Not all drain problems are created equal.
Some are quick to fix with a jetter. Others… well, they need a shovel, camera, and a bit more time.

The big question we hear from Exeter homeowners:
“Is my drain just blocked, or is the pipe broken?”

Here’s how to tell — and what to do next.

Signs You’re Dealing With a Blockage

Blocked drains are far more common than breaks. Most of the time, we find:

• Fat, oil and food build-up

• Wet wipes and foreign objects

• Tree roots pushing in

• Sludge from soap or scale

You’re probably looking at a blockage if:

• Water is backing up in one or two fixtures

• You hear gurgling sounds after draining

• There’s a smell coming from a kitchen or bathroom

• It’s happened before in the same place

• Jetting or rodding clears it — at least for a while

In short: the waste has nowhere to go, but the pipework itself is still intact.

Signs It Might Be a Broken or Collapsed Pipe

Sometimes, though, it’s not just a blockage. You might be looking at damage underground — which can happen from ground movement, old pipe materials, or poor installation.

Warning signs of a break:

• Repeated blockages that return quickly

• Water pooling in the garden or near manholes

• Sunken ground or odd dips in paving

• Sewage smell that lingers even after clearing

• Rods or jetting equipment hit a dead stop

• Camera inspection shows cracks or full collapse

If the system keeps backing up and no amount of clearing helps, something’s structurally wrong.

How We Diagnose It

At EPM, we start with:

1. Basic access and clearing – to remove any obvious blockages

2. Water flow tests – to check how far water’s travelling

3. CCTV drain inspection – if problems persist or signs point to damage

We’ll show you exactly what’s happening, so you’re not guessing.

What If the Pipe Is Broken?

Don’t panic — but don’t delay either.
Depending on the location and severity, we may:

• Excavate and replace the damaged section

• Use no-dig patch repair (if suitable)

• Replace a full run of pipework if the system is failing throughout

We’ll give you the options, explain the pros and cons, and keep disruption as minimal as possible.

Final Word from EPM

If you’ve got a drain that’s playing up repeatedly — or smells that keep returning — it might be time to dig a little deeper (literally).
We’ll get eyes on it, fix the problem properly, and make sure you’re not just paying to unblock the same issue over and over.