Blocked Sewers

Help with blocked main drains, sewer connections and sewage backing up, including working out who is responsible for the blockage.

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About blocked sewers

When sewage is backing up, one of the first questions is where the blockage actually is. In England, the drains within your boundary that serve only your property are usually yours to maintain. Shared drains, lateral drains beyond your boundary and public sewers are generally the responsibility of the local water company.

Clear Drainage can help establish where the blockage sits by checking the inspection chambers on and around the property. If it is on your private drain, we can clear it. If it appears to be in the public sewer, we will tell you so you can report it to the water company.

Blocked main drains often cause sewage to back up at the lowest point in the property (a downstairs toilet, shower or an external gully), so it is worth acting quickly.

Signs you may need help

Sewage backing up through a ground-floor toilet or shower
The last inspection chamber before the boundary full of water
Neighbours experiencing the same problem at the same time
Sewage smells outside the property

Common causes

Wipes, fat and sanitary products accumulating in the main drain
Root ingress in older sewer connections
Collapsed or displaced pipes
A blockage in the public sewer

What our approach means for you

Help identifying whether a blockage is private or the water company’s responsibility.
Private main drains and connections cleared.
Advice on reporting a public sewer blockage.
Recurring main drain problems investigated with CCTV where appropriate.

How it works

What you can expect when you contact Clear Drainage about blocked sewers.

Trace the blockage

Inspection chambers are checked to find out which section is blocked and who is likely to be responsible.
Clear private sections

Where the blockage is in a private drain, it is cleared with rods or high-pressure jetting.
Advise on public sewers

If the blockage appears to be in the public sewer, we explain how to report it to the water company.
Recommend next steps

If the drain has blocked before, we can discuss a CCTV survey to find the cause.

Blocked Sewers across Southampton and the surrounding area

We provide blocked sewers throughout Southampton and the surrounding area within roughly 60 miles. Choose your area for local information.

Blocked Sewers Southampton

Hampshire

Related services

Emergency Drain Unblocking

Urgent help when a blocked drain is overflowing, sewage is backing up or a property can no longer use its toilets and sinks.

Drain Unblocking

Clearing blocked drains, gullies and waste pipes at homes and businesses, then explaining what caused the blockage so it is less likely to come back.

Blocked Drains

Help with blocked outside drains, gullies, inspection chambers and underground drain runs: found, cleared and explained.

CCTV Drain Surveys

Camera inspections that show the condition of a drain from the inside, so recurring problems and damage can be diagnosed accurately.

Drain Repairs

Repairs for cracked, broken, root-damaged and displaced drains, based on what a camera survey actually shows.

Helpful guides

Blocked Sewers FAQs

Who do I call if the public sewer is blocked?

Public sewer blockages are reported to the water company responsible for sewerage in your area. Across most of South Hampshire, including Southampton, that is Southern Water.

How do I know if the blockage is in my drain or the sewer?

If the inspection chamber nearest your boundary is empty but chambers closer to the house are full, the blockage is usually on your private drain. If the chamber at the boundary is full too, it may be further down. We can check this for you.

Is it safe to stay in the property if sewage is backing up?

Stop using water, keep people and pets away from any sewage, and wash hands thoroughly after contact. If sewage has entered living areas, professional cleaning may be needed after the blockage is cleared.

Need help with blocked sewers?

Call Clear Drainage or send us a few details about the problem. We will explain what is likely to be involved before any work starts.