What Should I Do If My Drains Are Blocked?

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a blocked drain, especially when it appears out of the blue. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a foul smell wafting through the house, or water pooling where it shouldn’t, blocked drains can disrupt your day and potentially damage your property if left unchecked.

At JSL Drainage, we’ve seen it all. With decades of experience as a trusted drainage company in Glasgow, we’ve helped homeowners, landlords, and businesses deal with everything from minor blockages to full drain excavations. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about identifying, preventing, and resolving blocked drains, and when to call in the pros.

What Is the Biggest Cause of Blocked Drains?

The most common cause of blocked drains in both homes and commercial buildings is the build-up of grease, fat, and oil, particularly in kitchen drains. When you pour hot grease or cooking oil down the sink, it might seem harmless at first. But as it cools in the pipes, it solidifies and traps food scraps, dirt, and other debris. Over time, this creates a stubborn blockage that can cause significant disruption.

Another major contributor is hair, especially in bathroom sinks, showers, and baths. Hair easily binds with soap scum and other sticky substances, forming clumps that cling to the sides of pipes. The result is a slow drain and eventually a complete blockage.

In some cases, the problem is more structural. Older properties in areas like the West End of Glasgow or North Glasgow often suffer from cracked or collapsed pipes underground. These issues are frequently caused by tree root intrusion, ground movement, or age-related wear and tear. If you’re experiencing recurring drainage problems, there’s a good chance the root cause could be a broken drain pipe that Glasgow homeowners frequently face in traditional properties.

These everyday behaviours are the top cause of blocked drains. And while occasional slow drainage might seem like a small problem, it’s often the warning sign of a larger blockage or even a hidden pipe break. Regular maintenance from a local drainage company or a recommended drainage company can help prevent these issues from escalating.

Is a Blocked Drain Classed as an Emergency?

In many cases, yes. While not every blockage will require emergency services, certain symptoms should never be ignored. For example, if wastewater is backing up into your home, it’s a serious health hazard that demands immediate attention. Similarly, if more than one drain is blocked at the same time, this could indicate a problem in the main sewer line rather than an isolated fixture.

A persistent foul smell coming from your drains or water pooling in your garden could also signal a significant issue. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to get in touch with a drainage company near you, especially one that handles emergency call-outs for blocked drains in Glasgow.

Our team at JSL Drainage provides fast response times across the city. Whether you’re based in North Glasgow, the West End, or further afield, we’re equipped to handle emergencies with the right tools and experience.

How Often Should You Unblock Your Drains?

Ideally, you shouldn’t be unblocking drains very often, certainly not more than once or twice a year. If you are, it’s likely a sign of an underlying issue that needs professional attention.

We recommend a preventative approach. Have your drains professionally inspected and cleaned every 6 to 12 months, depending on the size and use of the property. This is particularly important for older homes or buildings with high foot traffic.

Regular maintenance from a local drainage company like JSL Drainage can catch problems early, before they lead to bigger and more costly repairs. If you’re experiencing slow drainage, bad smells, or repeated clogs, it’s time to talk to a recommended drainage company in Glasgow.

What Is Drain Excavation and When Is It Needed?

Drain excavation is the process of digging down to access and repair underground drainage pipes. Excavation becomes necessary when a pipe collapses, suffers severe cracks, or lies beyond the reach of non-invasive tools.

This is a common requirement for properties with longstanding drainage problems, where issues like soil movement or tree root damage have compromised the structure of the pipes. JSL Drainage’s expert drain excavation team in Glasgow works efficiently to minimise disruption and complete the job quickly and safely.

If your drains are constantly backing up, or if you’ve had multiple emergency call-outs in recent months, a full excavation might be the only way to solve the problem long-term. A drainage repair services provider in Glasgow like JSL Drainage can walk you through the process and ensure everything is handled to local council standards.

When Should I Call a Professional Drainage Company?

Some blockages are simple to resolve with a plunger or basic drain cleaner, especially when the issue is localised. But if these DIY efforts don’t work, or if the problem keeps coming back, you need to call in the professionals.

At JSL Drainage, we specialise in drain repairs in Glasgow residents can rely on. Our expert team uses high-pressure water jetting, CCTV inspections, and root cutting equipment to diagnose and resolve even the most stubborn blockages. If necessary, we can carry out full drain excavations to access buried or damaged pipes.

How Do I Find a Drainage Company I Can Trust?

We operate throughout Glasgow, including North Glasgow, the West End, and surrounding areas. If you’re searching for a drainage contractor in Glasgow trusts for reliability and transparency, we’ve got you covered.

We know how important it is to find the right people for the job. A reliable drainage company near me isn’t just about availability—it’s about trust, experience, and transparency. When looking for a drainage specialist, consider the following:

• Do they offer CCTV drain inspections?
• Are they fully insured and qualified?
• Do they offer emergency services?
• Have they worked in your local area before?
  

As a recommended drainage company, we at JSL Drainage pride ourselves on open communication and fair pricing. Whether you need help with unblocking blocked drains Glasgow wide, or you’re facing a serious issue requiring excavation, we’ll explain your options clearly and never recommend work you don’t need.

We’ve worked on countless broken drain pipe Glasgow jobs, performed thorough drain excavation in Glasgow, and supported homeowners with all kinds of drainage repairs in Glasgow that are safe and compliant.

Don’t Wait—Get Your Drains Flowing Again

Blocked drains are more than just a mild annoyance, they can indicate serious underlying issues that affect the health, safety, and structure of your property. Whether it’s a build-up of grease and hair, an old cracked pipe, or something more complex, acting quickly is key.

At JSL Drainage, we provide expert solutions for blocked drainage in Glasgow that residents can count on. From simple unblocking to full-scale drain excavation, our team is here to help you identify, fix, and prevent drainage problems with long-lasting solutions.

If you’re currently facing a blocked drain in Glasgow locals often encounter or suspect a broken drain pipe, don’t delay. Call your local drainage company today. We’re proud to be one of the most trusted names in drainage repair services Glasgow has to offer.

Ready for a Professional Opinion?

Let JSL Drainage get to the bottom of your blocked drain issue. Whether you’re in the West End, North Glasgow, or beyond, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote and let’s get your drains flowing smoothly again.