Blocked Drain in Chertsey
A homeowner in Chertsey reported that their kitchen sink was draining very slowly and there was a gurgling sound from the waste pipe whenever the washing machine discharged. The pr...
Response time
1.5 hours
Time on site
2 hours
Cost range
£150
Warranty
12 months
The Problem
A homeowner in Chertsey reported that their kitchen sink was draining very slowly and there was a gurgling sound from the waste pipe whenever the washing machine discharged. The problem had been building for two weeks and had now reached the point where water was backing up into the sink.
The property was a terraced house with the kitchen waste running approximately 6 metres to an external gully. The homeowner had tried chemical drain cleaner but it had not resolved the issue.
The Diagnosis
We removed the U-bend under the sink and inspected with drain rods from the external gully. The blockage was located approximately 4 metres along the waste run — a thick build-up of fat, grease and food debris had narrowed the pipe to about 25% of its diameter.
The pipe was a standard 40mm PVC waste pipe. The gurgling sound was caused by air being forced through the restricted pipe when the washing machine pump ran. Chemical cleaners had failed because the blockage was a solid mass of grease and fat, not a loose obstruction.
The Repair
We used professional drain rods to break up and clear the fat build-up from the external gully end. Once the main blockage was cleared, we ran a high-pressure hose through the pipe to flush out remaining residue and ensure the full diameter was clear.
The U-bend was cleaned and refitted, and the sink was tested with a full basin of water to confirm free-flowing drainage. We also inspected the external gully and removed accumulated debris.
Rodded from external gully to break up fat build-up
High-pressure flushed the full waste run
Cleaned U-bend and tested full drainage
Outcome & Advice to the Homeowner
The kitchen sink was draining freely again and the gurgling sound was completely eliminated. The homeowner was advised to avoid pouring fats and oils down the sink in future, and to use a sink strainer to catch food waste.
We recommended periodic hot water flushing — pouring a kettle of water down the drain weekly — to help prevent fat from accumulating in the waste pipe between professional visits.
Job Summary
More Case Studies & Services
Request Your Free Quote
Describe your plumbing issue and we'll get back to you with a free, no-obligation quote — usually within hours.