Find drain clearance near me

Got a bad smell coming from your drain? Is the water in your sink, shower or toilet draining slowly?

Sounds like you need a local drain clearance professional to take a look.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Find a drain clearance specialist near you today with Checkatrade.

How to find drain clearance services near you

1. Search your postcode

Enter your postcode in our search tool to quickly find checked and reviewed drain clearance services in your area.

2. Check and compare

View profiles, check experience, and read customer reviews in an instant to create a shortlist of drain unblocking services.

3. Get in touch

Contact your chosen drainage company covering your local area to discuss the job and arrange a visit.

Why use Checkatrade to find drain clearance near you?

Our free directory makes it easier to find and compare local drain cleaning services you can trust.

That's because only drainage companies that pass our checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard appear in our listings.

Find and hire today with Checkatrade for a job done safely, efficiently, and with care.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Find local drain clearance services

• Find drain clearance services in Birmingham

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Find the drain services you need

• Find CCTV drain surveys near me

• Find 24 hour drain clearance near me

• Find drain repair near me

• Find drain jetting near me

• Find sewer clearance near me

• Find emergency sewer clearance near me

• Find plumbers near me

Why not download the Checkatrade app, for all the tradespeople you need at your fingertips?

Hear from homeowners like you...

This Leeds homeowner used Drain Jet when they were experiencing foul smells which they thought might be the sewers:

We got the guys from Drain Jet out and they managed to come the same day I called. Communication was very good. They jetted out the sewers explaining the process. They provided a CCTV video of the sewers and we’ve not had the issues with the smell since. Would definitely recommend.

Signs your drains need unblocking

The common signs of a blocked drain are:

• A bad smell

• Water draining slowly

• A gurgling sound

• A toilet that won’t flush

• Drain covers overflowing

How do professionals clear drains?

Professional drain clearance removes the blockage safely and helps reduce the risk of it coming back. Steps often include:

• Initial assessment – Identifying signs of blockage, such as slow drainage or bad smells

• Locating the problem – Often using CCTV drain cameras to find the exact cause and position

• Mechanical clearing – Using a powered drain 'snake' with cutting blades to break up clogs

• Drain rodding – Manually clearing deeper or harder-to-reach blockages

• High-pressure jetting – Blasting water through pipes to dislodge stubborn build-up

• Final checks – Ensuring water flows freely and the pipe is fully cleared

How much does it cost to clear a blocked drain in the UK?

• The average cost to unblock a domestic drain is around £85

• Clearing a drain by drain rodding costs around £85

• The average drain jetting cost is around £185

• Unblocking a toilet or sink using a drain snake will typically cost around £60–£90

Need to know how much emergency sewer clearance is? The work to unblock the drain itself will usually cost the same as a scheduled visit, but with an additional emergency call-out fee of around £180. For comparison, a call-out fee for a scheduled visit is more like £60 .

Our guide to typical drain unblocking costs goes into more detail.

Is professional drain cleaning worth it?

Although some clogs can be cleared at home using DIY methods, hiring a trusted drain clearance company near you is going to be a whole lot quicker and easier.

Here are some key reasons why professional drain clearance is worth the cost:

• Gets the job done first time

• Saves your the hassle (and mess!)

• Reduces future blockages by spotting any issues that need repairing using specialist CCTV cameras

• Clears hard-to-reach places using specialist equipment

Not just a problem with a blocked toilet? You may need a hand with a blocked drain, which could be inside or outside your property. Find drain and sewage clearance companies with Checkatrade.

Questions to ask a local drain clearance company

• Have you worked on properties in this area before? – Drain clearance services that operate locally will know of any existing problems in your area

• Are you fully insured? – Insurance gives you peace of mind that your property is protected in case of flooding or damage occurring during blockage removal

• Is your work guaranteed? – You want to ensure that once cleared, your drains don’t get blocked up again in the near future

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Why use Checkatrade to find drain clearance companies near you?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade tradesperson must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade

• Guaranteed - We guarantee Checkatrade tradespeople's work, claim up to £1,000 - T&Cs apply

Request a quote, search in the Checkatrade app, or enter your postcode below to find checked and reviewed drain unblocking services in your local area today.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Other FAQS about drain clearance services near you

What is soakaway clearance?

Soakaway drains are underground systems that redirect water (such as rainwater and wastewater) away from buildings to prevent flooding. Sometimes, they can become blocked by silt and leaves.

Soakaway clearance usually involves excavating around the soakaway system before using high-pressure water jets to attempt to clear the blockage.

Who can unblock outside drains?

A drain clearance expert or plumber will be able to unblock an outside drain.

Will the council unblock my drain?

No, the council will not unblock private drains. Maintaining and fixing house drains is the responsibility of the owner.

That said, your local authority environmental health department can order you to unblock a private sewer or drain if it’s not properly maintained.

How much would a local plumber charge to unblock a drain?

Unblocking a drain typically costs £80 to £200 for a standard domestic job. The price depends on the:

• Location

• Severity of the blockage

• Whether specialist equipment like jetting or CCTV is needed

• If it’s an emergency call-out

Always ask for a clear quote upfront.

Are blocked drains covered by insurance in the UK?

It depends on your policy. Most home insurance policies cover accidental damage to underground pipes, but not blockages caused by general build-up, grease, or poor maintenance.

Check your policy documents or speak to your insurer to confirm what’s included.

Can tree roots block drains?

Yes – tree roots are a common cause of blocked or damaged underground drains. Roots seek moisture and can enter small cracks in pipework, expanding inside the pipe and causing serious blockages.

A CCTV drain survey can confirm if roots are the issue.

How can you tell if a drain pipe is broken underground?

Common signs include frequent blockages, slow drainage in multiple fixtures, damp patches in your garden, or sewage smells outside. A professional CCTV survey is the most reliable way to diagnose broken pipework.

How often should drains be cleaned?

Most homes only need drain clearance when a problem occurs. However, if your property is prone to blockages, preventative cleaning every one to two years can help reduce the risk of major issues.

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