Blocked Drain in Derby? Why Waiting Could Cost You More Than You Think
You know the signs:
🚽 Gurgling toilet
🚿 Slow drainage
👃 Odd smells coming from the sink
🌧️ Water pooling around your drains after rain
These issues might seem minor… annoying, yes, but manageable. So, many people in Derby, Burton, and across the Midlands choose to leave it “for another day.”
But here’s the truth: ignoring blocked drains can be one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make.
In this post, we’ll show you why early diagnosis saves time, money, and stress and how a CCTV drain survey can help you take control of the problem before it spirals.
Why Do Drains Get Blocked?
Blocked drains are one of the most common property issues in Derbyshire and one of the easiest to overlook.
Common causes include:
Fat, grease, or oil buildup (especially in kitchen sinks)
Wet wipes and hygiene products flushed down the toilet
Tree roots cracking into underground pipes
Poor pipework or collapsed sections in older homes
Debris left behind by past builders or tenants
Over time, even a small obstruction can develop into a full pipe collapse. Causing backups, leaks, or even damage to the structure of your property.
Hidden Costs: Why Waiting Makes Things Worse
Let’s break down the real risks of ignoring a blocked drain:
💸 1. Repairs Become Much More Expensive
A simple blockage that could have been cleared early might cost £80–£120.
But wait too long, and the blockage could cause a cracked or collapsed pipe, leading to:
Emergency excavation
Garden or driveway reinstatement
Drain replacement
Possible internal water damage
Suddenly, you're looking at bills of £2,000–£5,000 or more and days or even weeks of disruption.
🏠 2. It Can Devalue or Stall the Sale of Your Property
Selling your home in Derby or Burton? A blocked or damaged drain will raise red flags on a buyer’s survey and can:
Delay your sale
Give buyers room to negotiate a lower price
Lead to the sale falling through entirely
A CCTV drain survey gives you the proof you need to fix issues or reassure buyers. In fact, many local estate agents recommend a drain survey before listing.
🐀 3. It Could Invite Rodents or Pests
Rats and other rodents use drainage systems to move between properties. A blocked or broken pipe offers the perfect entry point.
Once inside, they can damage wiring, chew insulation, and pose a serious hygiene risk.
We’ve helped homeowners across Derbyshire trace persistent rat problems back to hidden drain defects.
💧 4. Damp and Mould from Overflowing Pipes
When water can’t drain properly, it backs up. Sometimes this causes slow leaks under floors, behind walls, or outside near foundations.
Left unresolved, these leaks lead to:
Damp patches on walls
Persistent mould
Structural wood rot
Health risks, especially for children or those with asthma
A Real Example From Derby
A landlord in Allestree called us about a slow kitchen sink in one of their rental flats. A basic blockage, right?
Our CCTV drain survey revealed a collapsed section of pipe under the shared courtyard caused by root ingress. The early signs had been ignored for 9+ months.
Had they acted sooner, a £180 repair could have solved it. Instead, it became a £2,700 excavation job plus tenant complaints, temporary re-housing, and lost income.
How a CCTV Drain Survey Can Help
A CCTV drain survey is a simple, no-dig diagnostic tool that shows you exactly what’s happening underground.
✅ HD video footage from inside your pipes
✅ Clear identification of blockages, cracks, or root damage
✅ A written report and repair recommendations
✅ Fast turnaround usually within 24–48 hours
We can also trace pipe routes, check shared connections, and provide proof for landlords, homebuyers, or insurers.
Most surveys are completed within 1 hour. No disruption, no mess.
Who Should Get a Drain Survey?
📍 Homeowners noticing strange smells, gurgling, or slow drainage
📍 Landlords with ongoing issues in rental properties
📍 Buyers or sellers needing evidence before a transaction
📍 Builders or renovators planning work near drains
If you’re unsure whether you need one, just ask us. We’re always happy to give advice, even if you don’t book.
Why Derbyshire Clients Trust Us
With over 20 years in drainage and construction, we’ve seen it all and we know how to fix it quickly and affordably.
🛠️ Local, family-run business based in Derby
🚚 Fast callouts across Burton, Hilton, Mickleover, and the wider Midlands
📹 Advanced CCTV drain camera systems
📑 Clear reports with no jargon
👍 Trusted by estate agents, landlords, and homeowners alike
What Happens After the Survey?
We’ll talk you through the results, explain the next steps (if any), and offer support if repair or proofing work is needed.
In many cases, no urgent repair is required and you get peace of mind that your drains are in good shape.
But if there’s a problem, at least you’ll catch it early, before it becomes a financial drain.
Don’t Wait for a Flood or an Infestation
What starts as a small delay can turn into a massive mess, financially and literally.
If something doesn’t feel right with your drains, it’s better to check now than wait until it’s too late.
📍 We serve Derby, Hilton, Burton, Mickleover, Allestree, and all surrounding towns in the East Midlands.
👉 Book your full CCTV drain survey today and stop the problem before it starts.
🔍 Click here to book your CCTV drain survey or learn more about our full drain diagnostics, unblocking support, and ongoing rodent investigations.
