenance Inspection
If your drains are giving you warning signs, don’t wait for an emergency. At Drainblock Services, we offer expert drain maintenance, CCTV inspections, and high-pressure jetting across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall.
Call us: 07523693362
Email: mail@drainblockservices.com
Visit: www.drainblockservices.com
Drain Unblocking