Why Your Blocked Drain Won’t Clear

Why Your Blocked Drain Won’t Clear – And What You Can Do About It

If you’ve been battling with a blocked drain that just won’t budge, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common plumbing problems we’re called out to deal with – and often, people have already tried everything from plungers to pouring drain cleaner down the sink.

But some blockages need more than a DIY fix. In this post, we’ll explore the main reasons your blocked drain might not be clearing, what warning signs to look out for, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Common Reasons Your Drain Is Still Blocked

1. The Blockage Is Deeper Than You Think

While surface blockages caused by hair, grease or soap scum can often be cleared with household tools, some blockages occur further down the system – well beyond the reach of a plunger or drain snake. These deeper issues often require specialist equipment like high-pressure jetting or CCTV drain surveys to locate and remove.

2. There’s a Solid Obstruction in the Pipe

Over time, items like wet wipes, sanitary products, fat, food waste and even tree roots can form a solid mass in the pipe. Once this happens, the blockage hardens and becomes much harder to shift without professional help. Chemical drain cleaners are often ineffective – and can sometimes make the problem worse by sitting on top of the blockage and corroding your pipes.

3. You Have a Collapsed or Damaged Pipe

Sometimes the problem isn’t a blockage at all – it’s the pipe itself. Older or poorly installed drainage systems can collapse or crack, allowing soil and debris to enter and obstruct the flow. A damaged pipe won’t clear with conventional methods, and needs to be diagnosed with a drain inspection camera before repairs can be planned.

4. Recurring Blockages from Poor Drainage Design

If you find yourself constantly dealing with slow-draining sinks or toilets, it could be that your drainage system wasn’t designed or installed properly. Poor pipe gradients, sharp bends, or narrow pipes can all make it easier for blockages to form. These systems often need reworking to prevent further problems.

Warning Signs That Your Drain Needs Professional Attention

If any of the following apply, it’s time to stop the DIY and call in the experts:

• Gurgling sounds from plugholes or toilets
• Persistent bad smells coming from your drains
• Multiple slow-draining fixtures (e.g. sink and shower)
• Water backing up into sinks, baths or toilets
• Repeated blockages in the same area

These are all signs that something more serious is going on below the surface.

How CDNW Can Help

At CDNW, we specialise in diagnosing and resolving all types of drain blockages – from simple sink clogs to full system overhauls. Our services include:

• Drain unblocking using rods, jetting, or mechanical equipment
• CCTV drain surveys to locate and inspect hidden problems
• Drain repairs and relining for cracked or collapsed pipes
• Preventative maintenance to stop issues before they start

With local engineers across the North West and 24/7 callout availability, we’re ready to tackle your drainage problems quickly and efficiently.

What You Can Do Right Now

While you’re waiting for help, here are a few things you shouldn’t do:

• Don’t pour more chemicals down the drain – it could damage your pipes.
• Don’t keep plunging aggressively – it could make a bad blockage worse.
• Don’t ignore signs of slow drainage – the longer you wait, the bigger the problem can become.

Instead, turn off the water supply to that area if possible and give us a call. The sooner we can get eyes on the problem, the easier (and cheaper) it usually is to fix.

Need Help Clearing a Stubborn Blockage?

Don’t let a blocked drain disrupt your day – or risk turning a small issue into a costly repair.

📞 Call CDNW now on 07393 576 591
📧 Or request a call back

We’re here to help 24/7 – fast, friendly, and fully qualified.