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Homeowners, property managers, and business owners alike know the inconvenience and potential hazard of a blocked drain. Whether it’s disrupting your daily routine or affecting the operation of your business, clogged drains need prompt attention.
But how much should you expect to pay for drain unblocking services in the UK?
Here at Any Drains Direct, we understand the importance of clear, upfront pricing.
This blog aims to demystify the cost of drain unblocking services, ensuring you’re well-informed before picking up the phone.
Key drain unblocking services average price list
| Standard call out | £55 |
| Emergency/out of hours call out | £175 |
| Localised unblocking (clogged sink, toilet, bath) | £60 |
| Drain jetting | £180 |
| Drain rodding | £75 |
| Rodding and jetting | £270 |
| Basic CCTV drain survey | £160 |
| Full CCTV drain survey (inc. drain survey report) | £275 |
| Drain relining (per linear metre) | £100 |
These are average costs that have been calculated using a range of quotes from UK drain specialists. For the most accurate quote, it’s always best to contact a drain cleaning company directly to fully discuss your needs.
Factors that can influence cost
Numerous variables play a role in determining the expense of drain unblocking.
These factors encompass:
- The blockage’s size and complexity
- The technique used for unblocking a drain
- The presence of any damages in the drain pipes.
Overview of each drain unblocking service
Standard call out (average cost £55)
What it is
A standard call out fee covers the initial inspection and minor unblocking efforts. It’s the base cost for a professional to visit your location during regular hours. This service is perfect for those instances when you’re not facing an urgent issue but still require professional assessment and potential minor intervention.
What it solves
A standard call out fee is usually sufficient for minor blockages caused by a build-up of debris, such as hair or food particles. It may also be suitable for smaller obstructions in the internal plumbing.
What’s usually included in standard call out cost
- A thorough inspection of the affected area/drain blockage
- Minor unblocking efforts using drain rods or jetting equipment if applicable
- General advice and recommendations for future maintenance.
Emergency/out of hours call out (average cost £175)
What it is
An emergency or out of hours call out fee covers the cost of a professional to attend your location during non-business hours, such as evenings, weekends, and holidays. This service is typically more expensive than a standard call out fee but provides peace of mind for urgent situations.
What it solves
This type of call out fee is suitable for emergency situations where immediate intervention is required to prevent potential hazards or damage.
What’s usually included in emergency call out cost
- Prompt response time within the agreed-upon timeframe
- A thorough inspection of the affected area
- Drain unclogging efforts using appropriate equipment
- General advice and recommendations for future maintenance.
Localised unblocking of sinks, toilets or baths (average cost £60)
What it is
This service involves unblocking a specific drain, such as a sink, toilet or bath usually through the use of equipment such as drain snakes or augers. It’s usually charged at a fixed rate and covers the cost of materials and labour for unclogging drains internally.
What it solves
Localised unblocking services are suitable for isolated blocked drains that haven’t spread to other areas of your drainage system and where additional equipment, such as drain rods, are not required to clear the blockage.
What’s usually included in localised unblocking cost
- Inspection of the affected area
- Unblocking efforts using appropriate equipment e.g drain snake
Drain jetting (average cost £180)
What it is
Drain jetting, also known as high-pressure water jetting, involves using a powerful stream of water to clear blockages from pipes. This technique is highly effective for removing stubborn debris, such as grease or small tree roots.
What it solves
Drain jetting is suitable for more severe blockages that cannot be easily cleared using traditional methods. It can also help prevent future clogs by thoroughly cleaning the inside of the pipes. Drain jetting is also an effective method of drain cleaning, as well as unblocking drains.
What’s usually included in jetting costs
- High-pressure water jetting to clear blockages and clean the pipes
- Inspection of the pipes using a CCTV camera to ensure all obstructions have been removed
- General advice and recommendations for future maintenance.
Drain rodding (average cost £75)
What it is
Drain rodding involves using a flexible drain rod, or multiple rods, to clear blockages from drain pipes. This method is ideal for shorter or less severe clogs.
What it solves
Drain rodding is suitable for minor blockages caused by debris or objects that are easily pushed through the pipes. It can also be used as a preventative measure to keep drains clear.
What’s usually included in drain rodding cost
- Use of flexible drain rods to push and dislodge obstructions
- Inspection of the pipes using a CCTV camera if necessary
- General advice and recommendations for future maintenance.
Rodding and jetting (average cost £270)
What it is
A combination of the two, rodding and jetting used together offer a more comprehensive solution for stubborn or complex clogs.
What it solves
This service is suitable for severe blockages that require more than one technique to clear. It can also be used as a preventative measure for regular maintenance.
What’s usually included in rodding and jetting cost
- Drain jetting to remove stubborn debris
- Rodding to push and dislodge any remaining obstructions
- Inspection of the pipes using a CCTV camera if necessary
- General advice and recommendations for future maintenance.
