What’s Clogging Your Drains? The Most Common Causes of Blockages in South London Homes

Blocked drains are a frustrating problem for many South London homeowners. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a nasty odour, or a full-on plumbing disaster, dealing with a blockage is never fun. But what’s actually causing these problems?

Understanding the most common culprits behind drain blockages can help you prevent them before they turn into costly repairs. Let’s break down the biggest offenders and how to keep your drains clear.

Fat, Oil, and Grease Build-Up

One of the biggest causes of drain blockages is fat, oil, and grease (often called FOG). When you wash these substances down the sink, they may seem to disappear easily. However, as they cool, they harden and stick to the inside of your pipes, gradually building up until they create a stubborn blockage.

This problem is especially common in kitchen sinks, where leftover cooking oils, butter, and even salad dressings get rinsed away without a second thought.

Over time, this residue narrows your pipes and traps food particles, leading to slow drainage or complete blockages. This is when you’ll need a South London drainage expert to solve the problem.

How to prevent it

Instead of pouring oil down the drain, let it cool and dispose of it in the bin. You can also use grease traps or collect used oil in a container for proper disposal. Wiping greasy pans with a paper towel before washing can also help reduce the amount of grease going into your pipes.

Hair and Soap Scum Accumulation

Bathroom drains are particularly vulnerable to blockages caused by hair and soap scum. Hair strands easily get tangled in drainpipes, while soap scum—created by a mix of soap residue, minerals, and water—sticks to the pipe walls, creating a sticky mess that traps more debris.

Over time, this build-up reduces water flow, leading to slow drainage and, eventually, complete blockages. If you’ve ever stood in a shower with water pooling around your feet, chances are hair and soap scum are the culprits.

How to prevent it

Install drain covers in your shower and sinks to catch hair before it goes down the drain. Clean them regularly to prevent build-up. Using liquid soap instead of bar soap can also reduce soap scum accumulation.

Food Waste and Coffee Grounds

Even if you have a waste disposal unit, certain types of food waste should never go down the drain. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables like celery and potato peels are notorious for clogging pipes.

These materials don’t break down easily and can create stubborn blockages. Coffee grounds, in particular, clump together in water and form a sludge-like substance that sticks to pipe walls. Rice and pasta absorb water, swell up, and create a thick paste that slows drainage.

How to prevent it

Scrape food scraps into the bin or compost bin instead of rinsing them down the sink. If you must dispose of coffee grounds, mix them with compost or throw them in the bin instead.

Wet Wipes and Non-Flushable Items

One of the biggest misconceptions is that “flushable” wipes are actually safe for plumbing. In reality, most wipes do not break down like toilet paper and can cause severe blockages in your pipes and the wider sewer system.

Other non-flushable items, such as cotton buds, sanitary products, and nappies, can also wreak havoc on your drainage system. South London has seen a rise in “fatbergs” – massive clumps of wipes, grease, and debris clogging the sewers. These blockages cause significant plumbing issues and can even lead to environmental damage.

How to prevent it

Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Anything else should go in the bin. If you’re unsure whether something is flushable, it probably isn’t.

Signs of South London Drain Experts

Do you want to make sure that you’re hiring professionals to unblock your drains? We’ve all heard the stories of cowboys that take advantage of people and leave them with more problems than they originally had.

So, when you’re searching for drainage experts in South London, you have to proceed with caution. The internet is great for putting you in touch with different options. But, it also means that you have to be aware of the team and exactly who you’re hiring. Here are some signs you need to look out for to hire professionals.

Offer Emergency Response

Having blocked drains can be an emergency. This is particularly true when you can’t use a sink, shower or toilet. Thankfully, there are professionals that understand this dilemma and strive to help you as soon as possible.

Indeed, they offer emergency appointments, which can ensure you get the experts you need the same day. Often, this is within a few hours, which can give you peace of mind. Therefore, look at their website and see if this is something that they offer.

Happy to Give Free Quotes

Everybody wants to know how much they’re going to be paying for drainage services. Thankfully, the experts know that the price can influence your decision.

They’re happy to give you a free estimate on what their services will cost and outline exactly what you’re going to get. This is going to mean that you know what you’re paying for and there’s no obligation to go any further.

Has Great Reviews

True South London experts are going to have plenty of positive reviews from previous customers. This should outline how professional they are, giving you an insight into the experience customers have had. Indeed, when you see so many positive responses, this is going to fill you with confidence.

Read More: How to Clean Your Bathroom

Conclusion

Blocked drains are a common issue in South London, but many of the causes are preventable with the right habits and maintenance. Whether it’s avoiding grease build-up, using drain covers, or scheduling professional inspections, small changes can save you from costly repairs and major plumbing headaches.

If you’re dealing with a persistent blockage, it’s always best to call in a professional before the problem gets worse. A quick fix today could save you from a much bigger mess down the line.