What counts as a drainage emergency?

Sewage or wastewater backing up into your property, flooding from drains, or complete loss of drainage that cannot wait for a routine appointment are all emergencies. If in doubt, call and we can advise.

How quickly can an engineer attend?

We aim to respond to emergency callouts as quickly as possible, often within one to two hours depending on location and availability. Call our 24/7 number to log the job and get an estimated arrival time.

Will my insurance cover emergency drain work?

Many home insurance policies cover sudden drainage failures; gradual damage may be excluded. We can provide documentation and reports to support your claim. Check your policy or speak to your insurer for details.

What To Do In A Drainage Emergency

Introduction

A drainage emergency—such as sewage backing up, flooding, or a burst or overflowing drain—can be alarming and pose a health risk. Acting quickly and in the right order can limit damage and get the problem under control. This guide outlines what to do in a drainage emergency and how to get professional help fast. Our emergency drainage team is available 24/7 for urgent callouts across the UK, including London, Richmond, and Slough.

Step 1: Stay Safe

Avoid contact with sewage or floodwater, as it can contain harmful bacteria. Keep children and pets away from the affected area. If water is near electrical fittings, do not touch them; turn off power at the consumer unit if it is safe to do so. If the problem is inside the property, try to isolate the source (e.g. stop using the affected toilet or sink) to prevent more water entering the system.

Step 2: Call for Professional Help

Drainage emergencies need professional emergency drainage support. Call a drainage company that offers 24/7 callouts so that an engineer can attend as soon as possible. We will assess the situation, contain the immediate problem (e.g. clear a blockage or pump out water), and advise on next steps. Do not try to clear serious blockages or sewage yourself; the right equipment and expertise are needed to do it safely and effectively.

Step 3: Document the Situation

If it is safe to do so, take photos or videos of the problem for insurance or warranty claims. Note the time the issue started and what you have done. This can help with insurance or warranty claims and give the engineer useful information when they arrive.

Step 4: Follow-Up Survey and Repair

Once the emergency is contained, a CCTV drain survey will identify the cause—whether it is a blockage, collapse, root ingress, or something else. From there we can recommend and quote for the right repair or replacement so the problem does not recur. Many emergency callouts are followed by a survey and a planned repair.

When to Treat It as an Emergency

Treat it as an emergency if sewage or wastewater is backing up into your property, if there is flooding inside or outside, or if you have no working toilet or drainage and cannot wait for a normal appointment. Our 24/7 emergency team is on hand to respond quickly and get your drainage back under control, then arrange any follow-up survey and repair you need.