Emergency Drain Unblocking

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

Call 023 8112 3123 Request a quote

About emergency drain unblocking

Some blockages can wait a day or two. Others cannot. When sewage is coming up through a toilet or shower, an outside drain is overflowing across a garden, or a business cannot use its facilities, the priority is to stop the problem getting worse and get the drain flowing again as soon as possible.

Clear Drainage is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you contact us about an urgent blockage, tell us it is an emergency and describe what is happening. That helps us understand how serious it is and what is likely to be needed when we arrive. Attendance times depend on your location and existing jobs, so we will always be honest about when we can get to you.

The work itself follows the same careful approach as any drain unblocking job: find the blockage, clear it with the right method, flush the line and confirm it is running. If sewage has escaped, we will explain what has happened and whether the cause needs further investigation.

Signs you may need help

Sewage or dirty water coming up through a toilet, shower or bath
An outside drain or manhole overflowing onto the ground
No toilets in the property can be used
Water backing up towards the house or under doors
A commercial kitchen or washroom unable to operate
Strong sewage smells combined with standing water

Common causes

A full blockage in the main drain serving the property
Wipes and sanitary products forming a solid mass
Fat and grease that has set hard in a kitchen drain
Heavy rainfall overloading gullies and surface water drains
Collapsed or displaced pipework
A blockage in a shared drain or public sewer affecting several properties

What our approach means for you

Your enquiry is prioritised according to how urgent the situation is.
Clear, honest information about when someone can attend.
The drain is cleared and tested, not just relieved temporarily.
Advice on what to do next if sewage has escaped or the drain is damaged.

How it works

What you can expect when you contact Clear Drainage about emergency drain unblocking.

Call and tell us it is urgent

Explain what is happening, which fittings are affected and whether sewage has escaped. We will tell you honestly when we can attend.
Make the area safe

Stop using water in the property, keep people and pets away from any spill and do not lift manhole covers yourself.
Clear the blockage

We locate the blockage and clear it using rods or high-pressure water jetting, then flush the drain through to confirm it is running.
Advise on the next steps

We explain what caused the blockage and whether a CCTV survey, repair or clean-up is worth considering.

Emergency Drain Unblocking across Southampton and the surrounding area

We provide emergency drain unblocking throughout Southampton and the surrounding area within roughly 60 miles. Choose your area for local information.

Emergency Drain Unblocking Southampton

Hampshire

Also covering

Related services

Drain Unblocking

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

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

Blocked Sewers

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

Drain Jetting

High-pressure water jetting to clear stubborn blockages and scour away fat, silt, scale and debris from the inside of drain pipes.

Blocked Toilets

Unblocking toilets that will not flush, keep backing up or overflow, and finding out whether the problem is in the toilet or the drain beyond it.

Helpful guides

Emergency Drain Unblocking FAQs

What counts as a drainage emergency?

Sewage entering the property, an outside drain overflowing, or losing the use of every toilet in a home or business are all urgent. If water is simply draining slowly, it is usually worth booking a standard visit instead.

Do you offer a 24-hour service?

Yes. Clear Drainage is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Call at any time and we will tell you honestly when we can attend.

Is sewage overflowing from a manhole my responsibility?

It depends where the blockage is. If it is in a drain serving only your property, it is usually your responsibility. If the manhole serves several properties or the blockage is in the public sewer, the local water company is normally responsible. We can help you find out which applies.

Should I try to clear an overflowing drain myself?

We would not recommend it. Sewage carries bacteria, manhole covers can be heavy, and pushing at a blockage with the wrong tool can make it worse. Stop using water and get in touch.

Need help with emergency drain unblocking?

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.