Some businesses at a York shopping park had to close today (Wednesday) after problems with the drains.
Three cafés and toilets were shut at Vangarde.
And other food outlets were restricted to takeaway only so as not to exacerbate the issue.
The drains were not emptying as they should, leading to a back-up in the system.
The restrictions were brought in so as not to put too much pressure on the sewage system in the shopping park until the matter was fixed.
Vangarde put out a statement saying: “Current services status at retail outlets: M&S Store open, café and toilets temporarily closed.
“Tui and Specsavers open.
“Takeaway only at Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, and Nando’s. Prezzo and Estabulo temporarily shut.
“Mama Doreen’s open for service.”
A spokesperson for the shopping park said that a Yorkshire Water expert had arrived to look into the issue this afternoon.
They said that the pumping station had been tripped and needed to be re-set.
Vangarde will issue an update tomorrow morning (Thursday).