Whatsapp Instagram Youtube Facebook Tiktok
CALL NOW: 023 8251 5737
portsmouth drains24 logo

Drainage Problems in HMOs & Converted Flats in Portsmouth

Victorian-era terrace houses in Portsmouth representing common drainage problems in converted HMOs and flats. Text overlay reads "Blocked Drains Portsmouth"

Table of Contents

Converting large homes into flats or HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) is increasingly popular across Portsmouth—but they come with hidden drainage risks. If you’re managing or living in one of these properties, you’ve likely experienced slow drainage, unpleasant smells, or even complete blockages.

In this post, we break down the common causes, warning signs, and professional solutions for blocked drains in Portsmouth—especially in older properties now used as student accommodation, shared rentals, or multi-flat buildings.

🛠️ Why Converted Homes Are Prone to Drainage Issues

1. Original Pipes, New Demands

Many of Portsmouth’s Victorian and Edwardian properties were built for single-family use. When converted into 2–6 flats or more, the original pipework is often not upgraded to handle the extra load.

  • 💧 More bathrooms, kitchens, and washing machines
  • 🧻 Higher water usage, more solid waste
  • ❌ Inadequate flow gradients and insufficient venting

This overload leads to frequent blockages, backflow, and foul odours.

2. Shared Drainage Systems

In many converted buildings, flats still feed into a shared lateral drain before connecting to the main sewer. This means:

  • One resident flushing wipes can block drains for all
  • Grease poured down one kitchen affects neighbours
  • No one takes clear responsibility for maintenance

This lack of ownership creates recurring drainage issues and tension between tenants or landlords.

🚽 Common Causes of Blocked Drains in HMOs

At Portsmouth Drains24, we regularly attend callouts in Southsea, Fratton, and Eastney where student housing or multi-tenant flats are experiencing persistent blockages.

Here’s what we commonly find:

🧻 Wet Wipes & Sanitary Products

Often flushed instead of binned—these don’t break down and easily clog small-bore pipes.

🍳 Grease & Cooking Oil

Shared kitchens mean less accountability. Grease solidifies inside pipes, forming blockages just inches from sinks or even down the line.

🧺 Overloaded Appliances

Two washing machines and dishwashers using a single drain line? Overflow and soap scum buildup are inevitable.

🌳 Root Ingress

Older clay drains are especially prone to root intrusion, worsening pressure points already under strain from higher usage.

🔍 Signs You Might Need Drain Unblocking in Portsmouth

If you manage or live in a converted flat or HMO in Portsmouth, look out for:

  • Gurgling sounds from sinks or toilets
  • Slow-draining water in showers or basins
  • Foul smells in communal hallways or basements
  • Overflowing inspection chambers
  • Recurring need for plunging or chemical drainers

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to call the professionals.

✅ How Drains24 Solves HMO Drainage Problems

At Portsmouth Drains24, we offer fast, local solutions tailored to converted properties and HMOs:

🔹 CCTV Drain Surveys

We use high-definition cameras to inspect shared drain lines without digging. Identify collapsed pipes, root ingress, and misuse patterns fast.

🔹 High-Pressure Jetting

Blasts through years of built-up fat, wipes, and debris in seconds. Non-invasive and perfect for shared drains.

🔹 Preventative Maintenance Contracts

Ideal for landlords or letting agents—schedule quarterly cleanings to reduce emergency callouts.

🔹 Grease Management Advice

We help install and maintain grease traps or issue tenant-friendly notices to reduce improper disposal.

📍 Local Experience in Portsmouth’s Most Affected Areas

We’ve helped dozens of landlords and residents in:

  • Southsea: Large Victorian homes turned into student HMOs
  • Fratton & Milton: Busy family flats and rentals
  • North End & Cosham: Older council conversions
  • Eastney: Beachside homes with salt-air corrosion risks

We know Portsmouth’s drain systems and property layouts—so we don’t waste time guessing.

📞 Need Drain Unblocking in Portsmouth?

Don’t wait for an emergency. Whether you’re a property owner, landlord, or tenant, Portsmouth Drains24 offers reliable and fast-response service with:

  • ✅ No call-out fees
  • ✅ Emergency and scheduled visits
  • ✅ Affordable CCTV inspections
  • ✅ Advice tailored for multi-tenant buildings

📞 Call 07511 181 177 or request a callback through our website.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

  • 24 hour drainage portsmouth blocked drain portsmouth Blocked Drains blocked drains Guildford Blocked Drains Portsmouth building over manholes CCTV Drain Inspection CCTV Drain Survey CCTV drain survey Portsmouth CCTV Drain Surveys CIPP Lining CIPP lining Portsmouth Clogged Drains Commercial Drainage commercial drainage in portsmouth commercial drainage Portsmouth commercial drain problems Cosham Cosham drainage Customer Service Drainage Experts Drainage Services drainage services portsmouth Drainage Solutions Drainage Systems Drain Blockages Drain Cleaning Drain Cleaning Portsmouth Drain Clearance drain clearance in portsmouth Drain Clearance Portsmouth Drain Descaling drain experts drain inspection portsmouth Drain Inspections Drain Installation Drain Jetting drain jetting portsmouth Drain Maintenance Drain Relining Drain Repairs Drain Repair Services Drain Repairs Portsmouth Drains24 Portsmouth drain survey portsmouth Drain Unblocking drain unblocking Guildford Drain Unblocking Portsmouth emergency drainage emergency drainage service Emergency Drain Repairs emergency drain service emergency drain service fratton Emergency Drain Services Emergency Drain Solutions emergency drain unblocking Emergency Services Environmental Protection Flood Prevention Grease Trap Cleaning high pressure jetting fratton hilsea drainage homebuyer drain survey portsmouth Home Improvement Home Maintenance Local Business Local Drainage Experts Local Plumbing Local Plumbing Services manhole maintenance portsmouth manhole regulations UK manhole repairs No-Dig Drain Repair no call-out fee drainage Pitch Fibre Drainage Plumbing Plumbing Services Plumbing Solutions Portsmouth Portsmouth business drainage portsmouth drainage survey Portsmouth Drains Portsmouth Drains24 Professional Service Property Maintenance Residential Drainage root damage drains root intrusion portsmouth Root Removal shopping centre drainage Soakaway Inspection Soakaway Installation Soakaway Problems Fratton summer drain issues Sustainable Drainage Tree Root Intrusion tree root removal trenchless pipe repair Wastewater Management Water Management