When Is a Blocked Drain an Emergency?

Blocked drains range from a mildly annoying slow sink to a genuine emergency, and knowing the difference can save you money on unnecessary after-hours call-out fees.

Likely not an emergency

• A single sink or shower draining slowly
• One toilet that's blocked but others in the house work normally
• A drain that gurgles occasionally but isn't backing up

These can usually wait for a standard weekday appointment, though it's still worth getting them looked at before they get worse.

Likely an emergency

• Sewage backing up into sinks, showers or toilets
• Multiple drains blocked at the same time across the property
• Water overflowing from a toilet, drain or manhole
• A strong sewage smell inside the home

These situations usually indicate a blockage in the main sewer line rather than an isolated fixture, and can pose a health hazard if sewage is entering living areas. In these cases, an emergency plumber is worth the higher call-out cost.

What to do while you wait

Avoid running any more water or flushing toilets until the blockage is cleared, since this can make an overflow worse. If sewage has entered the home, keep people and pets away from the affected area.