Drain Unblocking Cost

How Much Does it Cost to Unblock a Drain?

If you notice a strange odour outside your home or your sink takes forever to drain, you may have a blocked drain.

But, before you put on your overalls and tool belt, you must first understand if the blockage is your fault?

If it's a private drain within your property's boundaries, it's your responsibility to keep and fix it, and you can proceed.

If an external drain, such as a lateral drain shared with your neighbours, is clogged, you may not be alone in this problem and could fall under the responsibility of your water and sewerage company.

However, if you do need to hire someone let's go over the various costs involved to unclog a drain in your home.

The cost of drain unblocking is affected by various factors including your location, the length of the obstruction in the drains or drain size, and the methods needed to remove it.

An initial call-out fee will cost around £60 - £80 for a qualified professional to visit your home and assess the problem. Additional charges will be incurred for the unclogging service provided.

If you only have a minor blockage, unclogging should cost around £80 - £100 plus labour, whereas larger blockages may necessitate jetting, which can cost up to £200 - £400.

There is no set price for drain unclogging and jetting because the time and labour involved vary from job to job.

Before hiring a contractor, check your home insurance policy, as many policies cover drain unblocking.

Your insurance company may be able to get in touch with a drain cleaning company for you, but there is often a £100 - £130 minimum call-out fee if you use this method.

If one of your interior drains becomes clogged it is your responsibility to unclog it.

Pouring fat or oil from your delightful roast dinners or coffee beans down the sink are two common causes of kitchen blockages.

If your bathroom sink or bath drain is clogged, it's usually due to hair or clumps of soap that have accumulated.

The cost of unclogging drains will vary depending on the problem and the method used. Unblocking a clogged toilet, bath, or sink, for example, will cost around £50 to £70, whereas general draining cleaning will cost around £80 to £100.

Finally, prices will always vary depending on the difficulties involved in the job at hand and the time you require a service; evening and weekend problems typically cost more, and most emergency services will incur a fee.

Drain Clearance Cost List

The table below will break down the costs of unblocking a drain:

What is the Supply Cost to Unblock a Drain?

Almost everyone will encounter a clogged drain at some point in their lives. Clogged drains are frequently caused by soap, food, mud, hair, or other material build-up. This build-up reduces water flow and can cause a mouldy odour within your home.

We'll go over the supplies needed to unclog a drain here, so if you want to buy the components yourself or DIY the job to save money, you'll find out what you'll need to buy here!

Plungers are a commonly used tool that can help clear minor clogs in toilets, sinks and showers. This will cost between £3 and £7.

A manual drain snake resembles a long cable with a corkscrew-like end. A handle is attached to the cable, which is used to pump the cable through with a drain and manoeuvred until they break through the clog. This typically costs between £50 and £150, depending on what type is required.

A motorised drain snake works in the same way as a manual drain snake but are usually used on larger pipes or even more stubborn clogs. They are available in both wired as well as cordless versions and have fully automated feeds that help with cable movement. This will cost between £200 and £300 to purchase.

A drain auger is comparable to the drain snake and are mostly used to unclog sinks and relatively small drains. They can also be used for larger pipes, such as those in the toilet or shower and are available in both manual and motorised versions. A drain auger costs between £100 and £150.

A tool which most plumbers use is a hydro-jet. This device pushes high-pressure water through pipes to decompose drain build-up. It is typically quicker and more accurate than a standard drain snake and not only clears the clog but also clean the drains. To purchase a hydro-jet expect to pay between £80 and £150.

Cable cleaning is a cost-effective method for clearing clogs, with prices ranging from £40 to £90. These machines use spinning blades to cut through blockages and clean pipe walls.

There are two main types: sectional and continuous. Sectional cleaners use shorter, replaceable cables that are easier to handle and safer to operate, while continuous machines use a longer, single cable that’s bulkier but creates less mess. Both options are effective for various plumbing jobs.

Regardless of how many drains cleaning tools plumbers have, a few plumbers use tools that can be found in the home. For example, baking soda and vinegar create a bubbling reaction that can help to loosen a clog and clean residue from the pipes.

Baking soda ranges in price from £1 to £5, while vinegar ranges in price from £2 to £6.

The supply costs to unblock a drain will be listed in the table below:

What Additional Costs of Unblocking a Drain Are There?

It's critical to keep your outside drains in good working order to avoid issues occuring.

Outside drain blockages are commonly caused by leaves, twigs, soil, mud, moss, litter, and other outdoor debris. However, the objects you pour or flush down your pipes on the inside could be just as (if not more) dangerous.

Pouring fat, oil, or coffee grounds down the sink, just like your inside drains, does not make a happy outside drain. Similarly, flushing wet wipes or sanitary items down a toilet or allowing hair and soap to accumulate in your shower frequently results in disaster.

Therefore, when this happens, you may decide to have additional work done to your home to save on labour costs, or other additional costs may add up to your overall price.

Here we will go over the different additional costs of unblocking a drain, so you know what to expect!

