When a drain emergency hits, it’s easy to panic. Having a clear checklist to follow means you act effectively instead of making things worse. Work through these steps in order.
Immediate: First 5 Minutes
Stop all water use in the property.
Every drop you put into a blocked or overwhelmed system makes the situation worse. Right now:
- Stop flushing toilets
- Turn off all taps
- Switch off the dishwasher and washing machine
- Tell everyone in the property — including any tenants or family
Assess the scope.
- Is just one fixture affected, or multiple? (Multiple = main drain or sewer)
- Is water or sewage entering the property? (Yes = emergency, call now)
- Is there a smell of sewage inside? (Yes = call now)
- Are neighbouring properties also affected? (Yes = public sewer, call United Utilities: 0345 672 3723, and us)
If Water or Sewage Is Entering the Property
Protect your belongings and health.
- Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from affected areas
- If safe to do so, lift and roll wet carpets
- Place towels or old bedding to slow water spread
- Open windows — sewage gases are harmful
- Keep children and pets out of the affected area
- If you must enter, wear rubber gloves and boots
- Wash hands and any exposed skin thoroughly afterwards
Turn off the water supply if flooding is continuing.
- Locate your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or just inside the front door)
- Turn it clockwise to close
- If water is still entering, it may be coming from the sewer — a drainage engineer is needed
Call us.
- Call Manchester Blocked Drain Co on 0161 282 8080
- We respond within 60–90 minutes across central Manchester and M-postcodes
- Tell us: your address, what’s happening, whether sewage is visible
While Waiting for the Engineer
- Clear access to any outdoor manholes — remove garden furniture, pots, or decking covering them
- Note where water entered or backed up (tell the engineer when they arrive)
- Take photos and video of the affected areas — you’ll need these for any insurance claim
- Write down when the problem started
- Check if the problem is in your private drain or the public sewer (see our guide)
After the Engineer Has Been
- Get a written report describing what was found and what was done
- If a CCTV survey was recommended, book it — recurring problems almost always have a structural cause
- Notify your insurer if damage to the property occurred (you’ll need the engineer’s report)
- If sewage entered the property, clean and disinfect all affected surfaces before using them
Cleaning Up After a Sewage Incident
Sewage contains bacteria and pathogens. Proper clean-up matters:
- Wear disposable gloves, eye protection, and old clothes you can bin or wash at 60°C+
- Remove and bag any soft furnishings that cannot be disinfected
- Clean hard surfaces with a bleach-based disinfectant
- Ventilate the property for at least 24 hours
- Consider professional specialist cleaning for serious incidents
Preventing a Repeat
Once the immediate problem is resolved, address the root cause:
- Book a CCTV drain survey if the engineer found or suspected structural damage
- Check whether tree roots near the property could be causing recurring ingress
- Review what household waste is going down the drains (wipes, cooking fat, and coffee grounds are the most common culprits)
- Consider drain jetting as an annual maintenance measure for older properties
Quick Reference: Who to Call
| Situation | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Blockage in your private drain | Manchester Blocked Drain Co: 0161 282 8080 |
| Blockage in a shared/public sewer | United Utilities: 0345 672 3723 |
| Sewage entering your home | Manchester Blocked Drain Co immediately: 0161 282 8080 |
| Water damage to property | Your buildings insurer (after calling us for the emergency) |
We cover Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Wigan, Oldham, and Trafford.
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