What should I do if my drain is overflowing outside? +
If an external drain or manhole is overflowing, check whether it is a shared drain serving multiple properties. Since October 2011, lateral drains and public sewers became the responsibility of your water company, so contact them first if the blockage is beyond your property boundary. If it is a private drain within your boundary, call a drainage engineer in Birkenhead to clear the blockage.
Can I unblock my own drain or should I call a professional? +
Simple blockages near plugholes can sometimes be cleared with a plunger or drain snake. However, if you have sewage backing up, multiple drains blocked at once, or persistent foul smells, you should call a professional drainage engineer in Birkenhead. Using chemical drain cleaners on severe blockages rarely works and can damage older clay pipes. Professional high-pressure jetting is far more effective and safer for your drainage system.
What should I do if sewage is backing up into my home in Birkenhead? +
Stop using all taps, toilets and appliances that discharge into the drains immediately. Open windows for ventilation as sewage gases are hazardous. Do not attempt to clear the blockage yourself if raw sewage is involved — it carries serious health risks including E. coli and other bacteria. Call an emergency drainage engineer in Birkenhead straight away and keep children and pets away from the affected area.
Are emergency drainage engineers available at weekends in Birkenhead? +
Yes, most emergency drainage services covering Birkenhead operate 7 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Sewage backups and flooding drains are genuine emergencies that cannot wait until Monday. Expect to pay a premium of around 25% to 50% for weekend and out-of-hours call-outs compared to weekday rates.
What is the difference between a drain and a sewer? +
A drain serves a single property and runs from your house to the boundary. A sewer carries waste from multiple properties and is maintained by the water company. Lateral drains — the section connecting your drain to the public sewer — transferred to water company responsibility in October 2011. Understanding this distinction matters because it determines who pays for repairs.
What equipment should a professional drainage engineer have? +
A properly equipped drainage engineer should have high-pressure water jetting equipment (typically 3,000+ PSI), a CCTV drain camera for surveys, electro-mechanical cleaning machines, drain rods, and root cutting attachments. They should also carry personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, eye protection and waterproof clothing. Be wary of anyone who turns up with just a set of drain rods — they will struggle with anything beyond a minor blockage.