CCTV Drain Survey Cost

It may be recommended for you to have a cctv drain survey done of your pipes.This may be essential if clogging is a recurring problem.

A thorough inspection of your pipes will allow the tradesperson to pinpoint the blockage or determine who is liable for the unblocking, whether you, a neighbour or the local utilities provider.

The cost of a CCTV drain survey varies according to the type of survey performed.

• A basic CCTV drain survey typically costs between £65 and £165.
• A full CCTV drain survey with a report costs between £200 and £350.

The cost of the survey will be determined by the type of survey requested, the condition and size of the drainage system, the ease of access, and your location in the United Kingdom.

Those who live in and around London can expect to pay more than those who live in the North or other parts of the UK.

Gutter Cleaning

Gutter and downpipe cleaning is an essential maintenance task that can help prevent serious drainage issues. Over time, gutters and downpipes can become clogged with leaves, moss, dirt, and debris, leading to water overflow, damp problems, blocked drains and even structural damage.

The cost of gutter and downpipe cleaning will depend on the size of your property, the amount of debris, and ease of access. Homes with multiple stories or awkward rooflines may require specialist equipment such as ladders, gutter vacuums, or scaffolding, which can increase the price.

If the build up of debris has already casued a drainage issue you may find your gutters need repairing or even replaced. The typical labour cost for installing guttering on a house is about £200 to £300.

Drains Guards or Filters

Fitting drain guards or filters is a simple yet highly effective way to prevent blockages in your drainage system. These covers or filters are designed to catch leaves, food waste, hair, and other debris before they enter your pipes, reducing the risk of clogs and costly repairs. By trapping debris at the surface, these devices help maintain the smooth flow of water and prevent issues such as foul odours, slow drainage, or pipe damage.

The cost of installing drain guards or filters is generally low, with basic drain covers starting from as little as £5, while more robust metal grates or fitted systems may range from £20 to £50.

Professional installation is often included as part of an unblocking service.

Garden Maintenance

Regular garden maintenance plays a key role in preventing blocked drains, especially in homes with outdoor drainage systems. Keeping your garden tidy by trimming trees and bushes, raking leaves, and properly disposing of garden waste reduces the risk of debris entering your drains.

To hire a gardener to come and do regular maintenace for you expect to pay between £12 - £59 per hour.

What Impacts Drain Clearance Costs?

Here are the common cost factors you may encounter when unblocking your drains:

Type of Blockage

The type of blockage will have a significant impact on the overall cost. For instance, if your drains are clogged, drain jetting could cost as little as £70 to £180. However, a more extensive job, such as drain relocation, may cost up to £5,000.

Drainage Dimensions

The length of your drainage system will influence the cost, as most drain specialists charge drainage cost per metre. A larger block on a drain will also take a lot longer to clean or repair, increasing labour costs.

Drainage System Condition

The state of your drainage system will also have an impact on the cost. For example, if you're having your drains cleaned due to a blockage, you'll pay a lot more if they haven't been fleshed out in a long time.

If parts of your drainage system break, you will be charged extra for repair or even a new model if they are beyond repair.

Size of the Job

Multiple drain blockages vs a single drain blockage may appear to be obvious at first glance, but any problem that appears could be a symptom of a larger problem lurking in the piping.

Similarly, estimating the difficulty of a task will be difficult unless you are familiar with plumbing. However, the overall cost will be higher if a more skilled plumber is used or the task takes longer to complete.

Tradesmen Cost to Unblock a Drain

When a drain blocks in your home, you will require a plumber to help you out to fix the issue.

Sadly, not all plumbing tasks are enjoyable, and all plumbing systems are prone to breakage or damage. Plumbers are far less costly than the damage done by ignoring a problem.

They are highly trained specialists who can handle a wide range of issues, such as unclogging drains or toilets, repairing damaged fittings, replacing dangerous water heaters, and repairing leaks.

The cost of hiring a plumber varies according to where you live in the country as well as the type of service you provide. The typical plumber charges between £40 and £80 per hour.

Plumbers' day rates range from £180 to £350 per day but expect to pay 20 - 30% more per day if you need a plumber to also install an appliance in your home.

Emergency call-out fees are typically set at twice the standard hourly rate, but they include the first hours’ worth of labour. So expect to have to pay 2.5 to 3 times the standard hourly rate for an urgent plumber call out.

Sinks, toilets, as well as other plumbing components that are hard to access or require dismantling and reassembly later will take longer and cost more.

How Long Does It Take to Unblock a Drain?

Depending on what drain is blocked will depend on the duration of the job. Here we will go over the different durations to unblock a drain, so you will know how long the tradesmen will be at your home.

If your toilet does not flush, the water does not drain, water gurgles in your shower/bath drain, and liquids come out of the sewage clean-up outside your home, you have a blocked toilet. If you need to call an emergency plumber to unclog a toilet, the job will most likely take 1 to 2 hours.

Like a clogged toilet, a clogged sink usually occurs when something that would not have gone down the drain does. In restrooms, hair and small objects are common, whereas grease, oil, and bits of food are frequent in kitchens.

