A simple blockage is usually a maintenance problem, but home insurance may help if an insured drain is accidentally damaged or if a covered event causes damage inside the house.

What causes most household blockages?

• Wipes and sanitary products.
• Cooking fat and grease.
• Leaves and debris in gullies.
• Roots entering a cracked drain.

When a blockage keeps coming back

• If the same drain keeps blocking.
• If several fittings drain slowly at the same time.
• If a CCTV survey shows cracks, displaced joints or root entry.

Check the underground-services section

Check whether underground pipes and drains are included and whether they must be your responsibility. Shared sewers can be treated differently.