Blocked Sewer in Leicester

How to Tell It's the Sewer

The distinguishing feature is that multiple fixtures are affected at once. If your toilet gurgles when you run the bath, if the kitchen sink backs up when the washing machine drains, or if an outside chamber is overflowing, the main sewer — rather than an individual drain — is the problem.

Causes of a Blocked Sewer

Grease and fat build-up is the most common cause, especially on older clay sewer runs in Leicester's inner suburbs. "Fatbergs" — solidified masses of fat, wet wipes and other non-degradable material — cause serious blockages in shared sewers. Root ingress through clay joints is another frequent cause; mature street trees in the Clarendon Park and Stoneygate areas send roots long distances seeking moisture. A partial or full collapse can also cause a total blockage.

How We Clear It

High-pressure water jetting is the primary clearing method for sewer blockages — it breaks up solid material and cleans the pipe walls simultaneously. For root ingress we use a cutting tool first, then jetting. We confirm clearance with CCTV if the cause isn't obvious or if the blockage has been recurring.

Severn Trent Responsibility

If the blockage is in the shared public sewer (in the road), it is Severn Trent's responsibility to clear at no charge to you. We can help you establish which side of the boundary the blockage is on. If it's in your private drain (between your property and the boundary), it is your responsibility.

Related services: Drain Jetting · Sewer Repairs · Emergency Drain