How Facilities Managers Can Prevent Drain Blockages Before They Happen

Drain blockages are more than just an inconvenience — for Facilities Managers in London, they can cause business disruption, tenant complaints, reputational damage, and in some cases, serious health and safety risks. By the time a blockage has already occurred, the costs of reactive call-outs, potential flooding, and clean-up can spiral quickly.

The good news? With the right preventative measures, Facilities Managers can dramatically reduce the risk of blockages before they happen.

The first step in prevention is awareness. The majority of commercial drain blockages stem from:

• Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in kitchens, which solidify in pipes.
• Foreign objects such as wipes, sanitary products, or packaging materials.
• Tree root intrusion in older external drainage systems.
• Scale build-up from hard water, especially common in London.
• Structural defects in ageing pipes, which catch debris more easily.

By educating staff, tenants, or contractors about these common causes, you eliminate a large proportion of preventable blockages.

Facilities Managers should view CCTV drain inspections as routine maintenance, not just an emergency tool. These surveys:

• Identify early warning signs like small cracks, displaced joints, or developing fatbergs.
• Provide video evidence to landlords and stakeholders, making budget approval easier.
• Help plan proactive repairs before they escalate into major disruptions.

For high-traffic sites (hotels, hospitals, retail), annual surveys should be non-negotiable.

Where commercial kitchens or food courts exist, grease traps are essential. They:

• Capture FOG before it enters the drainage system.
• Are legally required in many commercial kitchens.
• Protect Facilities Managers from costly emergency call-outs and potential fines.

Pairing grease traps with staff training (on correct disposal of oils) multiplies effectiveness.

Reactive call-outs are always more expensive than planned maintenance. Facilities Managers should:

• Flush through systems periodically to prevent build-up.
• Use enzyme-based drain treatments (eco-friendly, effective for fat breakdown).
• Keep a log of all works, so repeat issues can be tracked across sites.

A clear paper trail also helps with insurance claims in the event of water damage.

The most effective preventative strategy is building a relationship with a reliable commercial plumbing partner. This ensures:

• Rapid emergency response when issues do occur.
• Proactive reporting on drainage risks.
• Cost predictability through planned maintenance contracts.

Instead of waiting for the next blockage, Facilities Managers gain peace of mind knowing drainage risks are continuously managed.

We work with FM teams across London. You and your team can call us or WhatsApp us on 0800 046 1000 for free expert advice. You can also reach us via email: [email protected]

Preventing drain blockages isn’t just about saving money — it’s about safeguarding business continuity, tenant satisfaction, and compliance. By combining staff education, scheduled CCTV surveys, grease management, and professional support, Facilities Managers can stay ahead of problems before they become costly emergencies.

Searching ‘Plumber Near Me?’ Plumber London or Commercial Plumber London? We operate all across London! If you need a trusted plumber in London then get in touch with us today on 0800 046 1000 or email us on [email protected]

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