If you’ve got a blocked drain it’s important to stop using it as soon as possible. That means not running your taps, not flushing the toilet and not using appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

If you suspect you have a blocked drain you should contact your local plumbing engineer.

If you’d like to take a look inside your drain yourself, ensure you have protective clothing to hand and follow the steps below:

Remove the cover

To gain access to your drain you need to lift the inspection cover. Often rusted shut, you may need to use a screwdriver to prise open the cover.

If your drain cover has a handle tie some string or wire to it in order to get better grip.

Clear the obstruction

With a flashlight look into your drain and locate the cause of the blockage. Use a rod with a plunger attachment or something with a long handle, that you won’t mind throwing away, to dislodge the blockage.

Flush with water

Once you’ve removed the obstruction, flush the drain thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining debris. Before you replace the cover, run your taps and ensure the water drains away as normal.