A drain that backs up during heavy rain may be dealing with more water than it can clear, or it may already be partially restricted.
The most useful first step is to look at the pattern: what is affected, when it happens, whether the issue is inside or outside, and whether it has happened before.
Quick checks
Use these quick checks to understand the issue:
- Which drain backs up
- Whether water is rainwater or sewage
- Whether internal toilets or sinks are affected
- Whether neighbours have similar issues
- Whether the same spot floods repeatedly
- Whether gullies are blocked with leaves or silt
What the symptoms can tell you
Partially blocked drains have less capacity
A drain that works in normal use may struggle during heavy rain if silt, leaves, roots or debris have narrowed the flow.
Outside gullies can block quickly
Leaves, mud and debris can collect in gullies and prevent surface water from clearing.
Shared systems may become overloaded
Where drains serve multiple properties, heavy rain may reveal wider restrictions or capacity issues.
When further investigation or help may be needed
Drainage support or CCTV investigation may be useful when symptoms keep returning or the cause is unclear.
- Water is backing up or overflowing
- More than one fixture is affected
- Bad smells or gurgling are present
- The same issue keeps returning
- An outside drain is involved
- The cause is unclear
Useful information to include in the enquiry
A short, practical summary helps the enquiry be understood quickly.
- Your postcode
- What is affected
- Whether it is inside or outside
- Whether water is backing up or overflowing
- Whether bad smells or gurgling are present
- Whether it has happened before
Common causes and practical indicators
Leaves and silt
Outside gullies can collect natural debris and restrict surface water.
Downstream restriction
Water can rise at the gully when the pipework beyond it is blocked.
Grease or waste
Nearby kitchen or utility waste can contribute to restrictions.
Heavy rainfall
Rain can reveal a drain that is already partly restricted.
Shared drainage
External symptoms can sometimes involve a shared drainage route.
LEEDS DRAINAGE HELP
Get help with drains backing up during heavy rain
Send a short description of what is happening, where the issue appears and whether water is backing up or overflowing.
Include your postcode and any details about previous clearing, recurring symptoms or outside drains that are affected.