Blocked Drains in Kensington

Drainage in Kensington

A blocked drain in Kensington usually has an ordinary cause. Fat and grease go down the sink, and wipes go down the toilet. Roots find their way in through joints, while cracked joints catch debris. Slow draining, gurgling and smells are the early signs. Heavy rain then adds pressure to a drain that is already struggling, so problems often appear during a storm.

Basement drainage in Kensington and Chelsea

Basements are the local issue that matters most here. The Royal Borough's basement policy, Policy CL7, says basements are more likely to flood than conventional extensions. The flooding can come from surface water or sewage. The policy requires new basements to have protection from sewer flooding through a suitable pumped device.

The council's reasoning is that sewers often fill to just below manhole level. A gravity connection from a basement then becomes a new low point. The council adds that a non-return valve alone is not acceptable.

A borough-wide Article 4 direction came into force in April 2016. It means basement development of a dwellinghouse needs planning permission. These are rules for new basements, but they show how seriously the council takes the risk. If you already live in a basement flat, our guide to basement flat drain backup in heavy rain explains what to do before the next downpour.

The council's response to Ofwat describes the wider cause. The borough has suffered flooding events, and rainwater gets into a sewer system that is close to capacity. The system is then overwhelmed, and it discharges sewage into basements and lower ground floors.

The council names the lack of sewer capacity in the Counters Creek area as its main concern. If your basement fixtures back up when it rains, that is the pattern to look for. Checking your postcode on GOV.UK's long term flood risk service is a sensible first step.

Who is responsible for the pipes?

Thames Water became responsible for private sewers and lateral drains from 1 October 2011. However, homeowners remain responsible for the pipes between their property and that section, plus internal plumbing. In converted houses, one run often serves several flats. It helps to know exactly where a fault sits. A CCTV drain survey shows the layout and condition of the run, from the basement to the connection.

What we do about a blocked drain

We usually start with rodding or jetting to clear the obstruction. Our engineers handle drain unblocking in Kensington from the nearest access point. For urgent problems, such as water backing up into a flat, see emergency drain services in Kensington.

High-pressure cleaning then removes fat and debris from the pipe walls, which helps stop the blockage coming back. If it keeps returning, a CCTV survey shows whether roots, a cracked pipe or displaced joints are to blame. We do this before we recommend any repair.

Blocked drains in Kensington: what we usually find

We clear blocked drains in Kensington, covering W8, SW7, W11 and nearby parts of the Royal Borough. Our engineers deal with blocked sinks, toilets and outside drains in terraced and period houses and converted flats. That includes basement and lower-ground flats. We also tackle drains that back up when heavy rain puts the system under pressure.

• Basement and lower-ground fixtures that back up in heavy rain, when the combined sewer is overwhelmed
• Fat and grease in kitchen sink pipes, which narrow the drain until it blocks
• Wipes and other items flushed down toilets, which catch in the pipe
• Roots entering through joints in older clay drains, especially near street trees
• Displaced or cracked joints that catch debris and cause repeat blockages

We start at the nearest inspection chamber to find the blockage. Rodding clears most obstructions, while high-pressure jetting then cleans the pipe walls. We match the pressure to the age and condition of the pipe. If we cannot find the blockage, or it keeps returning, a CCTV survey shows the cause before we suggest a repair.

If a Kensington drain blocks more often in wet weather, tell us when you request a quote online. Say whether it serves a basement. Thames Water has been responsible for private sewers and lateral drains since 1 October 2011, yet you remain responsible for the pipes between your property and that section. It helps to know where the problem sits before you arrange repairs.