Blocked Outside Drain? What to Check Before You Call

A blocked outside drain is one of the most common call-outs we get in Stockport. The gully by the back door overflows, the manhole fills up, or the kitchen sink and downstairs toilet start gurgling. Here are a few simple checks you can make safely before you call, what they tell you, and why it’s worth choosing an honest drainage company.

Quick checks before you call

Is it just the gully?

If only the gully under your kitchen waste pipe or downpipe is overflowing, the problem may be in the gully itself. Leaves on the grating, or fat and food waste in the trap, are common causes. Wearing gloves, check the grating is clear.

Lift the manhole cover (carefully)

If you can lift the cover safely, look inside:

• Full of water: the blockage is further down, past this manhole
• Empty, but the gully is overflowing: the blockage is between the gully and the manhole

Covers can be heavy and the edges sharp. If it’s stuck or you’re unsure, leave it to us.

Is the drain shared?

If your neighbours are having problems too, the blockage may be in a shared drain. Since 2011, shared and lateral drains outside your boundary are generally the water company’s responsibility. We’ll tell you if that’s the case.

What not to do

• Don’t pour drain chemicals into a blocked outside drain. They rarely reach the blockage and can damage seals.
• Don’t poke it with sticks or garden canes, which can snap off and make things worse.
• Don’t keep flushing the toilet or running water. It just adds to the overflow.

Why choose us?

• Honesty. There’s usually a reason a drain blocks. Where it’s needed, we look inside with a camera and invite you to watch. Some companies make things sound worse than they are to increase the value of a repair. We won’t.
• Value. Our prices are fixed: rodding and plunging £75 + VAT, and jetting or machine work £150 + VAT, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Evenings, weekends and bank holidays may cost more, and we’ll tell you the rate before we set off. There’s no call-out charge when we carry out the work, and a camera check of the affected drain is included with the unblock where needed.
• The right tools. Some blockages are difficult to clear. We carry rods, plungers, high-pressure jetters and electro-mechanical machines, so we can deal with most blockages in one visit.

If it keeps happening

A drain that blocks again and again usually has an underlying problem, such as roots, a cracked pipe or a displaced joint. A CCTV drain survey will show what’s causing it, and a full report can be added after an unblock for £80 + VAT.

Blocked drain? No problem

Our drain unblocking service covers outside drains, gullies, manholes and toilets across Stockport, Heald Green and the surrounding areas, 24/7. Call 07375 521027 or WhatsApp us a photo of the drain.