Why Your Drains Keep Blocking and How to Fix It

Why your drains keep blocking and how to fix it properly. Learn the real causes including roots, damage and build-up, and why CCTV inspections are key.

If you’ve had a blocked drain cleared, only for the problem to come back again, you’re not alone. One of the most common issues we see across West Sussex is drains that keep blocking, even after they’ve been unblocked.

This usually means there’s an underlying problem that hasn’t been properly identified. Simply clearing the blockage might fix things temporarily, but it won’t stop it from happening again.

The Problem – Drains That Keep Blocking

Blocked drains that keep returning are often a sign that something more serious is going on inside the pipework.

You might notice:

Water draining slowly
Bad smells coming back
Gurgling sounds
Repeated blockages in the same area

These are all signs that the issue hasn’t been fully resolved.

Common Causes of Recurring Drain Problems

Here are a few key reasons why drains keep blocking:

Build-Up Inside the Pipes

Over time, grease, debris and waste can build up along the inside of the pipe, gradually reducing flow.

Tree Roots in Drains

Tree roots are a very common cause of recurring blockages. They find their way into small cracks and expand inside the pipe, catching debris and restricting flow.

Damaged or Collapsed Pipework

Cracks, fractures or collapsed sections can prevent waste from flowing properly, leading to repeated issues.

Why Unblocking Isn’t Always Enough

blocked drain manhole overflow drainage problem

Unblocking a drain removes the immediate problem, but it doesn’t explain why it happened in the first place.

This is why many customers find themselves calling out for the same issue again weeks or months later.

Without identifying the root cause, the blockage is likely to return.

The Proper Way to Fix It – CCTV Drain Inspection

cctv drain inspection camera vivax vcam system

To properly fix recurring drainage problems, you need to see what’s happening inside the pipework. This is where a CCTV drain inspection comes in.

Using specialist equipment like the Vivax vCamMX-2 camera system, we can inspect the inside of your drains in real time and identify exactly what’s causing the issue.

This allows us to pinpoint:

Root ingress
Cracks or damage
Heavy internal build-up
Misaligned or collapsed sections

Locating the Problem Accurately

As well as inspecting the drain internally, we also use equipment such as the vLoc3-Cam Sonde Locator to trace the exact position of the issue from above ground.

This means we can:

Identify the precise location of the fault
Avoid unnecessary digging
Provide a clear plan for repair if needed

Real Examples From Local Jobs

drain access chamber open inspection work

These types of issues are something we regularly deal with across Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Worthing.

In many cases, what initially looks like a simple blockage turns out to be something more complex underneath the surface.

By using CCTV inspections and proper diagnosis, we’re able to provide a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.

How to Fix Drain Problems Properly

Fixing a recurring drainage issue properly usually involves:

Clearing the immediate blockage
Carrying out a CCTV drain inspection
Identifying the root cause
Recommending the correct solution

This might involve further cleaning, root removal, repairs or in some cases more extensive work depending on the condition of the pipework.

How to Prevent Drains From Blocking Again

Once the root cause has been identified and fixed, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of future problems.

Avoid putting grease, oils or food waste down sinks
Be careful what is flushed, especially wipes and sanitary products
Keep an eye on outside drains and remove debris regularly
Consider periodic checks or cleaning if your property has had issues before

For properties that have experienced recurring problems, occasional inspections or maintenance can help catch issues early before they develop into something more serious.