What equipment should a professional drainage engineer have? +
A properly equipped drainage engineer should have high-pressure water jetting equipment (typically 3,000+ PSI), a CCTV drain camera for surveys, electro-mechanical cleaning machines, drain rods, and root cutting attachments. They should also carry personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, eye protection and waterproof clothing. Be wary of anyone who turns up with just a set of drain rods — they will struggle with anything beyond a minor blockage.
Can I unblock my own drain or should I call a professional? +
Simple blockages near plugholes can sometimes be cleared with a plunger or drain snake. However, if you have sewage backing up, multiple drains blocked at once, or persistent foul smells, you should call a professional drainage engineer in Burton upon Trent. Using chemical drain cleaners on severe blockages rarely works and can damage older clay pipes. Professional high-pressure jetting is far more effective and safer for your drainage system.
Are emergency drainage engineers available at weekends in Burton upon Trent? +
Yes, most emergency drainage services covering Burton upon Trent operate 7 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Sewage backups and flooding drains are genuine emergencies that cannot wait until Monday. Expect to pay a premium of around 25% to 50% for weekend and out-of-hours call-outs compared to weekday rates.
Can I build over an existing drain on my property? +
Building over or near a public sewer requires a Build Over Agreement from your water company. For private drains, you do not need permission but you must ensure the drain remains accessible for maintenance. Building Regulations require that drains under or near buildings are adequately protected. A CCTV drain survey before and after construction is strongly recommended to prove the drain's condition.
What should I do if my drain is overflowing outside? +
If an external drain or manhole is overflowing, check whether it is a shared drain serving multiple properties. Since October 2011, lateral drains and public sewers became the responsibility of your water company, so contact them first if the blockage is beyond your property boundary. If it is a private drain within your boundary, call a drainage engineer in Burton upon Trent to clear the blockage.
Who is responsible for drains — me or the water company? +
You are responsible for private drains within your property boundary. Since October 2011, lateral drains (the section that runs from your boundary to the public sewer) and the public sewer itself are the responsibility of your local water company. If a blockage is beyond your property boundary, contact your water company first — they will clear it at no charge. A drainage engineer in Burton upon Trent can help identify where the blockage is.