How to deal with drains and water problems in your home
Useful information for dealing with drains and water problems in your home.
| Problem | Things you can do | Who can help |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked or damaged toilets | Don't put items down the toilet other than toilet paper. Personal hygiene and nappy waste should be put in your black bag waste. | Request a housing repair as soon as possible. If the toilet is damaged an inspector will look at it before the plumber visits. |
| Blocked bathroom sinks and baths | Fit a small plughole cover to catch small items before they go down the plughole. Hair and soap build up can both cause problems. | Request a housing repair |
| Burst water pipe | Turn off the water at the stop valve. Switch off the central heating system. Switch off the electricity at the mains. Switch off any water heaters. Turn on all the taps to sinks and baths to drain the water from the pipes. | Emergency repairs |
| Blocked kitchen waste gully | If there is a build-up of leaves, soil or other similar waste around the gully you should clear it away. Prevent blocking the drain by making sure oil, fat and food waste is not put down the kitchen sink. | Request a housing repair |
| Blocked or overflowing inspection chamber | Prevent blockages by not putting items other than toilet paper down the toilet. Avoid flushing the toilet or running taps until an inspection has been made. | Emergency repairs |
| Blocked gutter or rainwater gully | If there is a build-up of leaves, soil or other similar waste around the gully you should clear it away. Fit a drainpipe cover around the lower neck of the pipe to enclose the gully area. | Request a housing repair |
| Flooding or roads or pavements | If the road or pavement is flooded it may be down to blocked gullies | Report blocked gullies or flooding of roads or pathways |