Blocked drains don't always create an emergency situation. However, in some cases, a blocked drain can present a serious hazard. Below is a guide to three occasions when you should consider any blockage in the drainage system as an emergency.

When the blocked drain is leaking

If you notice that the blocked drain is also leaking, this constitutes an emergency. A leak which is close to the blockage could quickly lead to a situation in which a serious flood develops. A flood in your property could cause a lot of damage which will be expensive to repair. If there are electrical wires located near the pipe, it could also create the risk of electrocution. If you find that a blocked drain is leaking, you should immediately call a plumbing service.

When the blockage is close to a food preparation area

If the blocked drain is located close to a kitchen space, it should be considered an emergency. While blocked drains in other areas of a home can be annoying, they typically don't pose a serious health risk. However, a blocked drain provides the ideal location in which bacteria can thrive. This can present a severe hazard and can compromise the levels of hygiene in your kitchen. If a blockage occurs in the drain located in your kitchen, you should contact a plumber and ask them to visit your home as soon as possible.

When it could affect a wider area

The small network of drainage pipes in your property eventually feed into larger pipes which in turn connect to the public sewer pipe. If a small local drain on your property becomes blocked, it is unlikely to cause severe disruption. However, if a larger pipe or drain becomes blocked on your property, it could affect neighbouring properties located in the wider area. If you suspect that the blockage is located in a shared drainage pipe, it is vital that you take action to address the problem immediately. This type of obstruction could cause water to back up in all connected properties and could lead to serious flooding and extensive damage. Blockages which are located deep underground in shared pipes are often difficult to locate, so you will need the help of a plumber and a drain camera.

If you suspect that a drain on your property has become blocked, you should contact a plumbing service today for help with the proble.