Why Blocked Drains Spike in Winter — And What to Do About It

Every winter, drain clearance companies across England report a sharp increase in emergency call-outs. According to Water UK, the industry body representing water companies, blockages surge by up to 50% during the coldest months. But why does winter hit drains so hard?

1. Frozen pipes and ground movement

When temperatures drop below freezing, water in exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze and expand, cracking joints and creating partial blockages. Even where pipes don't freeze completely, the cold ground contracts and shifts, putting pressure on underground drainage that can dislodge connections.

The Met Office advises homeowners to lag exposed pipes before winter arrives and to know where your stopcock is in case of emergency.

2. Christmas and New Year cooking

The festive season means a dramatic increase in cooking — roast dinners, fry-ups, and holiday baking produce vast quantities of fat, oil, and grease (FOG). When poured down the sink, FOG cools and solidifies inside pipes, creating stubborn blockages that often don't become apparent until January.

Thames Water reports that they deal with around 75,000 blockages a year, with a significant spike in January and February directly linked to festive cooking. Their advice is simple: let fat cool in a container and bin it, never pour it down the drain.

3. Autumn leaves and debris

Leaves that fall in autumn accumulate in gutters, gullies, and external drains. By winter, they've broken down into a sludgy mass that blocks water flow. Add heavy winter rain and the drainage system gets overwhelmed, leading to surface flooding and backed-up drains.

4. Increased indoor water usage

We spend more time indoors during winter, which means more showers, baths, laundry, and dishwasher cycles. This puts extra demand on drains that may already have partial blockages building up.

How to protect your home

• Never pour fat or oil down the sink. Let it cool and dispose of it in the bin.
• Clear gutters and external drains of leaves before winter arrives.
• Use drain guards in sinks and showers to catch hair and food scraps.
• Lag exposed pipes with insulation to prevent freezing.
• Run hot water down kitchen drains after washing up to help clear grease.

When to call a professional

If water is draining slowly, you hear gurgling from plug holes, or you notice foul smells, don't wait — these are early signs of a blockage that will only get worse. A professional drain clearance typically costs between £100 and £250 and most companies offer same-day service.

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