How to Fix a Blocked Drain in Rayleigh Caused by Fat
Blocked Drain Caused by a Fatberg? Here’s What You Should Know
Have you discovered a messy, overflowing drain outside your home, similar to the one in the photo above? If so, you may be dealing with a fatberg, a stubborn build-up of fats, oils, grease and other debris that clogs your drains. Many homeowners in Rayleigh ask the same question: “Why is my outside drain overflowing and how can I fix it?”
What Causes a Fatberg in Drains?
Fatbergs form when cooking oils, grease, food scraps and other waste are poured down sinks. Over time, these substances harden and trap wipes, hair, and other materials, creating a solid blockage. In Rayleigh, where many homes have older clay drainage pipes, fatbergs are particularly common.
Other contributing factors include:
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Flushing wet wipes and sanitary products
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Leaves and debris entering gullies
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Soap scum and hair build-up from bathrooms
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Lack of regular drain maintenance
What Are the Signs of a Blocked Drain Outside?
If you’re searching “How do I know if my drain is blocked in Rayleigh?” here are the most common signs:
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Water pooling around outdoor drains or gullies
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Foul odours near drains or in your garden
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Overflowing water when sinks, baths or washing machines are used
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Gurgling sounds from toilets and plugholes
In the worst cases, sewage water can back up into your home, causing damage, unpleasant smells, and a serious health hazard.
Can I Clear a Fatberg Myself?
Some homeowners attempt DIY solutions, such as plungers, boiling water, or shop-bought drain cleaners. These methods may provide temporary relief but rarely remove the entire blockage. Worse, harsh chemicals can damage older pipes and push the problem further down the system.
For stubborn blockages like fatbergs, specialist equipment is needed, including high-pressure water jetting and CCTV drain surveys to check for further damage.
Why Call RM Drainage and Plumbing in Rayleigh?
If you’ve typed “drain unblocking near me Rayleigh”, RM Drainage and Plumbing is your trusted local solution. With over 20 years’ experience, we deal with everything from fatbergs to collapsed drains.
Here’s how we help:
✅ Emergency 24/7 callouts with one-hour average response time
✅ High-pressure jetting to break down and flush away fatbergs
✅ CCTV surveys to find the root cause and check pipe condition
✅ No-dig drain repairs to fix cracks and damage without excavation
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
We’ve cleared countless drains in Rayleigh and throughout Essex, restoring drains to full flow quickly and safely.
How Can You Prevent a Blocked Drain in Future?
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Dispose of cooking oils and fats in the bin, not the sink
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Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and prevent them entering pipes
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Schedule regular gully and drain cleaning to stop build-ups before they become blockages
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Book a CCTV survey if you experience repeated blockages – it could be a sign of cracked or misaligned pipes
Don’t Let Blocked Drains Cause Damage
A blocked drain isn’t just inconvenient, it can lead to costly repairs, property damage, and even health risks. If you suspect a fatberg in your Rayleigh property, contact RM Drainage and Plumbing for a fast, professional solution.
We’re available day and night to get your drains flowing freely again.