A sewage emergency is one of the worst problems a homeowner can face. When a drain fails, from a blockage, collapse, or pump fault, raw sewage can back up into your home. Since sewage carries harmful germs, an expert clean is a must for health and safety. Our teams work around the clock, with gear to contain, clear, and clean the affected areas.
Request an emergency callout through our online form, open 24/7. Since sewage jobs get our top priority, we send an engineer with full gear to contain and clear it.
On arrival, we put on protective gear and isolate the sewage source where we can. While that's underway, we start pumping out standing sewage with heavy-duty gear.
We find and fix the cause of the backup, whether that's a blockage, a burst pipe, or a broken pump. Since flow must return to normal, we use jetting gear or quick repairs to sort it.
We clean and disinfect the affected areas to cut health risks. Since a deep clean sometimes helps too, we advise on this and give you a report for your insurer.
The cost of a sewage emergency callout depends on how bad the mess is and the work needed. Containment, clearance, and a basic clean are all part of the job. However, request a fast, fixed-price quote online. We confirm costs as soon as we've seen the job, with no call-out fee.
Yes, raw sewage carries harmful germs, such as E. coli, along with viruses and other bugs. Avoid direct contact, and keep children and pets away from the area. Since cleanup without gear is risky, we strongly advise a professional clean and disinfect.
Stay out of affected rooms and ventilate the area by opening windows. Turn off electricity at the consumer unit if sewage is near sockets, and don't flush toilets or run taps, since this can worsen the backup. If possible, place towels at doorways to stop sewage spreading further.
If the backup comes from the public sewer rather than your own pipes, Southern Water is in charge of the fix. We can check whether the fault sits in your own pipes or the public network. If it's a public sewer issue, we give emergency containment while you contact Southern Water.
You might also find our guides Turning Off Your Water in an Emergency: A Step-by-Step Guide and Emergency Drain Problems: What to Do Before Help Arrives , useful.