North Somerset Drain Unblocking: Emergency Steps You Can Take
- Drain Unblocker
- Dec 1, 2025
- 5 min read
By Aquablast Drain Services Ltd – Local Drainage Experts Covering North Somerset, Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Portishead
Blocked drains always seem to strike at the worst possible time — just before guests arrive, during heavy rain, or when your kitchen sink is full.
If you’re in North Somerset, from Weston-super-Mare to Clevedon, Portishead, or Nailsea, don’t panic.In this guide, Aquablast Drain Services Ltd shares practical emergency steps you can take to relieve a blockage safely before the professionals arrive.
We’ll cover what to do (and what not to do), the fastest DIY methods, and when it’s time to call in North Somerset’s most trusted drainage specialists.
💧 Recognising the Signs of a Drain Emergency
Blocked or partially blocked drains often start with small symptoms that quickly escalate.Here’s what to watch out for:
Gurgling or bubbling sounds in sinks, baths, or toilets
Slow draining water (especially after heavy rain)
Bad odours coming from plugholes or outdoor drains
Rising water levels in toilets or manholes
Overflow from external gullies or driveway drains
Damp patches or standing water in the garden
If you notice any of these, you likely have a developing blockage — and swift action can prevent damage and costly repairs.
🧰 For professional support, see our Drain Unblocking Service in North Somerset.
🪠 Step-by-Step: What to Do in a Drain Emergency
Follow these emergency steps before calling for help — they’re safe, effective, and may resolve minor blockages completely.
1. Stop Using Water Immediately
Turn off taps, dishwashers, washing machines, and stop flushing toilets.More water will only make the blockage worse or cause flooding.
2. Locate the Problem Area
Check if only one fixture (sink, toilet, or bath) is affected — this points to a local blockage.
If multiple fixtures are slow or backing up, it’s likely a main drain issue.
Check outdoor manholes or gullies for overflow or standing water.
🕵️ For an accurate diagnosis, our CCTV Drain Survey can pinpoint the exact cause — from root intrusion to collapsed pipes.
3. Try a Plunger (Safely)
Use a cup plunger for sinks or a flange plunger for toilets.Create a seal, plunge steadily for 15–20 strokes, then check flow.If it’s still slow, repeat once more.
Avoid excessive force — this can damage pipe joints or seals, especially in older North Somerset homes.
4. Use a Drain Snake or Auger
For stubborn blockages in sinks or baths, feed a drain snake into the pipe and twist to break up debris.You can buy inexpensive versions from local DIY stores.
If you meet resistance and can’t progress the auger, stop — you might have a solid obstruction requiring professional equipment.
💦 Learn how our High Pressure Jetting Service removes deep-rooted blockages quickly and safely.
5. Try the Baking Soda & Vinegar Trick (for Sinks)
Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar down the plughole.Let it fizz for 15–20 minutes, then flush with boiling water.This eco-friendly reaction helps break down grease and soap residue.
6. Inspect and Clear Outdoor Drains (if accessible)
If safe, remove the cover of your outside drain and look for debris or silt.Wear gloves and scoop out visible waste.Flush the drain with a hose to check water flow.
If water still pools or rises, you likely need professional jetting or pipe cleaning.
7. Don’t Use Chemical Cleaners
Avoid caustic drain cleaners — they can corrode your pipes and are unsafe if professional jetting is needed later.Instead, rely on mechanical clearing or call a qualified technician.
🧑🔧 For immediate help, call our Emergency Drainage Team — available 24/7 across North Somerset.
❌ What Not to Do During a Drain Emergency
🚫 Don’t keep flushing toilets or running taps
🚫 Don’t try to disassemble pipes unless confident
🚫 Don’t ignore overflowing manholes — this can be a health hazard
🚫 Don’t pour bleach or acids — they won’t fix the root cause
🚫 Don’t wait too long — water damage can escalate quickly
🔍 Common Causes of Drain Blockages in North Somerset
North Somerset’s combination of coastal humidity, older clay drains, and hard water make it particularly prone to:
Cause | Typical Location | Description |
Fat, Oil & Grease (FOG) | Kitchens | Congeals in cooler sections of pipes |
Hair & Soap Scum | Bathrooms | Combines to form tough sticky plugs |
Tree Root Intrusion | Gardens | Roots break through small cracks seeking moisture |
Scale Build-Up | Older homes | Limescale from hard water restricts flow |
Silt & Sand | Driveways / Yards | Washes into gullies during rainstorms |
Preventive care such as regular jetting and CCTV inspections keeps these issues from becoming emergencies.
Discover how our Drain Repairs & Relining can fix damaged or root-affected pipes without excavation.
⚙️ When to Call Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call a professional:
Overflowing or blocked manholes
Foul odours from multiple drains
Persistent gurgling despite plunging
Wastewater backing up into sinks or showers
Flooding in gardens or driveways
Our North Somerset drainage engineers are on call 24 hours a day, equipped with advanced tools like:
CCTV inspection cameras
High pressure water jetting machines
Root cutting and pipe relining systems
🌧️ Get fast help with Emergency Drainage Services anywhere in North Somerset.
🛠️ How Aquablast Fixes Emergency Drain Blockages
Inspection: We begin with a CCTV camera to locate the cause.
Jetting: High-pressure water removes grease, roots, and debris.
Verification: A post-jetting camera check confirms full clearance.
Prevention: We provide maintenance recommendations for lasting flow.
All work is carried out safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary excavation.
🏠 Serving All of North Somerset
Our local teams cover:
Clevedon
Portishead
Nailsea
Burnham-on-Sea
Congresbury
Backwell
Yatton
🧭 Visit our North Somerset Drain Services page for full coverage details.
🌿 Prevent Future Drain Emergencies
Dispose of cooking fats in bins, not sinks
Use drain strainers to catch food and hair
Run hot water weekly to flush soap and grease
Book annual jetting for older or high-use properties
Schedule CCTV surveys every 2–3 years for preventive maintenance
💧 Learn how High Pressure Jetting keeps drains clear long-term.
🔧 Why North Somerset Trusts Aquablast Drain Services
Over 25 years’ experience in residential & commercial drainage
24/7 emergency response with no call-out fees
Eco-friendly solutions (no harsh chemicals)
Fully equipped vans with CCTV, jetting & repair technology
Local expertise across the South West
We’re proud to be North Somerset’s go-to drainage experts — known for fast, friendly, and professional service.
📞 Call us on 0800 097 8255 or Contact Us Online for immediate assistance.
✅ Summary
Blocked drains can escalate from inconvenience to emergency quickly.By following safe, practical steps — and calling experienced professionals like Aquablast Drain Services Ltd — you can minimise damage and restore normal flow fast.
Whether it’s a kitchen blockage, a toilet overflow, or a collapsed drain, we’re available day and night across North Somerset.
🔗 Visit our Emergency Drainage Page or Drain Unblocking Service to get help right now.
📞 Contact Us Today
Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
📍 Serving Bristol and surrounding areas
📞 0800 097 8255
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