Problem diagnosis
Drain problems and symptoms
Start with what you can see, hear and smell. These guides help distinguish a local fixture blockage from a shared-line or structural problem before you choose a product.
Blocked fixtures
Choose the actual sink, toilet, shower, bath, floor drain or outside drain that is affected.
Blocked kitchen sink
Blocked kitchen sink: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideBlocked bathroom sink
Blocked bathroom sink: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideBlocked toilet
Blocked toilet: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideSlow-draining shower
Slow-draining shower: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideBlocked bath
Blocked bath: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideBlocked outside drain
Blocked outside drain: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideBlocked floor drain
Blocked floor drain: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideWarning patterns
Use the wider symptom when the problem is not confined to one outlet.
Multiple drains blocked
Multiple drains blocked: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideRecurring drain blockage
Recurring drain blockage: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideGurgling drains
Gurgling drains: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideDrain smell
Drain smell: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideWater backing up from a drain
Water backing up from a drain: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideOutside drain overflowing
Outside drain overflowing: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideToilet water rising
Toilet water rising: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideSink not draining
Sink not draining: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideWho is responsible for a blocked drain or sewer in the UK?
Who is responsible for a blocked drain or sewer in the UK?: likely causes, safe first checks, suitable product types and the signs that mean professional help is needed.
Read guideSafety comes before clearance
Never mix drain cleaners, work in chemical-filled standing water or continue using water when sewage is backing up.