You should call a plumber when a blocked drain does not clear with simple steps, or when the signs point to something bigger than one plughole. Water backing up, bad smells and several fittings draining slowly are all good reasons to get help. A single slow basin can often be tackled at home first.
What You Can Safely Try First
If only one sink, basin or shower is slow, start with the simple things. Clear any hair or debris you can see near the plughole. A sink plunger can often shift a blockage close to the trap.
It is best to avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can damage some pipes and seals, and they can be dangerous if they splash or mix with other products. If a plumber is called later, chemicals left in the pipe can also make the job less safe.
If a plunger has not worked after a few tries, it is a sign the blockage may be deeper or more stubborn than it looks.
Signs the Problem Is Bigger Than One Plughole
Some signs suggest the blockage is further down the system. The main ones are:
- several fittings draining slowly at the same time
- water coming back up in a shower, bath or sink when another one is used
- gurgling sounds from plugholes or the toilet
- sewage smells inside or around the home
- an outside drain or gully overflowing
These signs may point to a blockage in a shared waste pipe or the main drain. They do not always mean something serious, but they are worth getting checked rather than leaving.
If dirty water or sewage is coming back up, keep people and pets away from it. Do not keep running taps or using the affected fittings, as this can make the overflow worse.
Blockages That Keep Coming Back
A drain that blocks again and again is another good reason to call a plumber. It may mean the first blockage was never fully cleared, or that there is build-up further along the pipe. Our page on blocked drain clearance for your home covers sinks, basins, baths, showers, waste pipes and outside drains serving the property.
Keeping a note of how often the drain blocks, and which fittings are affected, can help a plumber narrow down the cause.
Who Is Responsible for the Drain?
Not every blockage is the homeowner’s to fix. Drains within your property boundary that serve only your home are usually your responsibility. Sewers shared with neighbours are often the responsibility of the water company, which in Swindon is Thames Water.
If neighbours are having the same problem at the same time, it may be worth contacting Thames Water as well as a plumber. A plumber can help you understand whether the issue looks private or shared, but the water company decides on its own pipes.
Toilets need slightly different care. Our page on blocked toilet clearance explains what to do if a toilet will not flush away.
If you have a blocked drain and are not sure what to do next, call Emergency Plumber Swindon on 01793 569521. We help homes and businesses across Swindon, and we are happy to talk it through.