Blocked Sewers Southampton

When sewage backs up at a Southampton property, the most important question is where the blockage is, because that decides who is responsible. Clear Drainage helps trace main drain blockages, clears private drains and tells you when it is a matter for Southern Water.

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Problems we often see in Southampton

When customers in and around Southampton contact us about blocked sewers, these are some of the most common issues:

Shared rear drain runs in terraces backing up into the lowest house
Main drain blockages from wipes and fat in multi-occupancy buildings
Root ingress in older sewer connections
Uncertainty over whether a blockage is private or public

What usually causes them

Wipes, fat and sanitary products accumulating in the main drain
Root ingress in older sewer connections
Collapsed or displaced pipes
A blockage in the public sewer

Blocked Sewers across Southampton

In Southampton, Southern Water is responsible for public sewers and, since 2011, for most drains shared between properties and lateral drains beyond property boundaries. The drain serving only your home, within your boundary, is usually your responsibility.

In the city’s terraced streets, it is common for drains from several houses to join in a shared run at the rear of the properties before reaching the sewer. When that shared run blocks, the house at the lowest point often suffers first. We check the chambers to work out whether the blockage is on your private drain, in the shared section or further along.

If the blockage is on your private drain, we can clear it. If it appears to be in a shared drain or public sewer, we will explain how to report it to Southern Water.

What Clear Drainage does

Help with blocked main drains, sewer connections and sewage backing up, including working out who is responsible for the blockage.

Help identifying whether a blockage is private or the water company’s responsibility.
Private main drains and connections cleared.
Advice on reporting a public sewer blockage.
Recurring main drain problems investigated with CCTV where appropriate.

When to call us

Get in touch if you notice any of the following at your Southampton property:

Sewage backing up through a ground-floor toilet or shower
The last inspection chamber before the boundary full of water
Neighbours experiencing the same problem at the same time
Sewage smells outside the property

What to expect

How a blocked sewers job in Southampton usually works, from your first call to the drain running freely.

Trace the blockage

Inspection chambers are checked to find out which section is blocked and who is likely to be responsible.
Clear private sections

Where the blockage is in a private drain, it is cleared with rods or high-pressure jetting.
Advise on public sewers

If the blockage appears to be in the public sewer, we explain how to report it to the water company.
Recommend next steps

If the drain has blocked before, we can discuss a CCTV survey to find the cause.

Areas we cover in and around Southampton

Southampton is the centre of our service area. We cover Southampton as part of our service area around Southampton.

Areas covered

Nearby towns we cover

Related services in Southampton

Emergency Drain Unblocking Southampton

Urgent help when a blocked drain is overflowing, sewage is backing up or a property can no longer use its toilets and sinks.

Drain Unblocking Southampton

Clearing blocked drains, gullies and waste pipes at homes and businesses, then explaining what caused the blockage so it is less likely to come back.

Blocked Drains Southampton

Help with blocked outside drains, gullies, inspection chambers and underground drain runs: found, cleared and explained.

CCTV Drain Surveys Southampton

Camera inspections that show the condition of a drain from the inside, so recurring problems and damage can be diagnosed accurately.

Blocked Sewers Southampton: FAQs

How do I report a blocked sewer in Southampton?

Public sewer blockages in Southampton are reported to Southern Water. If we find the blockage is in their pipe, we will tell you so you can report it.

Will I have to pay if the blockage is in the public sewer?

Clearing a public sewer is the water company’s responsibility. If you are not sure where the blockage is, ask us about the cost of checking before you book.

Why is sewage coming up in my house but not my neighbour’s?

Your property may sit lower, or the blockage may be on your private section of drain before it joins theirs. Checking the chambers will show where it is.

Need help with blocked sewers in Southampton?

Call Clear Drainage or send us a few details about the problem. We will explain what is likely to be involved before any work starts.