Warning signs of a blocked drain
A blockage often develops gradually. Acting when the first symptoms appear can reduce the risk of wastewater overflowing into the property.
- Water draining more slowly than usual
- Toilets rising high or clearing slowly after flushing
- Gurgling from sinks, baths or shower wastes
- Unpleasant smells near fixtures, gullies or inspection chambers
- Water or wastewater appearing around an outside drain
Stop using connected fixtures if water is rising or sewage is escaping. Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas.
What can be cleared?
The appropriate method depends on where the restriction is and what is causing it. Drain unblocking may be suitable for:
- Toilets obstructed by excess paper or unsuitable items
- Kitchen waste pipes affected by fat, oil or food residue
- Bath and shower wastes holding hair and soap deposits
- Outside gullies containing leaves, silt or debris
- Underground drains obstructed by grease, scale or roots
- Inspection chambers that are full because the outlet is blocked
A blockage affecting several properties may be within a shared drain or public sewer. The engineer can explain when the water company should be contacted.
How drain clearance works
The engineer begins by checking the affected fixtures and available access points.
- The symptoms and recent drainage history are discussed.
- The likely location of the blockage is assessed.
- A suitable clearance method and price are explained.
- Mechanical equipment or water jetting is used with your approval.
- Flow is tested once the obstruction has been removed.
The engineer will explain any limitations, particularly where access is restricted or the pipe appears damaged.
When might a CCTV survey be needed?
A camera inspection is not required for every blocked drain. It may be useful when a blockage returns, the pipe cannot be cleared normally, or there are signs of a structural defect.
A CCTV drain survey can help identify roots, displaced joints, fractures, collapsed sections and persistent deposits. If the camera cannot pass through standing waste or a solid obstruction, the drain may need to be cleared first.
What should you avoid doing?
Avoid repeatedly flushing a blocked toilet or running more water into a system that is already backing up.
- Do not enter an inspection chamber or handle sewage directly
- Do not mix drain-cleaning chemicals
- Do not force unsuitable rods around bends
- Do not continue using connected appliances when water is rising
Tell the engineer about any chemicals or tools already used so the drain can be approached safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What methods are used to unblock drains?
The method depends on the pipe, access and likely obstruction. An engineer may use mechanical equipment, high-pressure water jetting or a combination of methods.
Will a blocked drain need a CCTV survey?
Not always. A camera inspection may be useful if the blockage returns, normal clearance is unsuccessful or the pipe appears to be damaged.
Will the drain need to be excavated?
Most ordinary blockages can be approached through an existing fixture, gully or inspection chamber. Excavation is considered only when the pipe is damaged, inaccessible or cannot be dealt with by a suitable no-dig method.
What should I do if sewage is overflowing?
Stop using connected toilets, taps and appliances. Keep people and animals away from wastewater, avoid direct contact and call for advice.
Who pays for a blocked shared drain?
Responsibility depends on the pipe route and the properties it serves. Yorkshire Water generally deals with public sewers and many shared drains, while a private drain serving one property is usually the responsibility of the owner.