Drain emergencies rarely come with a warning. Whether it is wastewater backing up into your kitchen or an outdoor manhole spilling during a storm, quick action is essential. If you are looking for emergency drain unblocking near me, Trents Drains is the trusted team in Bristol, Clevedon, Portishead, Yate, Keynsham, and surrounding areas.
In this guide, we explain exactly what to do when a drainage emergency occurs and how to prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.
Step One – Recognise the Urgent Warning Signs
Some drainage problems can wait, but others require immediate attention. The following signs often indicate a serious blockage that needs a professional response:
- Toilets or sinks overflowing
- Wastewater backing up into your property
- Strong sewage smells indoors or near external drains
- Gurgling sounds in multiple pipe systems
- More than one fixture blocked at once
If any of these symptoms are happening in your home or business, do not delay. Fast action can stop contamination, structural damage, and flooding.
Step Two – Avoid Making the Situation Worse
It is easy to reach for chemicals or tools when a drain is blocked, but in emergencies, this may do more harm than good. Pouring commercial drain cleaner can damage old pipework and make the blockage harder to shift. Likewise, plunging or probing too forcefully could dislodge joints or push debris deeper into the system.
Instead of trying DIY fixes, call an experienced drain unblocking team who can assess the issue with professional-grade equipment and expertise.
Step Three – Call a Local Emergency Drainage Company
The fastest way to resolve a blocked drain is to contact a local drainage specialist. Trents Drains operates throughout Bristol and nearby towns, with engineers on standby 24 hours a day. Choosing a local team means:
- Faster arrival at your property
- Better understanding of regional drain systems
- No expensive national call-out fees
- Personalised customer service
- Fully equipped vans to handle the issue immediately
Our engineers use tools like high-pressure water jetting and CCTV drain surveys to resolve emergencies on the spot, without disruption to your home or business.
Step Four – Understand What Caused the Blockage
Not all drain blockages have the same cause. Identifying the root problem is important to prevent it from happening again. The most common causes of emergency drainage issues include:
- Grease, fat, or food waste buildup
- Flushed wipes and sanitary products
- Tree root infiltration
- Damaged or collapsed pipework
- Misaligned drains or joint failures
Our team will inspect the system and provide a clear explanation of what caused the issue, and what can be done to prevent it in future.
Step Five – Take Preventative Measures Going Forward
Once your emergency has been dealt with, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to avoid another stressful situation:
- Install sink strainers to trap food and hair
- Dispose of fats and oils in the bin, not the sink
- Flush only toilet paper, nothing else
- Book annual drain health checks with CCTV
- Don’t ignore early signs like slow draining or bad smells
Trents Drains also offers routine maintenance services for homes and commercial properties across the Bristol area.
Need Urgent Help? Contact Trents Drains Now
If your property is affected by a drainage emergency in Bristol, Nailsea, Thornbury, Portishead, Keynsham, or the surrounding villages, contact Trents Drains right away. Our experienced team is on hand 24 hours a day, ready to deliver expert emergency drain unblocking services when you need them most.
Call us now for a fast, professional response. We will restore your drainage system to full working order with no delay and no hidden fees.

































