What to do if your drainage system is blocked

You need to determine if your believe the problem is affecting just your property.  You can do this by talking to your neighbours and / or lifting any inspection chambers and seeing if they are full.

If the blocked pipe serves more than one property or is a lateral drain your water company should clear it free of charge. A lateral drain is a pipe which serves one premises but has crossed the boundary into another property.

Anglian Water - Customer Care

Telephone: 08457 145 145
Website: see external link below 

Thames Water - Customer Care

Telephone: 08455 191513
Website: see external link below 
 
If the blocked pipe is a private drain (serves only your property and is within  your boundary) you can clear it yourself using drain rods or by contracting a plumber or specialist firm. We recommend you get a quote before commencing works.

Most problems with blocked drains are caused by a temporary blockages that are easy to clear. Usually the blockage can be removed by using a set of drain rods.

Clearing a blocked drain can be a dirty, smelly job and you may wish to call a plumber or specialist firm.  Using a firm recommended by a friend or a neighbour is best, otherwise you will find a list in the Yellow Pages or other local directories under 'Drains & Pipe Cleaning'. Many offer a 24hr service.  You may wish to try the internet for local companies and we would always recommend that you get several quotes.

Date Updated: 06/10/11