Emergency drain services in Reading typically respond within 30 to 60 minutes. Local providers such as 24hrs Drainage are based in town and work across surrounding areas including Caversham, Whitley, Earley and Tilehurst. Because our drainage engineers live nearby and are fully equipped at all times, there is no delay waiting on equipment or navigating unfamiliar roads. We respond promptly to blocked drains, wastewater flooding, foul odours, and overflowing manholes. Whether you are dealing with domestic drainage faults or commercial sewer problems, having a qualified technician on-site quickly helps prevent property damage, avoid business disruption and restore flow efficiently.
When a drain backs up or a manhole chamber overflows, water can damage flooring, electrics, plasterwork and furnishings. This becomes more serious in older Reading homes where combined sewers and shared connections are still common. A blockage in one property can affect the entire lateral system on that line.
During heavy rainfall, surface water enters gullies faster than the foul water network can manage, especially in flood-risk areas near the River Thames or River Kennet. If the system is blocked or overwhelmed, wastewater can enter basements, kitchens or ground floor toilets. Acting quickly limits water ingress, isolates the fault and protects public health. Standing water also encourages mould, bacteria and pest activity if left untreated.
At 24hrs Drainage, we operate from Reading and dispatch from multiple nearby locations including Southcote, Shinfield and Lower Earley. This reduces mileage, avoids national delays and improves average response time. Our engineers are familiar with local infrastructure, access issues and drainage layouts. This includes Victorian properties, student lets, business parks, and Reading Borough Council social housing units.
Our work covers drain jetting, emergency unblocking, sewer tracing, toilet flooding, gully clearance and water ingress management. Each van carries professional inspection and repair equipment, so we rarely need return visits. We also hold public liability insurance and ensure every job meets health and safety regulations.
Pro Tip: Always keep your external gullies clear of leaves and debris in autumn. It helps prevent water pooling near your home.
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Peak traffic on the A33, A329 and London Road can delay service, especially near Reading Station or Broad Street. On narrow streets like those in East Reading or older terraced areas, parking and restricted access also slow arrival times.
Some providers use call centres or online platforms that delay job allocation. At 24hrs Drainage, we answer all calls ourselves and assign a local drainage engineer immediately using real-time vehicle tracking.
Property type, risk category and service level agreement also influence response time. For instance, care homes, food premises and large residential lets are prioritised.
Our vans are equipped with:
High pressure water jetting machines for chemical-free drain clearance
Mechanical root cutters for tree root intrusion
Push rod and crawler CCTV cameras for drain inspection
Locators for mapping buried pipework
Confined space access kits for chamber entry
We maintain accurate data on high-risk flooding zones and use smart routing to avoid known delays. Our jetting nozzles operate at high pressure without damaging pipe interiors, making it an eco-friendly solution with long-term results. Visit our emergency drain unblocking page to see how we manage urgent callouts.
In Whitley, we responded to a collapsed gully affecting a takeaway kitchen. Our technician arrived in 45 minutes and used a water jetting system and CCTV survey to clear and isolate the fault. The business was able to remain open.
In Tilehurst, a blocked stack pipe caused a flood at 3.15am. We attended within 33 minutes, cleared the obstruction and sanitised the area. The tenant avoided further water damage.
On Broad Street, shared drainage from student accommodation overflowed due to sanitary waste. We arrived in 35 minutes and cleared the chamber fully. Preventative advice was shared with the letting agent.
Our reviews consistently mention words like reliable, quick, respectful and professional. Homeowners value the direct contact with qualified technicians. Letting agents appreciate our fast service and full reporting.
To view verified feedback, see our customer testimonials.
Pro Tip:Avoid pouring oil or fat down the sink—even in small amounts. Use a sealed container and bin it to protect your pipes.
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Acting calmly and quickly can help prevent more serious problems. Here’s what helps:
Avoid flushing toilets, running sinks or using appliances. This prevents backflow and helps our team work more efficiently when they arrive.
Use cloths, towels or containers to manage any overflow. Avoid electrical contact and keep people away from the water.
Ventilate rooms by opening windows or using extractor fans. This reduces lingering smells and keeps moisture levels down.
If safe to do so, inspect nearby manhole covers or yard gullies. Let us know if there is surface pooling, debris or foul water present.
In kitchens and bathrooms, removing debris from sink traps can help prevent worsening blockages. Use gloves and rinse thoroughly.
For advice on drainage risk zones, see Reading Borough Council’s flooding and drainage resource. We also recommend routine roof gutter cleaning to prevent storm water buildup around property foundations.
We are based in Reading, run our own fleet, and employ qualified drainage technicians who know the area well. When you ring us, you speak to an engineer who understands the system layout, access conditions and how to resolve the problem safely.
We regularly work with:
Letting agents and housing associations
Homeowners and tenants
Commercial premises and food outlets
Schools, colleges and student accommodation
Our services include emergency jetting, drain excavation, pipe repair, gully cleaning and drainage CCTV inspections.
We take part in clean-up events and offer public advice on preventing blockages. Educating residents on fat, oil and grease disposal or the impact of flushing wipes keeps everyone’s system in better condition. Like Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue, we’re proud to support our local community in practical, everyday ways.
Need immediate support? Contact us directly using our drainage contact form or call us now for fast dispatch. We’re nearby and ready to help.
Further Useful Reading: UK Government Flood Risk Maps – for verifying flood-prone properties in Reading
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24hrs Drainage Limited
33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday : Open and available 24 hours per day
Drain Services
We provide Drainage Services across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, London, Oxfordshire, and the surrounding areas.
Contact Us
If You’re Dealing With Blocked Drains Or Require Drain Repairs, You’ve Come To The Right Destination. Contact Our Team Today At 0800 0209198 For Professional Guidance And A Complimentary, No-Obligation Quote!
We are the premier providers of comprehensive drainage solutions in Reading and throughout Berkshire. With years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, we are your trusted partners for all your domestic and commercial drainage needs.
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