Like unclogging a toilet, unclogging a sink should take 30 minutes to an hour and require no special tools. High-pressure water jetting, both of which take about an hour to complete. A more involved job, such as a complete system clearout, can take up to 2 hours to complete.

The table below will break down the durations to unblock a drain:

Types of Unblocking Drain Methods

A clogged drain is one of the most common reasons for calling a plumber. However, blocked sinks are really the root cause of a wide range of minor issues, from foul odours to water that simply won't drain.

However, if these problems are allowed to worsen, life can quickly become a nightmare. In this section, we will discuss the various methods for unblocking and draining and their benefits and drawbacks.

Drain Jetting

Drain jetting, also known as water jetting or jet drain cleaning, is a cleaning method that blasts a high-force jet of water through a flexible hose to break down blockages in drains and pipes.

Once the obstruction has been identified, the hose is directed at the offending blockage or the drain jetting machine is activated; the impact of the water on the obstruction causes a breakdown in the materials, and the blockage is cleared with persistence.

You may notice that sewage and other unpleasant items escape from the open drain while your tradesperson is unclogging it – your tradesperson will wash away any overflow that has occurred during the unclogging process.

Pros

• Highly effective at breaking down stubborn blockages
• Thoroughly cleans the inside of pipes
• Environmentally friendly, as it uses only high-pressure water

Cons

• It can create a slight mess
• Not suitable for pipes in poor condition

Drain Rodding

Drain rodding is a common drainage technique used by professionals that involve the use of flexible rods. These rods are screwed together from end to end to fit into a drain and loosen or break up a blockage. This method typically costs between £80 and £145.

Because the rods can quickly dislodge a small obstruction, this technique is suited for smaller blockages in sinks or mainstream sewer pipes. They can also be used to remove roots that have grown into the drain or sewer.

The disadvantage of using drain rodding is that it is not suitable for more extensive blockages because it is only useful for breaking up clots rather than completely removing them.

Pros

• Good for small blockages
• Can remove roots that have grown over time
• Simple, low-cost method

Cons

• Not suited for bigger blockages
• Risk of damaging pipes if used incorrectly

Plunger

Because the plunger is designed to unclog toilets and drains, it is used first. Next, a plunger aids in the removal of a blockage by using a vacuum. Once a blockage is loose, we can dislodge it completely.

Pros

• Works for small blockages
• Quick solution for common household clogs
• Inexpensive and easy to use

Cons

• No good for big blockages
• Messy to use, particularly in toilets
• May require repeated effort to clear blockage

Toilet Snake

If the plunger does not completely unclog the toilet, which it frequently does, we will use the auger or toilet snake. This device employs a rotating head to break through any blockages that may exist further down your pipes.

Pros

• Effective at removing deep, hard-to-reach blockages
• Reusable and durable
• Useful for both toilets and drains with tight bends

Cons

• May not be suitable for large blockages
• Improper use could damage pipes or toilet fixtures

Auger

An auger is one of the most useful tools in the arsenal of a professional plumber. They are also referred to as plumbing snakes.

This adaptable tool can snake its way over any drain to reach the clog. As a result, it can be found in both the kitchen and bathroom.

Pros

• Versatile
• Highly effective for reaching hard-to-access blockages
• Reusable and long-lasting

Cons

• More expensive than basic tools
• Needs plumbing experience for safe and effective use

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to unblock a drain?

A: In a measuring cup, combine 1/3 cup bicarbonate of soda and 1/3 cup vinegar. It will fizz instantly, and you should pour it down the clogged drain as soon as possible.

The fizzing action will aid in the removal of gunk, hair, and grime that has accumulated in the pipe.

Q: When should you call a plumber out to help?

A: If your home's drains are clogged, emit an unpleasant odour, or are impossible to unclog with a plunger, it's time to call a plumber.

Plungers are frequently effective in clearing drains, but if they are not, you will need the assistance of a plumber.

How do you know if your drains are blocked?

• Unpleasant odours emanate from the drain. Drains that are clogged emit foul/unpleasant odours.
• Drainage is slow. Any water that is present in the pipe will drain slowly if there is a blockage.
• Water levels have risen.
• Sounds of gurgling.

Q: How do drains block up?

A: If it's an indoor blockage, it could be due to the flushing of heavy materials or objects down the drain.

Sanitary products, paper towels, and other difficult-to-flush materials can clog pipes and obstruct drains, resulting in overflowing drains. In addition, wipes, tissues, and even hair can be a source of contamination.

Q: Can drains unblock themselves?

A: Depending on the nature of the blockage, drains can unclog themselves in some cases.

For example, if your drain becomes clogged due to tree root infiltration, it will be unable to unclog itself, and you may require an engineer to conduct a CCTV drain survey to assess the problem and find a solution.

Author: Emma M

I am a Liverpool-based freelance writer with a degree in Media and Communications. I specialise in product reviews, home improvement and DIY content. I am also experienced in social media management and content marketing.