Water is behind many of the most expensive problems a home can have: blocked drains, hidden leaks, damp walls and, in the worst cases, subsidence. This guide explains how water gets into, around and out of your home, what you are responsible for, and when a problem needs a professional rather than a plunger.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Blocked drain: DIY fixes and when to call an engineer What you can safely clear yourself, and the signs of something bigger.
Understanding home drainage systems How waste and surface water leave your home, and how to prevent blockages.
Types of damp in UK homes How to tell rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation apart.
Your home has two water systems. One brings clean water in, through the mains supply, stopcock, pipes and taps. The other takes waste and rainwater away, through waste pipes, gullies, inspection chambers and drains. Knowing where your stopcock and inspection chambers are can save a lot of damage when something goes wrong.
In England and Wales, you are generally responsible for drains that serve only your property and sit within its boundary. Drains shared with neighbours, and those beyond your boundary, have mostly been the water company's responsibility since 2011. Before you pay for a drain repair, it is worth checking whose drain it is.
Plumbing problems rarely happen at a convenient time. Knowing what fair prices look like, and having someone lined up before you need them, makes an emergency less stressful and less expensive.
Damp is one of the most misdiagnosed problems in UK homes. Rising damp, penetrating damp from leaks or failed gutters, and condensation each need a different fix, so getting the cause right matters before you pay for treatment. An independent survey is often worth it before you agree to an expensive damp-proofing quote.
Condensation is covered in our insulation and energy guide, because the fix is usually ventilation and heating rather than plumbing.
Subsidence is when the ground under a home moves and takes the foundations with it. Leaking drains, nearby trees and clay soils are among the common causes, which is one more reason to deal with drain problems early. Not every crack means subsidence, but some patterns need checking quickly.
Home+ keeps a record of every repair and who did it, stores your plumbing and drainage paperwork, and helps you find a vetted local plumber when something goes wrong.
Create your free Home+ account to keep your repair history in one place and find a vetted local plumber when you need one.