Blocked Sewers FAQs

The length of time it takes to unblock a drain will vary from job to job, depending on the size of the blockage. Once our engineers have inspected the site, we’ll be able to tell you the best course of action and give a better estimate of timing. Standard blockages usually take up to an hour to clear.

This depends heavily on your individual policy, but most standard home insurance doesn’t cover drains. However, repairs which are necessary because of subsidence, root intrusion and damage from vehicles are more likely to be covered. Insurance companies are increasingly strict with drain repair claims, being reluctant to pay out.

Being careful with what you put down your drains can go a long way to keeping them running smoothly. Pouring boiling water down the drain can help to flush through sludge and bacterial growth which can cause unpleasant odours. Occasionally using thick bleach or purpose-made drain cleaner can also help to keep things flowing smoothly.

If you’re worried that your sinks or toilets aren’t draining effectively anymore, you should look at how quickly the water is draining away. If it is taking longer than it used to, a blockage may be forming in your pipes. Likewise, if water bubbles up out of other drains when you drain water off elsewhere in the property, this can also be a sign of blockages.

If your toilets have become blocked, this could be for a number of reasons. Fortunately, our specialist team is here to help. We can use CCTV drain surveys to identify stubborn blockage issues and will use drain pressure jetting, relining or excavation services to rectify them. Alternatively, if the blockage is simple, we have the tools and expertise to help in a timely and efficient fashion.

You should never pour oil, fat or grease down your drains. While cooking something like bacon, the fat and oil in the frying pan is liquified, but once it cools down it will solidify. If it is poured down the drain, it will inevitably clog your drain once enough of it builds up.

Creating a one-way system, a rat blocker is essentially a valve that allows water and rodents out of your property, but will not open towards your property. It doesn’t harm the rats and is fixed into your pipes out of sight.

As a discreet pest control measure, rat blockers are suitable for all types of properties. They’re especially useful for businesses who will, understandably, be keen to prevent rats and rodents from entering their building via drainage pipes and toilets, where they can upset guests and pose a health hazard – something no business can afford.

Rat blockers are relatively simple for us to install, depending on how many your property requires and how easily we can gain access to relevant areas of your drainage system. We can often fit these systems within a few hours (again, depending on site size and complexity). Call us to discuss your individual situation and get a more accurate picture of how long the work could take.