Basic CCTV drain survey (average cost £160)
What it is
A basic CCTV drain survey involves using a high-fidelity camera to assess the condition of your drain pipes. This service can help identify any potential issues or damages that may be causing blockages.
What it solves
This type of survey is perfect for identifying the cause and location of persistent blockages, as well as assessing the overall health of your drains.
What’s usually included in basic CCTV survey cost
- A thorough CCTV inspection of the drain pipes
- A verbal report outlining any issues or damages found
- General advice and recommendations for future maintenance.
Full CCTV drain survey, including drain survey report (average cost £275)
What it is
Similar to a basic survey, a full CCTV drain survey provides a more detailed analysis of your drain system’s condition. This service includes a comprehensive report with recorded footage and recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
What it solves
A full survey is beneficial for property owners looking to purchase a new home or identify potential issues before they become major problems. It is also a good choice for business owners who have a complex network of drains that may require a comprehensive inspection and a supplementary report to prove that they adhere to certain regulations. Having a CCTV survey performed as part of regular drain maintenance can identify issues before they become costly and hugely disruptive to your business operations or day-to-day home life.
What’s usually included in full drain CCTV survey cost
- A comprehensive CCTV inspection of the drain pipes
- A detailed written report with recorded footage and analysis
- Recommendations for any required repairs or future maintenance.
Drain Relining per linear metre (average cost £100)
What it is
Drain relining is a trenchless method for repairing damaged drains. It essentially involves installing a new lining inside the existing pipe, restoring its functionality without the need for excavation. The cost per linear metre allows for pricing based on the extent of the required relining.
What it solves
Drain relining is a cost-effective solution for repairing damaged or deteriorating pipes without the need for disruptive excavation. It is also a more environmentally friendly option as it eliminates the need to replace entire sections of pipe.
What’s usually included in drain lining cost
- Thorough cleaning of the existing pipe using high-pressure water jetting
- Insertion and inflation of a new lining material into the pipe
- Curing process to harden the lining and restore functionality. This service is usually charged per linear metre, depending on the length and size of the affected area.
FAQ
How do I know if my drain is blocked?
Telltale signs of a blocked drain include:
- Slow draining water from sinks, showers, or bathtubs
- Gurgling noises coming from plumbing fixtures
- Unpleasant odours emanating from drains
- Water backing up out of drains or toilets
- Localised flooding in areas surrounding sinks or drains
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is likely that your drain is blocked and will require professional attention.
How can I stop my drain from getting blocked?
To help prevent drain blockages, follow these tips:
- Avoid putting grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain
- Use a hair catcher in shower and bathtub drains to catch hair and debris
- Dispose of non-biodegradable items properly (e.g. wet wipes)
- Regularly clean out sink strainers to prevent buildup
- Schedule regular drain maintenance services to catch any potential issues before they become major blockages.
Doing these things can help keep your drains clear and functioning properly.
How often should I have my drains inspected?
It is recommended to have your drains inspected at least once every year as part of regular maintenance. However, if you notice any signs of a blocked drain, do not hesitate to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
Which service is best for drain cleaning?
The best service for drain cleaning will depend on the severity and cause of the blockage. For general maintenance and minor blockages, rodding or jetting may be sufficient. For more stubborn or complex clogs, a combination of rodding and jetting is recommended. A CCTV drain survey can also help identify any underlying issues that may be causing frequent blockages.
Can I use DIY methods to unblock my drain?
While there are some DIY methods that can help clear minor blockages, it is always best to seek professional assistance for more severe or persistent clogs. Attempting to unclog a drain on your own may cause further damage and end up being more costly in the long run. It is always best to leave drain maintenance and repairs to trained professionals.
However, if you do choose to try DIY methods, here are some suggestions that may work with minor blockages:
- Pour boiling water down the drain
- Use a plunger to try and dislodge the blockage
- Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, let it sit in the drain for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
If these methods do not work, it is best to seek professional assistance.
Key takeaways
- Drain cleaning costs vary depending on the complexity and severity of the issue, with prices starting from around £90 for simple manual unblocking to £275 for a full CCTV drain survey including a detailed report.
- Additional services such as high-pressure water jetting to remove stubborn debris and drain relining for damaged pipes are typically charged per service or per linear metre, with drain relining averaging £100 per linear metre.
- Regular drain maintenance and inspections are recommended to prevent blockages, and while DIY methods can address minor clogs, professional services are best for severe or persistent blockages to avoid further damage and costs.
Need help with a blocked drain?
At Any Drains Direct, we take pride in offering transparent, competitive pricing for all our drain unblocking and drain cleaning services. Our team of skilled professionals is ready to tackle any issue, backed by our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
For the most accurate quote tailored to your specific needs, contact Any Drains Direct today. Our experts are on hand to assist, with personalised advice and solutions designed to keep your drains flowing smoothly and a free, no-obligation quote for every service.