
Emergency Unblocking
Emergency Unblocking When You Need It Most
A sudden blockage can bring your home or business to a standstill. Water backing up in a sink, a toilet that will not flush, or a shower tray filling too fast can quickly turn from inconvenient to unhygienic. Our emergency unblocking service is designed for fast response, clear communication, and safe results, any time you need help.
We handle urgent blockages across kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and external drainage. Whether the issue is a simple trapped obstruction or a deeper restriction in the pipework, we arrive prepared to diagnose the cause and clear it efficiently, with minimal disruption to your property.
Common Blockage Problems We Fix
Blockages rarely happen at a convenient time. They build up over weeks, then fail suddenly when water usage increases. We clear obstructions and restore flow while also looking for the underlying cause, so the same issue is less likely to return.
Typical emergency callouts include
- Kitchen sinks and waste pipes blocked by grease, food residue, coffee grounds, and soap buildup.
- Bathroom drains slowed or stopped by hair, limescale, and product residue in shower and bath traps.
- Toilets blocked by excess paper, wipes, sanitary items, or foreign objects.
- Outdoor drains restricted by leaves, silt, or debris washed in during heavy rain.
- Recurring backups where the blockage clears temporarily but returns, often pointing to a deeper line issue.
If you are unsure whether you need an urgent visit, treat any wastewater backup, persistent gurgling, foul odours, or overflowing fixtures as a priority. These signs can indicate pressure building in the system and can lead to leaks or damage if ignored. If you also need broader support beyond unblocking, our emergency plumbing services cover related faults that may be contributing to the problem.
Our Emergency Unblocking Process
Every property is different, so we focus on accurate troubleshooting first, then the safest method to clear the line. We aim for a solution that protects your pipes, avoids unnecessary mess, and restores normal use as quickly as possible.
- Initial assessment We ask a few quick questions and inspect affected fixtures to understand the symptoms and likely location of the blockage.
- Isolation and protection We reduce the risk of overflow, protect surrounding areas, and advise you on what to avoid using during the work.
- Targeted clearance We use the most suitable equipment for the blockage type and pipe layout, from traps and short runs to deeper pipework and external lines.
- Flow testing We run water through the system to confirm the blockage is fully cleared and that drainage is returning to normal.
- Advice to prevent repeat issues We explain what caused the blockage and what changes can help, such as better disposal habits or maintenance cleaning.
In some cases, a blockage is a symptom rather than the root problem. Collapsed pipe sections, misaligned joints, root ingress, or poor fall in drainage can create repeated restrictions. Where needed, we can recommend further checks and follow up work through our plumbing inspection services to confirm pipe condition and identify longer term fixes.
Emergency Unblocking for Homes and Businesses
We support both domestic and commercial clients, and we understand the difference in priorities. At home, hygiene and protecting floors, cabinetry, and ceilings are key. In a workplace, downtime, customer access, and compliance can become urgent.
Residential support
For households, we unblock toilets, sinks, showers, baths, and internal waste lines. We also address issues that can follow a blockage, such as slow drainage, bad smells, or minor leaks caused by pressure and overflow. If a blockage has led to visible water escape, we can advise on next steps to reduce damage while the area dries.
Commercial support
For businesses, we work with staff to keep disruption low, prioritise the most critical facilities, and restore service quickly. We can assist with shared bathrooms, staff kitchens, cafes, retail premises, and small office buildings, as well as external drainage points that affect access and safety.
Many urgent blockages can be resolved in one visit, but if your system needs additional attention, we can arrange follow up drain cleaning services to help prevent repeat callouts and keep drainage flowing reliably.
What You Can Do While You Wait
Taking the right steps before we arrive can reduce the risk of overflow and property damage. Avoid aggressive chemical cleaners, as they can be hazardous and may damage certain pipe materials. Instead, focus on limiting water use and keeping the area safe.
- Stop using the affected sink, toilet, or shower to prevent backup.
- Turn off nearby taps and appliances that drain into the same line, such as washing machines or dishwashers.
- If water is rising, place towels and a container nearby and keep children and pets away from the area.
- Do not force repeated flushing, as it can overflow and spread contaminated water.
- If safe, open windows for ventilation and avoid contact with wastewater.
Why Choose Our Emergency Unblocking Team
When a blockage becomes urgent, you need a service that is reliable, careful, and transparent. We focus on rapid response, clear explanations, and workmanship that respects your home or business. From the moment you contact us, we keep you informed about what is happening and what to expect during the visit.
Whether it is a blocked toilet before guests arrive or a backed up kitchen sink during a busy shift, our goal is to restore normal drainage quickly and help you avoid the same issue returning. Contact us to book an emergency unblocking visit and get your water flowing properly again.
FAQ
What should I do first if my toilet is overflowing due to a blockage?
Stop flushing immediately and turn off the water supply at the isolation valve if accessible. Keep the area clear and avoid using nearby fixtures that may drain into the same line. Call for emergency unblocking so the cause can be cleared safely.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use before an emergency visit?
It is usually best to avoid them, especially if the drain is fully blocked. Chemicals can splash back, create fumes, and may damage certain pipe materials. If you have already used one, tell the technician so they can work safely.
Why does my sink keep blocking even after it seems to clear?
Recurring blockages often mean there is buildup further along the pipe or a structural issue like a poor slope or damaged section. A full clearance and flow test can help, and an inspection may be needed to identify the underlying cause. Addressing the source reduces the chance of repeat emergencies.