Blocked Outside Drains & Overflowing Manholes
Is your outside drain overflowing? We provide immediate 24/7 response to unblock manholes and gullies. Fast arrival, high-pressure cleaning, and full site sanitisation. No Callout Charge & Fixed Price.
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Is Your Manhole Overflowing?
An overflowing outside drain is one of the most unpleasant issues a homeowner can face. If you see sewage leaking from a manhole cover in your garden, driveway, or patio, it indicates a severe blockage downstream that needs immediate attention.
Unlike a blocked sink which is contained inside, an external blockage poses a health and safety risk. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens that can contaminate your garden soil and paved areas. This is an emergency—do not let children or pets near the area.
Whose Responsibility Is It? (Private vs. Public)
One of the most common questions we get is: “Is this my problem or Thames Water’s problem?”
- Private Drain: If the drain serves only your property and is within your boundary, it is usually your responsibility to maintain.
- Lateral Drain / Public Sewer: If the drain is shared with neighbours or sits outside your property boundary, it might be the responsibility of the water utility company.
How We Help: Drain 247 can attend rapidly to assess the situation. If it is your responsibility, we clear it instantly. If it turns out to be a public sewer issue, we can provide the CCTV evidence you need to force the water company to take action, saving you from unnecessary arguments.
How We Clear Outside Drains
We use heavy-duty equipment designed for external sewer pipes (100mm+ diameter):
Manhole Access: We have the tools to lift heavy, rusted, or seized manhole covers safely.
High-Pressure Jetting: We send a jetting hose downstream to blast through toilet paper jams, fatbergs, or silt.
Sanitisation: Once the blockage is cleared, we wash down the affected area to remove sewage residue, making your garden safe again.
5-Star Reviews.
Common Causes of External Blockages
The manhole is in my neighbour’s garden, but my drain is blocked. Who pays?
If the blockage is in a shared pipe, it is likely a public sewer matter (Water Company). If the blockage is in your pipe before it joins the shared pipe, it is your responsibility. We can determine this with a survey.
Can I unblock a manhole myself?
We strongly advise against it. Manholes can contain dangerous gases, and drain rods often get stuck, making the problem worse.
Do you offer emergency response?
Yes. We operate 24/7 across Watford and London for external sewage emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The manhole is in my neighbour's garden, but my drain is blocked. Who pays?
If the blockage is in a shared pipe, it is likely a public sewer matter (Water Company). If the blockage is in your pipe before it joins the shared pipe, it is your responsibility. We can determine this with a survey.
Can I unblock a manhole myself?
We strongly advise against it. Manholes can contain dangerous gases, and drain rods often get stuck, making the problem worse.
Do you offer emergency response?
Yes. We operate 24/7 across Watford and London for external sewage emergencies.
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