Drain & blockage troubleshooting guides
Troubleshoot slow drains, bad smells, gurgling pipes and outside gully overflows.
Common problems
Sink gurgling when draining: what it can mean
Advice Hub / Drains & Blockages Sink gurgling when draining: what it can mean Check time: 10–15 minutes • Difficulty: Easy checks • Safety: Low risk Quick answer A gurgling sound while a sink drains is usually about airflow in the drainage system — often linked to a partial blockage further down the pipe restricting…
Outside drain overflowing after heavy rain: surface water vs foul drainage
Advice Hub / Drains & Blockages Outside drain overflowing after heavy rain: surface water vs foul drainage Check time: 10–15 minutes • Difficulty: Easy checks • Safety: Low risk Quick answer If an outside drain or gully only overflows during or after heavy rain, this points more towards a surface water drainage issue — rainwater…
Gurgling drain and bad smells: trap, venting, or blockage?
Advice Hub / Drains & Blockages Gurgling drain and bad smells: trap, venting, or blockage? Check time: 10–15 minutes • Difficulty: Easy checks • Safety: Low risk Quick answer Gurgling sounds and bad smells from a drain are often linked to the trap — the curved section of pipe that normally holds water to block…
Outside drain blocked or overflowing gully: safe first steps
Advice Hub / Drains & Blockages Outside drain blocked or overflowing gully: safe first steps Check time: 10–15 minutes • Difficulty: Easy checks • Safety: Low risk Quick answer An overflowing outside gully or blocked drain should be treated with caution, as the water may be contaminated. Work out whether it’s affecting just one part…
Sink draining slowly: quick causes and safe steps
Advice Hub / Drains & Blockages Sink draining slowly: quick causes and safe steps Check time: 10–15 minutes • Difficulty: Easy checks • Safety: Low risk Quick answer A slow-draining sink is usually caused by a partial blockage in the trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink) or the pipework just beyond it. If only…