Blocked drains are a frequent source of household headaches in Maidstone—and across the UK. From unpleasant odours to costly repairs, understanding the root causes can help homeowners avoid frustrating and disruptive incidents. Here, we present the five most common culprits behind drain blockages, supported by current UK data where available.
Check: Blocked Drains Maidstone
1. Fat, Oil & Grease (FOG)
Cooking fats, oils and grease are notorious drain offenders. In its liquid form, they may seem harmless down the sink—but once cooled, these substances solidify, clinging to pipes and forming stubborn blockages. These accumulations can contribute to ‘fatbergs’—massive obstructions that have famously disrupted London’s sewer systems.
A 2022 survey revealed that 65% of respondents admitted to pouring fat or oil down household sinks—and a worrying 11% did so after every cooked meal, while another 11% did this three times or more per day.
2. Wet Wipes and Flushable Wipes
Even wipes marketed as ‘flushable’ pose a significant risk. They don’t break down quickly in water and often contain plastics. Across the UK, around 93 % of sewer blockages are caused by wet wipes and baby wipes being flushed down the toilet, making them the single largest contributor to blockages.
3. Period Products and Sanitary Items
Period products like tampons and sanitary towels are frequently flushed despite not being designed to dissolve. Southern Water estimates that up to 4.5 million period products enter the sewer system daily—a staggering number. These items are bulky and absorbent, causing serious clogs in household and communal drains alike.
4. Food Scraps and Kitchen Waste
Even small food remnants—such as grains of rice or pasta—can swell inside pipes and cause blockages, especially when combined with other debris. Every year in the UK, around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste are generated, and even a fraction ending up down the sink can significantly disrupt drainage systems.
5. Hair and Soap Scum
Hair, when combined with soap and shower products, forms clumps that cling to drain interiors, gradually obstructing flow. This is particularly common in bathroom plugholes and can lead to slow drainage and unpleasant backups.
What the Numbers Say: UK Drainage Statistics at a Glance
| Cause | UK Statistic/Insight |
|---|---|
| FOG (Fat, Oil & Grease) | 65% admitted pouring FOG down sinks; 11% did so daily; another 11% three or more times/day |
| Wet Wipes | Responsible for 93% of sewage blockages |
| Sanitary Products | 4.5 million enter sewers daily |
| Food Scraps | UK generates 9.5 million tonnes of food waste annually |
| Resident-Caused Blockages | 83.1% of all drain blockages are due to improper use by end-users(nadc.org.uk) |
These figures emphasise that many drain issues stem from everyday habits rather than infrastructure failures.
Prevention Tips for Maidstone Homeowners
- Dispose of fats responsibly: Let cooking fats cool and dispose of them in a bin—not down the sink.
- Never flush wipes, even if labelled flushable: Use a bin for all wet wipes and similar items.
- Follow the “three Ps” rule: Only pee, poo, and toilet paper go into the loo.
- Scrape plates before cleaning: Use bins or compost for food scraps rather than washing them away.
- Install hair catchers: Prevent shower hair—and soap residue—from entering your pipes.
Blocked drains in Maidstone often have humble, preventable origins: kitchen grease, disposed wipes, sanitary items and small food or hair debris. With 83% of blockages linked to misuse, small changes in disposal habits can make a substantial difference. By following simple preventative measures and staying informed, homeowners can reduce plumbing risks, avoid inconvenience, and save on costly repairs. When blockages do occur, professional help from a reputable local drainage service can resolve issues swiftly and effectively.