A drain emergency can happen at any time. It could be sewage backing up into your home, drains flooding, or a collapsed pipe. The first few minutes matter. Acting quickly can limit the damage to your property.
Recognising a Drain Emergency
Not every drain problem is an emergency. But call for help right away if you see:
- Sewage backing up into your property
- Water flooding from drains
- More than one drain blocked at the same time
- A strong sewage smell inside your home
- Visible sewage in your garden or driveway
Immediate Steps to Take
1. Stop Using Water
Stop all water use in your home as soon as you spot a serious problem:
- Don't flush toilets
- Don't run taps or showers
- Don't use the washing machine or dishwasher
- Turn off any appliance that drains water
Every extra litre of water you add will make things worse.
2. Protect Your Property
If water or sewage is getting into your home:
- Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area
- Roll up rugs and carpets if you can
- Use towels or sandbags to block doorways
- Open windows — sewage gases can be harmful
3. Turn Off the Water Supply
If water keeps flowing and you can't stop it, find your stopcock. It's usually under the kitchen sink or near the front door. Turn it off to cut the water supply to your home.
4. Avoid Contaminated Areas
Sewage contains harmful bacteria. Keep children and pets well away from the affected area. If you must go in:
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
- Don't touch your face
- Wash your hands and arms well afterwards
- Don't eat or drink anywhere near the affected area
5. Record the Damage
Once you've done what you can:
- Take photos and video of the damage
- Write down the time the problem started
- Note any belongings that have been damaged
- Save this for your insurance claim
What NOT to Do
Don't Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
In a real emergency, drain chemicals won't help. They are made for small, slow blockages — not major drain failures.
Don't Try to Access the Sewer
The main sewer runs beneath your property. Never try to open or clear it yourself. It is dangerous and illegal without the right authorisation.
Don't Wait and Hope
Drain problems don't fix themselves. The longer you wait, the worse the damage gets — and the more it will cost to put right.
While Waiting for Help
Once you've called a drainage company, there are a few more things to do:
- Clear the way to manholes and inspection chambers
- Make a note of where water is coming in or backing up
- Ask neighbours if they have the same problem — this could mean a shared sewer issue
- Keep your phone charged so the engineer can reach you
Calling for Emergency Help
When you call Glasgow Drain Unblocker, we'll ask:
- Your address and postcode
- What is happening
- When it started
- Whether it affects more than one property
- Your contact number
We aim to arrive within 1–2 hours for emergency callouts across Glasgow and the surrounding area. Our emergency drain services team works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For a flooding emergency or a sewage emergency, our engineers bring CCTV cameras and high-pressure jetting equipment. In most cases, we fix the problem on the first visit.
Call us now on 0141 221 5164 for emergency drain help, or request urgent help online.