What to Do When You Have a Blocked Sewage Drain
A bad smell comes from your sinks. Your toilet water rises too high. Water in your shower will not go down. These are scary signs. They often mean you have a blocked sewage drain. This is a serious plumbing problem. It can cause damage and health risks. You need to act fast. But what should you do first This guide will help you understand. We will talk about what causes these blockages. We will discuss when to call a professional company like Repair a Drain. Let us solve this messy problem together.
Why a Sewage Blockage Is a Real Emergency
A blocked drain is not a small issue. It is different from a slow kitchen sink. A sewage blockage affects your whole home’s waste system. All the water and waste from your toilets showers and sinks cannot escape. It might come back up into your home. This is called a backup. It can flood your bathroom or basement. The water is dirty and can make you sick. It can damage your floors and walls. The smell is also terrible. This is why you must treat it as an emergency. Ignoring it will make the problem worse and more expensive. Many people search for blocked drain near me when this happens. They need help quickly.
Common Causes of Sewage Drain Blockages
What causes these big blockages A few things are common. Tree roots are a major cause. Roots grow toward water in pipes. They can crack old pipes and grow inside. They catch waste and create a big clog. Another cause is flushing the wrong things. Things like wet wipes sanitary products and too much toilet paper do not break down. They clump together in the sewer line. Grease and fat from cooking are also bad. They go down the sink as a liquid. Then they cool and harden in the pipes. This creates a thick blockage. Sometimes pipes simply collapse or break because they are old. Knowing the cause helps find the right fix.
First Steps to Take When You Suspect a Blockage
Do you see the warning signs Do not panic. Follow these steps first.
Stop Using All Water in Your Home
This is the most important step. Do not flush any toilet. Do not run any sink or shower. Every drop of water you add will have nowhere to go. It will make the backup worse. It could cause more flooding. Tell everyone in your house to stop using water. This gives you time to think and call for help.
Check Simple Things First
Sometimes the problem is simpler. Check if just one toilet is blocked. Use a plunger on that toilet. If only your ground floor toilet is slow the blockage might be close. If all toilets and drains in the house are slow or backing up the problem is likely in the main sewer line. This is a bigger job. Also look outside your home. Find your inspection chamber or manhole. Carefully lift the cover. If it is full of sewage the blockage is between your house and the public sewer. This confirms you need professional drain unblocking.
Call a Professional Drainage Company
For a main sewer line blockage you need a pro. This is not a job for a regular plunger. Search for drain unblocker near me or drain cleaning company. Look for a specialist like Repair a Drain. They have the right tools and skills. They can diagnose the problem properly. Calling them quickly can prevent a huge mess.
How Professionals Clear a Blocked Sewage Drain
A good drainage company has several ways to fix your blocked drain.
High-Pressure Water Jetting
This is a very common and effective method. It is called drain jetting. The engineer puts a special hose into your drain. The hose has a nozzle on the end. It sprays water at very high pressure. The water cuts through grease tree roots and other blockages. It also cleans the pipe walls. This method is good for most clogs. People often search for drain jetting cost or drain jetting prices uk. The price depends on how bad the blockage is and how long it takes.
CCTV Drain Survey
Before they start many companies will do a CCTV survey. They put a small waterproof camera into your drain. The camera sends a live video to a screen. The engineer can see inside your pipes. They can find the exact location of the blockage. They can see if your pipes are broken or collapsed. This survey is very useful. It shows the best way to fix the problem. It stops engineers from guessing. Companies like Repair a Drain use this technology to give you an accurate diagnosis.
Mechanical Rodding or Descaling
For very tough blockages engineers might use mechanical tools. These are like powerful drills that break up the clog. They can cut through solid tree roots. This method is sometimes needed before jetting.
Understanding the Costs Involved
A big worry for homeowners is cost. How much will it cost to fix a blocked sewage drain.
What Changes the Price
The price is not fixed. It changes based on a few things. How easy is it to reach the drain Where is the blockage located A blockage under your garden is harder to reach than one near the house. How severe is the blockage Is it simple grease or tough tree roots Did the blockage cause any damage The methods used also change the price. A simple drain clearance costs less than a full CCTV survey and jetting. People search for cost to unblock a drain or blocked drain outside house cost to get an idea.
Getting a Clear Quote
A trustworthy company will give you a clear quote. They should tell you if the price includes the CCTV survey. They should say if there are any extra charges. Always ask for this in writing. Be careful of very cheap quotes. They might not include everything. The engineer might find a bigger problem and charge you more later. A good company is transparent about costs from the start.
Preventing Future Sewage Blockages
After you fix the problem you want to stop it happening again. Here is how.
Be Careful What You Flush and Pour
Only flush the three Ps. Pee Poo and toilet Paper. Do not flush wet wipes even if they say flushable. Do not flush cotton pads or dental floss. Let it cool and put it in the bin. These simple habits prevent most blockages.
Regular Drain Maintenance
Think about regular maintenance. Just like you service your boiler you should care for your drains. A professional company can do a drain clean every year or two. They can use jetting to keep pipes clear. They can do a CCTV survey to check for early root growth or cracks. This is cheaper than fixing a big emergency blockage. Look for drainage cleaning services that offer maintenance plans.
Deal with Tree Roots
If tree roots were the problem you need to manage them. A drainage company can cut the roots with a special tool. But the roots will grow back. You might need to remove the tree or redirect your pipe. A professional can advise you on the best long term solution.
Choosing the Right Drainage Company
You need to choose a good company for this job. Here is what to look for.
Check Their Credentials
Make sure they are real professionals. Are they insured This is very important in case something gets damaged. Do they have good reviews online Search for drain unblocker company and read reviews on Google. A company like Repair a Drain will have a track record you can check.
Ask About Their Methods
Do they use modern CCTV surveys Do they offer high pressure water jetting. A good company uses these tools. It shows they invest in doing the job right. Avoid anyone who just uses rods without checking the pipe first. They might cause damage.
Get Everything in Writing
Before they start get a written quote. Make sure it includes the work they will do. Ask about their guarantee. Do they offer a warranty on their work A professional company will stand by their service.
Taking Control of Your Drainage Problem
A blocked sewage drain is stressful. But now you know what to do. You know the signs of a serious blockage. You understand how experts like Repair a Drain clear the pipe with jetting and cameras. The most important step is to act quickly. Do not wait for a flood. Find a trusted local drainage specialist. Get a proper diagnosis and a clear quote. Then you can fix the problem for good. Your home will be safe and clean again. You can have peace of mind.
