How much does it cost to unblock a drain in London?

Managing a home or a business means dealing with the unexpected, and unblocking drains certainly falls into that category. Beyond the inconvenience, drain blockages can potentially lead to health risks if not addressed promptly.

However, you might be wondering, “What’s the drain unblocking cost in London?”

At BDS Drainage, we believe in clear, upfront pricing. So, in this blog post, we’ll delve into the price associated with drain unblocking services, so you know what to expect before reaching out for help.

Averages for key drain unblocking services

Typical service call	£55
Emergency/after hours service call	£175
Locally-targeted unblocking (blocked sink, toilet, bathtub)	£60
Drain jetting	£180
Drain rodding	£75
Drain rodding and jetting	£270
Basic CCTV drain assessment	£160
Complete CCTV drain assessment	£275
Drain relining (per linear metre)	£100

These rates are averages, compiled using a variety of quotations from UK drain specialists. For the most accurate estimation, it’s always best to directly connect with a drain cleaning company like BDS Drainage to thoroughly discuss your requirements.

What can influence the cost of drain unblocking?

The cost for such services depends on a few variables, which include:

• The size and complexity of the blockage
• The technique employed to unblock drains
• The existence of any damage in the drain pipes.

Quick rundown of drain cleaning costs

Typical service call (average cost £55)

What’s involved: A typical service call fee includes the initial inspection and minor drain unblocking procedures. This is the base price for a professional to visit you during normal hours. This service is ideal for issues that aren’t urgent but still need professional evaluation and possible minor intervention.

Emergency/after-hours service call (average cost £175)

What’s involved: An emergency or after-hours service call covers the expense of a professional visiting your location outside of working hours, i.e., evenings, weekends, and holidays. Though this service normally costs more than a typical call out, it delivers peace of mind in urgent situations where drain blockages are causing immediate problems.

Locally-targeted unblocking of sinks, toilets, or baths (average cost £60)

What’s involved: This service deals with unblocking a specific drain, like a sink, toilet or bath. It’s generally charged at a fixed rate and includes the cost of materials and labour needed for internal drain unclogging.

Drain jetting (average cost £180)

What’s involved: Drain jetting, or high-pressure water jetting, utilises a forceful stream of water throughout your drainage system to remove blockages from pipes. This drain cleaning method is incredibly useful for eliminating stubborn debris and is a fast and effective way to clear blocked drains.

Drain rodding (average cost £75)

What’s involved: Drain rodding involves applying flexible drain rods (or drain snakes)  to eliminate blockages from the drain pipes. A drain snake is perfect for shorter or minor blockages.

Drain rodding and jetting (average cost £270)

What’s involved: A combination of rodding and jetting offers a comprehensive solution for severe blockages and is a “belt and braces” approach to tackling a drain blockage.

Basic CCTV blocked drain assessment (average cost £160)

What’s involved: A basic CCTV drain survey involves using a high-definition camera to check the condition of your drain pipes. This service can help identify potential issues or damages causing blockages.

Full surveillance using CCTV for drains, including detailed report (average cost £275)

What’s involved: A step up from a basic assessment, a full CCTV drain assessment provides a more extensive analysis of your drain system’s state. The full drain cctv survey cost includes a comprehensive report with recorded footage and recommendations for any required repairs or maintenance.

Drain Relining per linear metre (average cost £100)

What’s involved: Drain relining is a trenchless technique for repairing damaged drains. This method essentially fits a new lining inside the existing pipe, restoring its functionality without the need for digging. Drain lining cost is usually charged per linear metre allowing the price to be set based on the extent of the required relining.

FAQ

How can I tell if my drain is blocked?

Common indicators of a blocked drain include:

• Water draining slowly from sinks, showers, or bathtubs
• Gurgling sounds from plumbing fixtures
• Unpleasant odours coming from drains
• Water backing up from drains or toilets
• Localised flooding around sinks or drains

If you notice any of these signs, your drain is likely blocked and needs professional attention.

How can I prevent my drain from getting blocked?

To help prevent blockages, follow these tips:

• Avoid pouring grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain
• Use a hair catcher in showers and bathtubs to trap hair and debris
• Properly dispose of non-biodegradable items like wet wipes
• Regularly clean out sink strainers to prevent buildup
• Schedule regular drain maintenance to catch potential issues early

By following these guidelines, you can keep your drains clear and functioning properly.

How often should I have my drains inspected?

Drains should be inspected at least once a year as part of regular maintenance. If you notice any signs of a blockage, schedule an inspection immediately.

Which service is best for drain cleaning?

The best drain cleaning service depends on the severity and cause of the blockage. For general maintenance and minor blockages, rodding or jetting may suffice. For more stubborn clogs, a combination of rodding and jetting is recommended. A CCTV drain survey can also identify underlying issues causing frequent blockages.

Can I use DIY methods to unblock my drain?

While some DIY methods can clear minor blockages, it’s best to seek professional help for severe or persistent clogs. Attempting to unclog a drain yourself may cause further damage and end up costing more. However, for minor blockages, you can try:

• Pouring boiling water down the drain
• Using a plunger to dislodge the blockage
• Creating a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, letting it sit for 15 minutes, then flushing with hot water

If these methods don’t work, contact a professional for assistance.

Conclusion

The cost of unclogging drains varies based on the severity and complexity of the issue. Prices start from approximately £90 for straightforward manual unblocking to £275 for a complete CCTV drain assessment including a detailed report.

Additional services such as high-pressure water jetting and drain relining are charged per service or per linear metre. Drain relining averages at £100 per linear metre.

Regular drain maintenance and checks are recommended to prevent blockages, and while DIY methods can handle small clogs, experts are best for severe or persistent blockages to avoid further harm and costs.

Get your London drains unblocked today!

At BDS Drainage, we take pride in offering transparent, competitive pricing for all our drain unblocking and drain cleaning services.

Contact BDS Drainage today for an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs, personalised advice from our experts, and solutions designed to keep your drains running smoothly.