A drainage emergency, such as flooding, blockages or overflowing drains, can cause disruption and property damage if not handled quickly. Knowing what to do can help protect your home and reduce repair costs.
Stay calm and assess the situation
First, identify where the problem is coming from. Is the issue inside your property, such as a blocked toilet or sink, or outside, like an overflowing drain or sewer? If it’s outside and affects more than one property, it may be the responsibility of your water company, not you.
Stop using your water
Avoid flushing your toilets, running taps, or using your washing machine until the problem is fully resolved. Continuing to use water can worsen the flooding situation. Glasgow councillors recently called for action to tackle blocked gullies and drains across the city to prevent flooding.
Contact a drainage engineer
Call a 24-hour emergency drainage service if you need help. Many UK companies offer rapid response times and can use equipment such as high-pressure water jets or CCTV drain surveys to locate and clear blockages safely. If you require a CCTV drain survey Coventry, specialist providers such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/coventry have more information online.
Protect your property
Move your valuables away from affected areas and, if safe to do so, use sandbags to block further water. Once the issue is resolved, ask the engineer for advice on maintenance, such as regular drain cleaning. Acting quickly and calling a qualified expert is the best way to minimise any damage and restore your home’s drainage system.