If drains flood or sewage backs up in Ivybridge, send a request and mark it urgent. You can do this at any time of day. Ask the engineer who takes it for an arrival time. Since every job differs, a written quote matters even when time is short.
A drain emergency means flooding, sewage coming back into the home or a drain that has failed. If it feels unsafe, mark your request urgent when you send it. You can send a request at any time, but the engineer who takes the job sets the arrival time. Since flooding can spread, send your request as soon as you can.
Ivybridge lies on the River Erme and has been part of the South Hams District Council area since 1974. Devon County Council is the lead local flood authority. It deals with surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses, while South West Water runs the sewers.
Where the flood comes from decides who deals with it. South West Water manages flooding from public sewers. Devon County Council leads on local flood risk from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. A drain that serves only your home is yours to clear, so report the problem to the right body as well.
Once the engineer arrives, they look for the cause of the flooding or backup. They may clear a pipe, pump out water or advise on repairs. Ask for a quote in writing, because urgent jobs can change in scope.
Tip for Ivybridge: Devon County Council deals with local flood risk, while South West Water manages sewers. If you are unsure who to tell, report to both. Stay safe first, because water and sewage can carry health risks.
Start by saying what is happening, such as flooding or sewage in the home. Mark the request as urgent, because that tells the engineer the job cannot wait. Add your contact details so the engineer can reply.
Since every engineer sets their own terms, ask before work starts. These questions help you compare quotes fairly. Keep the answers, because they are easier to compare in writing.
Arrival time depends on the engineer who takes your job. You can send a request at any time, day or night, and you should mark it urgent. Ask for an arrival time as soon as the engineer replies, because we cannot promise one.
Sewage coming back into the home, flooding from a drain or a drain collapse are urgent. A slow sink is not usually an emergency, because the water still drains. If anyone is at risk, keep people away from the water.
It can, because urgent work may mean out-of-hours time and extra equipment. Ask the engineer for a written quote and any call-out charge before you agree. If the flooding comes from a public sewer, the water company manages it, so report it to them as well.
The same service is also listed for emergency drain services in Plympton and emergency drain services in Plymstock. Each page has its own notes on drains and flooding, while the basic steps stay the same. You can read either one to compare.
For background, read what to do in a drain emergency. You can also browse all drainage pages for Ivybridge or the emergency drain services overview, since each one covers a different angle. Whichever page you choose, the request form at the top of this page stays the same.