BLOCKED SEWERS

The right approach depends on where the blockage is, how the property drainage is laid out and whether the pipework appears to serve only the property or connects into a shared or public sewer system. Where the issue appears to be within private-side drainage, Drain Division can help clear and investigate the problem.

Blocked sewer work may include:

• Checking toilets, gullies, inspection chambers and accessible drainage points
• Identifying whether several fixtures are affected by the same blockage
• Clearing waste, debris, grease or silt where access allows
• Using drain jetting where high-pressure water clearance is suitable
• CCTV inspection if the blockage is recurring, severe or difficult to trace
• Advice on next steps if the issue appears to involve shared or public sewer pipework

If damaged pipework is found, Drain Division can advise on drain repairs, drain relining or further investigation where appropriate.

Is a blocked sewer the same as a blocked drain?

People often use the terms loosely, but there is a difference. A drain usually carries wastewater away from one property, while a sewer may carry wastewater from more than one property. This page focuses on sewer and drainage blockages affecting a property, not the public sewer network.

How do I know if the blockage is on my property or in the public sewer?

If only your property is affected and the issue appears to be within your boundary, it may be a private drainage problem. If neighbours are also affected, the blockage is beyond your boundary, or the pipe serves more than one property, it may be a shared or public sewer issue that the water company needs to deal with.

Who is responsible for a blocked sewer at my property?

Responsibility depends on where the blockage is and what the pipe serves. As a general rule, drains within your property boundary that serve only your property are usually your responsibility. Shared drains, lateral drains and public sewers may be the responsibility of the sewerage company.

Can Drain Division work on a public sewer?

Drain Division can help with private drainage and property-side sewer blockages, but public sewers are normally managed by the relevant water or sewerage company. If the issue appears to involve a public sewer, you may need to contact them directly.

What should I do if wastewater is backing up into the property?

Avoid flushing toilets or running more water if wastewater is backing up. If toilets, sinks, baths or showers are affected, the blockage should be treated as urgent because continued use can make the problem worse.

Why are several drains blocked at the same time?

If several drains are slow, gurgling or backing up at once, the blockage may be further along the drainage system rather than in one fixture. This can happen with private sewer blockages, blocked inspection chambers, root ingress, collapsed drains or shared drainage problems.

Will I need a CCTV drain survey for a blocked sewer?

A CCTV drain survey may be recommended if the blockage is recurring, if the cause is unclear, or if there are signs of root ingress, damaged pipework, a collapsed drain or a shared drainage issue.

Should I call the water company or a drainage company?

If the problem appears to be inside your property boundary and only affects your property, a drainage company may be the right first step. If neighbours are affected, the blockage appears to be outside your boundary, or you suspect a public sewer issue, contact the local water or sewerage company.