Why Drainage Blockages Are Increasing – And How Glanville Environmental Can Help Homes and Businesses Stay Clear
Across the South West and Midlands, we’re seeing a steady rise in drainage issues caused by FOG — fats, oils and grease, sanitary items, root ingress, and misconnected pipework. These drain blockages are becoming increasingly common in everyday households, businesses, housing developments, and wider drainage networks.
As a market‑leading drainage and civil engineering company, Glanville Environmental supports both domestic and commercial clients with fast‑response drainage services, CCTV surveys, jetting, and repairs — helping prevent these issues before they turn into emergencies.
What's Behind the Rise in Drainage Blockages?
Most drainage emergencies don’t appear suddenly. They build up gradually inside the pipework — often long before anyone notices visible signs. Across the callouts our teams attend each year, the main causes remain consistent:
1. Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)
When hot grease or oil is washed down the sink — at home or in a commercial kitchen — it cools and hardens, sticking to the inside of the pipes. Over time, this restricts flow and traps other debris.
2. Wet Wipes & Sanitary Items
Many wipes marketed as “flushable” simply don’t break down quickly enough. They frequently snag inside pipework, building the foundation for a much larger blockage.
3. Root Ingress
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture. Even a tiny crack in a pipe can attract roots, causing major obstruction — an issue Glanville frequently identifies through CCTV drainage surveys and diagnostics.
4. Misconnected Pipework
Improper plumbing connections can cause wastewater to enter the wrong system — leading to overflow, pollution risks, or localised flooding.
Common Signs Your Drains May Be Blocked
Whether it’s a family home, a business premises, or housing estate, drainage blockages tend to show early warning signs:
- Slow‑draining sinks or showers
- Gurgling sounds
- Bad odours
- Toilets struggling to flush
- Repeated blockages in the same area
- Standing water or minor flooding
These are all issues our specialist teams handle daily through high‑pressure water jetting, cleaning, repairs, and tankering services.
The Good News: Most Blockages Are Preventable
Around 90% of the blockages we attend could have been avoided by adopting simple habits and ensuring basic maintenance.
For Households
- Allow fats and oils to cool, then dispose of them in the bin
- Wipe pans and plates before washing
- Never flush wipes, cotton pads, or sanitary items
- Use strainers to prevent food debris entering the system
For Businesses
- Maintain grease traps or interceptors regularly
- Train staff on proper disposal habits
- Schedule routine drainage cleaning
- Use CCTV surveys to detect root ingress, damage, or build‑up early (one of our most in‑demand services)
How Glanville Environmental Can Help
Glanville Environmental provides a comprehensive range of drainage and wastewater services designed to prevent, diagnose, and issues quickly and effectively. We support both domestic and commercial clients, offering:
✔ CCTV Drainage Surveys & Diagnostics
Identify FOG build-up, root ingress, structural issues, and misconnections with high‑accuracy camera systems. Essential for both household and commercial drainage networks.
✔ High‑Pressure Water Jetting & Cleansing
Removes FOG deposits, wipes, debris, and scale to restore full flow — ideal for homes, restaurants, schools, and housing estates.
✔ Drain and Sewer Repairs (Including Trenchless, No Dig Options)
From patch lining to full rehabilitation, our trenchless solutions reduce disruption and avoid the need for excavation.
Perfect for residential properties, busy commercial sites, and utility networks.
✔ Liquid Waste Tankering & Septic Tank Emptying
For properties not on mains drainage — and for businesses requiring regular scheduled waste movement.
✔ Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
Tailored programmes that significantly reduce the risk of blockages, downtime, and unexpected repair costs.
Experiencing Repeat Blockages at Home or on Your Site? We Can Help.
If you’re noticing ongoing drainage issues, it’s likely there’s an underlying cause that needs attention — whether that’s FOG build‑up, root ingress, or damaged pipework.
Glanville Environmental’s specialist teams can:
- Diagnose the problem using advanced CCTV inspections
- Clear blockages safely and effectively
- Repair or rehabilitate damaged pipework
- Put preventative measures in place to stop it happening again
- Offer full support to households, commercial kitchens, facilities managers, construction sites, and utility networks
With over 40 years of drainage expertise, we’re here to keep your systems flowing — safely, sustainably, and efficiently.