Blocked drain in Bury? Do this first (2-minute checklist)
If your sink, toilet, or outside drain is backing up, the key is to stop the problem getting worse before it turns into an indoor flood. If you need help now, our emergency drain unblocking in Bury team is available 24/7.Here’s a quick checklist you can follow right now.
Step 1: Stop using water immediately
Turn off taps and avoid flushing toilets. More water can push the blockage back into the property and cause overflow.
Step 2: Check the safest visible points
Look for these common signs:
- Water rising in the toilet after flushing
- Sink or bath draining very slowly
- Bad smells coming from plugholes
- Gurgling sounds from drains
- Outside gully overflowing or “bubbling”
If the outside gully is overflowing, it often means the blockage is further down the line.
Step 3: Try one safe, simple fix (no harsh chemicals)
You can try:
- A plunger on sinks/toilets (slow, steady pressure works best)
- Boiling water for a greasy kitchen sink (only if safe for your pipes)
- Remove and clean the sink trap (if you’re confident and can isolate water)
Avoid aggressive drain chemicals, especially if the drain is already full — they can splash back and make professional clearing harder.
Step 4: If more than one drain is affected, treat it as “main line”
If the toilet, sink and bath are all slow or backing up, it’s often a main drain blockage, not just one fixture. That’s usually when DIY stops being effective.
When you should call an emergency drain unblocking engineer in Bury
Call for help if:
- Water is backing up into the property
- There’s sewage smell or visible waste
- The outside gully is overflowing
- Multiple drains are blocked at once
- You’ve plunged/cleaned traps and it’s still not shifting
- The blockage keeps returning (likely deeper issue)
A repeat blockage often needs jetting or a CCTV drain inspection to find the real cause (roots, collapsed pipe, build-up, or a damaged connection).
What causes blocked drains in Bury homes and businesses?
The most common causes we see include:
- Fat, oil and grease from kitchens
- Wet wipes and sanitary items (even “flushable” ones)
- Hair and soap scum in baths/showers
- Tree roots entering older pipework
- Scale/build-up over time
- Collapsed or displaced pipes (especially if it blocks repeatedly)
Can a CCTV drain inspection help?
Yes — a CCTV drain survey is often the fastest way to confirm:
- Exactly where the blockage is
- Whether there’s pipe damage, root ingress, or a collapse
- If you need a repair vs a clean
- Why the blockage is coming back
If you’ve had more than one blockage in a short period, CCTV usually saves money long term.
How fast can emergency drain unblocking be in Bury?
Response time depends on workload and distance, but if you’re choosing a local team, you’re generally aiming for same-day support where possible. If you call, be ready to describe:
- Which drains are affected
- Whether the outside gully is overflowing
- Whether water is entering the property
- Any recent work (building, driveway, plumbing changes)
FAQs (great for snippets + GBP Q&A)
What should I do if my toilet is blocked and rising?
Stop flushing, turn off any nearby taps, try a plunger, and if it’s rising fast or smells like sewage, call an emergency engineer.
Is it safe to use drain cleaner chemicals?
If the drain is slow (not full), mild solutions can help. If it’s already backing up, chemicals can be dangerous and less effective.
Why does my drain keep blocking even after it’s cleared?
That often points to a deeper issue like roots, pipe damage, or build-up that needs jetting or CCTV inspection.
Can you unblock drains for businesses in Bury?
Yes — businesses often need urgent clearing to avoid closures and hygiene risks, especially kitchens and commercial properties.
If you’ve got a blocked drain in Bury and it’s backing up, don’t wait for it to turn into a bigger problem. Call Excel Drainage for emergency drain unblocking, jetting, or CCTV drain inspection.
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