An overflowing drain or sewage coming up through a toilet or shower is unpleasant and worrying. Acting sensibly in the first few minutes limits the mess and keeps everyone safe.
Step 1: Stop using water
Every flush, tap, shower or appliance adds water to a drain that cannot take it. Stop using all water in the property, and ask everyone else in the house to do the same. Turn off washing machines and dishwashers mid-cycle if necessary.
Step 2: Keep people and pets away
Sewage contains bacteria and viruses. Keep children and pets away from any overflow, indoors or outside. Do not walk through it and then into the house.
Step 3: Do not lift heavy covers or use chemicals
Manhole and inspection chamber covers can be very heavy and cause injuries. Chemical drain cleaners will not clear a full blockage and make the water more hazardous for anyone who needs to work on it.
Step 4: Work out if it is just you
Check whether neighbours are affected. If sewage is coming up in several properties, the blockage may be in a shared drain or public sewer.
- Only your property affected: the blockage is likely to be in your private drain.
- Several properties affected, or the chamber at your boundary is full: the blockage may be the water company’s responsibility. In Southampton and most of South Hampshire, that is Southern Water.
If you are not sure, a drainage company can check the chambers and tell you. See blocked sewers for more on responsibility.
Step 5: Get help
Call a drainage company and explain:
- which fittings are affected;
- whether sewage has entered the house;
- whether neighbours are affected;
- your postcode.
That helps them understand how urgent it is. We cover Southampton and the surrounding area. See emergency drain unblocking in Southampton.
If sewage has come into the house
- Keep the area ventilated and closed off.
- Wear rubber gloves and wash hands thoroughly after any contact.
- Do not use household vacuum cleaners on sewage.
- Photograph the damage for insurance purposes.
- Contact your home insurer, as many policies cover damage caused by escaping water or sewage.
Heavily contaminated carpets, flooring and soft furnishings usually need professional cleaning or replacement.
If a drain overflows in heavy rain
Gullies and surface water drains can overflow in heavy rain, particularly if they are partly blocked with leaves or silt. This is different from a foul drain backing up, but it is still worth getting the drain checked if it happens regularly. See why outside drains keep blocking.
After the drain is cleared
Ask what caused the blockage. If it was wipes or fat, changing habits will help. If it was roots or a damaged pipe, it will probably happen again unless the cause is dealt with. A CCTV drain survey can confirm this.
Need help now? Contact Clear Drainage.