With more homeowners attempting DIY repairs, Regional Director Sam Wilson of Drain Doctor North Scotland is sharing advice on some of the common mistakes to avoid when tackling blocked drains.
A blocked drain feels like the kind of problem you can quickly sort out yourself,” says Sam. “Hardware shops sell the tools, supermarkets sell the chemicals, and plenty of online guides make it look straightforward.
For some blockages, it genuinely is, but there are a few things worth knowing before you reach for the drain rod if you want to keep your home safe and avoid a much bigger bill.”
Sam says it is not unusual to be called out to jobs where someone has already tried to fix the problem themselves.
“Most weeks we attend issues where a homeowner or maintenance person has had a go,” he explains. “Sometimes it works, but it doesn’t always deal with the underlying issue, whether that is structural or something that will come back days or weeks later.”
When using drain rods
Consumer drain rods screw together clockwise, and that detail matters once they are underground. Twisting them anticlockwise, which is a natural instinct when pulling them back, can cause the sections to unscrew and detach inside the drain.
“If rods come apart a couple of metres down, especially under something like a concrete driveway, the only solution can be excavation,” says Sam. “That’s when a simple job becomes a complex one.”
Rodding can also simply relocate the problem rather than solve it.
“If you push a blockage rather than break it up, all you have done is move it further down the line,” Sam says.
“It might seem like the drain is clear because the water starts flowing again, but the blockage is still there, just sitting somewhere else in the system. That can mean it comes back worse, or it ends up jammed somewhere harder to reach.”
He also advises starting without attachments.
“Plunger heads and pigtails can easily snag on bends or damaged pipework when you cannot see what you are doing,” he adds. “It is safer to try without them first.”
If you are considering chemical drain cleaners
Chemical cleaners can be effective in the right situation, particularly for greasebased blockages, but they come with risks.
“Some products on the high street can contain extremely strong acids,” Sam explains. “Used incorrectly, or mixed with other chemicals, they can cause serious burns.”
Repeated or improper use can also damage pipework over time, softening PVC, corroding metal fittings, and weakening seals or joints, potentially creating a much bigger problem than the original blockage.
The most common, and costly, mistake
The biggest issue Sam sees is misuse of drain rods.
“People either get them stuck or they come apart in the drain,” he says. “We can sometimes retrieve them with specialist equipment, but not always.”
In worstcase scenarios, excavation is the only option, particularly if the drain is deep or runs beneath structures such as driveways or patios.
When DIY makes things worse
In some cases, attempting a fix can cause significant damage.
“We attended a job where someone had been trying to clear a blockage from a manhole using rods,” Sam recalls. “The blockage was actually above ground, and they ended up smashing a clay bend at the base of the soil pipe.”
The result was extensive damage, requiring excavation, and for several days, wastewater had been discharging directly into the ground beneath the property.
Before you do anything, check whether your drain is shared
Many homeowners do not realise that a drain running through their garden may serve neighbouring properties.
“If neighbours are experiencing the same issue, the blockage could be in a shared drain,” says Sam. “In that case, the local water authority may be responsible and could resolve it at no cost.”
The same applies to planned work, such as connecting new pipework.
“If you connect into a drain that belongs to the water authority without approval, or damage it, you could be held fully responsible for the repair costs,” he adds.
Jobs that should never be DIY
Some drainage work is firmly outside the scope of DIY.
Entering manholes, chambers or sewers is particularly dangerous. These confined spaces can contain toxic gases, low oxygen levels and the risk of sudden flooding.
“Without specialist training, gas monitoring equipment and a rescue plan, it is extremely dangerous,” Sam warns.
Excavation also carries hidden risks if underground services have not been located first, including gas mains, electricity cables, water pipes and telecoms lines.
The most effective step is prevention
Preventative maintenance remains the simplest way to avoid problems.
“We have seen years of small habits lead to major blockages,” says Sam. “Things like wipes, cotton buds, fats, oils and grease all build up over time.”
Allowing grease to cool and disposing of it separately, rather than washing it down the sink, can make a significant difference. Outside, clearing leaves and debris from gully covers, particularly in autumn, helps prevent seasonal blockages.
When to call a professional
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A small issue rarely stays small.
“If something does not seem right, get it checked,” Sam advises. “Do not ignore it and hope it goes away, it usually does not.”
Most drainage specialists can provide an initial assessment, helping to identify whether the problem is minor or something more serious before it escalates.
