Can a blocked drain affect washing machines and appliances?
When most people think about a blocked drain, they picture a toilet that won’t flush or a sink that refuses to empty. But one of the places a drainage problem
shows itself is actually inside your home — through your washing machine, dishwasher, or kitchen sink waste pipe.
Why appliances are affected
Your appliances rely on the drainage system to carry away used water. If the drains are narrowed by fat, soap residue, food waste, scale, or general build‑up — the appliance struggles to empty. The water has to go somewhere, and that’s when you start to notice things aren’t quite right.
What this looks like in real life
When the drain is restricted, the machine pumps water out — but the pipe can’t take it. So you may notice:
• Water sitting in the drum or sink
• Gurgling noises when the machine empties
• Dirty water backing up into the sink
• A stale smell coming from the plughole
• In some cases, water leaking onto the floor
How the problem develops
The inside of the pipe gradually gets narrower as residue, fats, oils, or coffee grounds collect. Your appliance keeps working harder to push water through until eventually it can’t.
Early warning signs to look for
• The sink fills up when the washing machine runs
• Gurgling sounds in the plughole
• Smells coming from the kitchen sink
• Water left in the bottom of the machine
These are early signs — easy to fix now. If left, they can become a full blockage.
First checks inside the house
Try these quick steps:
1. Run hot water down the sink after wash loads.
2. Clean the dishwasher or washing machine filter.
3. Avoid pouring oil or fat down the sink.
4. Rinse dishwasher filters weekly.
When to call a professional
If the problem keeps coming back, the blockage is likely further outside — in the gully or the main drainage run.
At ASL, we typically:
1. Clear the blockage properly with high‑pressure jetting
2. Clean the pipe walls, not just poke through it
3. Use a CCTV camera to inspect the drain afterwards
4. Explain what caused the problem — and how to stop it returning
Why this matters
A simple drainage issue, caught early, can prevent:
• Flooding under kitchen units
• Damage to flooring
• Damp and mould problems
• Costly appliance replacements
In most cases, it’s not the appliance at fault — it’s the drain it relies on.
Need help?
If you’re noticing any of the signs above, we can help.
Call ASL Limited — we’ll clear the blockage, check the system properly, and help prevent it happening again.
