When Do You Need an Emergency Drainage Contractor?

Your drainage system is one of the most important parts of your home, but most of us don’t really give it much thought – until something goes wrong that is. While all drainage problems can be disruptive and frustrating, some are more pressing than others. That’s where an emergency drainage contractor comes in.

An emergency drainage contractor is a professional who is available 24/7 to resolve any drainage issues before they have the chance to cause major damage. But what classifies as a drainage emergency? The team here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services is here to help explain.

When to call an emergency drainage contractor

While some drainage issues are irritating but not urgent, there are certain scenarios where time is of the essence and immediate action is needed to prevent major damage.

If you notice any of the following signs, you should contact an emergency drainage contractor straight away:

• Severe blockages: If your sink or toilet is blocked and has started backing up, you’ll need to act fast. Severe blockages can cause flooding and result in major damage, not to mention this creates unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, if your home only has one shower or toilet and it is unusable due to a blockage, this constitutes an emergency. An emergency drainage contractor will be able to locate and get rid of the blockage using specialised tools.

• Leaks: Even minor leaks can quickly create standing water that causes damage to your home. If left neglected, leaks can lead to structural damage, mould growth and an expensive water bill, so contact a drainage professional to repair or replace this damaged pipe.

• Overflowing water: If water is overflowing from your drains, this puts your property at serious risk of flooding. An emergency drainage contractor will be able to find the source of the problem – usually, this will be a blockage of some sort – and repair it so that your drains function normally once again.

• Foul smells: If you’ve noticed a foul smell around your home, not only is this incredibly unpleasant, but it also indicates some kind of problem or sewage back-up with your drainage system. To maintain a sanitary environment and prevent damage, it’s important to fix this issue immediately.

How to prevent a drainage emergency

A drainage emergency can be incredibly stressful, so it’s best to take proactive steps to prevent one from happening in the first place. Here’s how you can avoid a drainage emergency:

• Dispose of waste correctly: Be aware of what can and can’t go down your sinks and toilets and avoid improperly disposing of items that can create blockages, such as grease, fat, food scraps and sanitary products.

• Carry out regular maintenance: Routine maintenance can help to keep your drains in good condition, so it’s important to clean and de-scale your drains regularly or employ a professional to do this for you.

• Invest in an annual CCTV drain survey: A CCTV drainage survey allows you to check on the condition of your drains and locate any blockages or areas of concern before they create major damage.

• Arrange repairs quickly: If you notice anything wrong with your drainage system, it’s essential to take action straight away and arrange the necessary repairs; otherwise, what was a minor issue can quickly turn into a major problem that causes extensive damage.

If you have a drainage emergency in Central London, Harrow, Ealing or the surrounding areas, get in touch with the team here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services. Our emergency drainage contractors are available 24/7 to quickly resolve any issue that just can’t wait – contact us to find out more.