Signs a blockage is urgent
- Only toilet in the property is blocked.
- Waste water is backing up into a bath, shower or sink.
- Water is overflowing and cannot be contained.
- Several drains are affected at the same time.
- A neighbour or flat below is affected.
What you can try safely
Stop using the affected fixture, remove standing water if safe, and avoid adding more chemicals. If a plunger is available, gentle use may help a simple sink or toilet blockage, but repeated force can make some fittings leak.
What to avoid
Do not keep flushing a blocked toilet. Do not pour multiple drain chemicals into standing water. Do not dismantle hidden pipework unless you are ready for trapped water to escape.
Repeated blockages need a proper check.
If the same drain keeps blocking, there may be a deeper issue with pipe fall, scale, wipes, roots or shared drainage.
For urgent help, use the blocked drains service. If water damage or a leak has started, leak detection and repair may also be needed.