What Should You Do During a Drainage Emergency Before Help Arrives?
Step-by-step guidance to protect your property and stay safe while you wait for our rapid response team.
During a drainage emergency, turn off your main water supply if it is safe to do so, stop using every sink, toilet and appliance in the property, keep clear of any contaminated water and avoid chemical drain cleaners. Then call a professional drainage company straight away. Acting quickly limits flooding, protects your health and reduces the risk of lasting damage to your property.
A+ Drainage Services provides 24/7 emergency drain unblocking across Essex, London and the M25 corridor, and we aim to be with you within the hour. Here is exactly what to do while you wait for us to arrive.
What Should I Do in a Drainage Emergency? (Step by Step)
Follow these steps in order to keep the situation under control before your drainage engineer arrives:
Turn off your main water supply
If it is safe to reach, shut off the stopcock to stop more water entering the system and making the flooding worse.
Stop using water throughout the property
Do not run taps, flush toilets, or use washing machines and dishwashers, as every litre of wastewater has nowhere to go and will add to the backup.
Keep away from contaminated water
Waste water can carry harmful bacteria. Keep children and pets clear, and wash thoroughly if you come into contact with it.
Move valuables and lift soft furnishings
Protect belongings, rugs and electrical items near the affected area to limit damage.
Do not use chemical drain cleaners
If wastewater backs up, these chemicals can splash and cause skin burns, and they rarely clear a serious blockage anyway.
Ventilate the area if you can
Open nearby windows to reduce odours and improve airflow while you wait.
Call A+ Drainage Services
Give us a clear description of what is happening so we arrive fully prepared.
What Counts as a Drainage Emergency?
A drainage emergency is any blockage or fault that risks flooding, property damage or exposure to waste water. Common examples include: sewage backing up into sinks, baths or toilets; wastewater overflowing from an external drain or manhole; a toilet that overflows every time it is flushed; and multiple fixtures blocking at once. If waste water is rising and you cannot stop it, treat it as an emergency and call for help immediately.
What Should I Avoid Doing in a Drainage Emergency?
Some quick reactions make the situation worse. Avoid these common mistakes:
Do not keep flushing or running water to test whether the blockage has cleared, as this adds to the overflow.
Do not pour boiling water or chemicals down the drain, as they can crack pipes or cause burns.
Do not attempt to lift a heavy, sealed manhole cover yourself if waste water is under pressure behind it.
Do not ignore it overnight. A blockage left to build up can turn a manageable clearance into a costly flood.
How Fast Can A+ Drainage Services Reach You?
We aim to reach drainage emergencies across Essex, London and the M25 corridor within the hour. Our vans are stationed across Romford and the surrounding region and carry professional high-pressure jetting and rodding equipment, so we can clear most blockages on the spot rather than booking a return visit.
Owner Keith and the team operate a strict no callout fee policy, even for out of hours emergencies. You never pay us simply for turning up. We assess the blockage, give you a transparent price before we start and only charge for the work needed to get your drains flowing freely again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about drainage emergencies.
Do you charge extra for out of hours emergency callouts?
No. A+ Drainage Services never charges a callout fee, regardless of the time or day. Our pricing is transparent, and you only pay for the work required to clear the blockage.
How quickly can you reach a drainage emergency in Essex?
We aim to arrive within the hour for emergency drain unblocking across Essex, London and the M25 corridor. Our vans are fully equipped and ready to be dispatched immediately.
What should I do while I wait for you to arrive?
If it is safe, turn off your main water supply to prevent further flooding, stop using water throughout the property and keep clear of any waste water. Do not use chemical cleaners, as these can cause burns if the water backs up.
Is a blocked toilet a drainage emergency?
It can be. A single slow-draining toilet may not be urgent, but a toilet that overflows when flushed, or one that backs up alongside other fixtures, should be treated as an emergency and dealt with quickly.
Facing a Drainage Emergency Right Now? Call A+ Drainage Services
Do not wait for the water to rise. If waste water is backing up or your property is at risk, call Keith and the team for a fast, honest 24/7 response with zero callout fees.