Your Drain Is Talking—Here’s How to Listen (Before It Floods)

Benjamin Parkinson
Oct 29
3 min read

Updated: Nov 2

It’s Saturday in Devon. Kettle on, roast in the oven, and then—glug… glug… The sink takes a breath like it’s about to sneeze. A faint smell drifts up. You pretend it didn’t happen. By Sunday, the shower’s slow. By Monday, the kitchen gully outside has a suspicious puddle around it.

Good news: your drain has been warning you for days. Better news: most problems are easier (and cheaper) when you catch them early.

At Flux Sewer Ltd, we help homeowners across Devon & Cornwall keep drains healthy with simple checks, smart cleaning, and—when needed—trenchless repairs that avoid digging up your garden or driveway. Here’s your quick guide to reading the signs and what to do next.

5 Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Gurgling after you drain the sink or bath. That “glugging” is trapped air in the line—often a sign of partial blockage or poor venting.
Slow sinks and showers If it’s one fixture, it’s likely close by (hair, soap, fats). If it’s multiple fixtures, the issue could be deeper in the system.
Smells around the kitchen or outside gully Persistent odours often mean stagnant wastewater. Check external gullies after rain or heavy use.
Puddles or lush patches near the drain run Wet ground, especially in dry spells, can point to leaks or displaced joints.
Frequent blockages Clearing the same drain every few weeks? That’s not normal wear and tear—it’s a pattern worth fixing properly.

Quick (Safe) Checks You Can Do in 10 Minutes

Boiling‑hot water for kitchen sinks (carefully!) can dissolve light grease films.
Plunger time: Use a cup plunger (flat bottom) for sinks and a flange plunger for toilets. Create a firm seal and use steady pushes.
Outside gully look‑over: If it’s safe, lift the gully grate (not a manhole cover) and remove leaves/food scraps. Replace the grate securely.
Stop the fatberg at the source: Wipe greasy pans with kitchen roll before washing. Coffee grounds and wipes go in the bin, not the pipe.
Run a “flush test”: Fill the sink halfway, pull the plug, and watch. Vigorous swirling = healthy; reluctant dribble = not so healthy.

Safety first: Never enter a manhole or confined space. Don’t mix chemicals. If you suspect a main sewer issue or smell gas, stop and call a professional.

What Not to Do (Please!)

Skip harsh chemical cocktails. They can damage older pipes, create fumes, and rarely fix deeper problems.
Don’t ignore repeat warnings. Three slow‑downs in a month? That’s your cue to act.
Don’t pressure‑wash blindly. DIY jetting without a camera can compact debris or push it further down the line.

How We Fix Drains Without Digging (Most of the Time)

When a drain keeps misbehaving, we take a smart, step‑by‑step approach:

CCTV survey – We send a small camera through your line to find the exact cause: fat build‑up, roots, cracks, displaced joints—whatever’s really going on.
Targeted cleaning – We clear the line with the right method for the job (think precision, not brute force) so everything flows freely again.
Trenchless repair – If the pipe is damaged, we can reline it from the inside using advanced LED light‑cured lining (Bluelight). That creates a smooth, joint‑free “pipe within a pipe” and usually avoids digging up your lawn, patio, or driveway.
Proof & peace of mind – You get a before/after video and clear advice to keep things running.

Why Local Matters in Devon & Cornwall

Coastal winds and autumn leaf‑fall can clog gullies quickly. Many period homes have quirky drain layouts and older pipe materials that need a gentle, informed touch. We work across Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay, Newton Abbot, Tiverton, Barnstaple, Bideford, Truro, Falmouth, Newquay, St Austell, Penzance, Launceston, Saltash, Tavistock—and everywhere in between—so we’ve seen just about every drain drama there is.

When to Call a Pro (and What It’ll Likely Save You)

Multiple fixtures are slow or backing up
Outside gullies keep pooling, even after you’ve cleared leaves
Repeating blockages every few weeks
Persistent smells you can’t trace

A timely CCTV survey and clean can prevent: flooded kitchens, cracked patios from repeated digging, and those dreaded weekend emergencies.

Ready for a Quick, No‑Nonsense Assessment?

Flux Sewer LtdEmail: info@fluxsewer.comPhone: 01752 986074Area: Devon & Cornwall We’ll book a convenient CCTV survey, show you exactly what’s going on, and give you a fixed, clear price before any repair.