What to do about a blocked drain

Blocked pipes and drains can cause sewer flooding in and around your home.  It’s important you get it cleared as soon as possible.

Found a blocked drain or sewer in, or on, your property? 

If it’s a private drain, you'll need to unblock it, but fortunately, there's easy ways to do this.

Unblocking liquids are available in supermarkets, and a good, regular clean of your sink, toilet, shower and bath can help keep build-up at bay.

You can also hire a plumber or a drainage company to investigate it for you.

What if the blockage is in a public sewer?

Please let us know about it by calling 0345 717 1100 so we can get it fixed as soon as possible. We aim to arrive at blocked sewers within four hours.

What causes blocked pipes and drains?

The biggest cause of blockages are wet wipes that are flushed down the toilet. They contain plastic and don’t break down like toilet roll.

Also, cooking oils and fats poured down the sink sticks and hardens to the inside the pipes. The more you pour down the plughole, the more it builds up. 

How to prevent blocked pipes and drains

Here are some simple things you can do to stop blocked pipes and drains:

• Only flush toilet paper, pee and poo and down the toilet. Bin everything else. 

• Use a bin in your bathroom for all types of wet wipes, sanitary products, nappies, cotton buds. The only wipes that can safely be flushed are wipes that have Fine 2 Flush on the packaging. 

• Allow oil and fats to cool. Scrape oils them from your pots, pans, and plates into the bin before you wash them.