HIRING GUIDES
Who do I call for a blocked drain - plumber or drain company?
Updated 10/26
By: Laura Macdonald
Reviewed: Kim Staples
Slow drainage, standing water, and foul odours are all signs of a potential blockage. If you're facing any of these issues, you may be wondering: Who do I call for a blocked drain?
How to spot the signs of a blockage
Whether you need a plumber or drain company
When your water company should help
Who is responsible for which drain
How to stop drains from getting blocked again
How to find the right service to fix it
In short, the right tradesperson for the job is either a plumber or a specialist drainage company. In some cases, the answer may be your water company.
Keep reading, and we'll explain which circumstances call for which person or company.
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Signs of a blocked drain
You may have a blocked drain if you're facing any of these problems:
Slow drainage in the bath, shower, or sink
Standing water in the sink
A raised water level in the toilet bowl
Unpleasant odours coming from the drains
Gurgling sounds from drains or plugholes
While slow drainage in a blocked sink or shower is frustrating, waste or sewage coming back up the toilet or sink is a serious health risk and should be treated as an emergency.
What happens if you don't unblock the drain?
Rarely will a blocked drain fix itself. When a drain is left blocked up, it can have more serious consequences.
If water is unable to pass through the drain, it'll cause a build-up of pressure. This can result in cracks and leaks, which can lead to damp, rot, and mould. It can also force the water and waste to flow back toward your home.
Who do I call for a blocked drain?
Depending on your particular scenario, you may need to contact any of the following...
Before you call anyone, ask your neighbours whether they have the same problem. If they do, it's more likely to be a shared drain or sewer issue.
For a blocked drain inside your home: Call a plumber
For blockages in sinks, baths, showers, and toilets, a plumber is usually the right first call. They can clear most internal blockages and fix any pipework problems they uncover.
If the water is overflowing, you may want an emergency plumber to get there quickly.
For outside drains: Call a drain clearance company
For blocked outside drains, repeat blockages, or problems underground, a specialist drain clearance company has the equipment - such as jetting and CCTV cameras - to find and fix the cause.
For shared drains and sewers: Call your water company
If your neighbours are affected too, the blockage may be in a shared drain or public sewer. Contact your water company first, as they may investigate this free of charge if it's their responsibility.
If it turns out the problem is in your own pipes, they'll tell you.
If you rent: Call your landlord
If you rent your home, report the blockage to your landlord or property management company. They're usually responsible for arranging repairs, unless the blockage was caused by misuse.
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Whose responsibility is the drain?
As a general rule, you're responsible for the drains within your property boundary that serve only your home.
Since 2011, water companies have taken responsibility for most shared drains and for pipes beyond your boundary - so if the drain is outside of your property line, they're the ones to call.
If in doubt, your water company can help you work out who's responsible.
Who unblocks drains in an emergency?
Many drain and sewer clearance companies offer 24-hour call-outs.
Consider it an emergency if sewage is coming back into your home, or if you can't use your toilet or bathroom at all. Our guide to whether a blocked drain is an emergency can help you decide.
Emergency call-outs generally cost more, so ask about call-out fees and hourly rates before you agree to the work.
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Can you unblock a drain yourself?
Some blockages can indeed be cleared at home. With a plunger, a plumber's snake, or drain rods, you can deal with minor blockages in sinks and outside drains.
Just remember:
Wear waterproof gloves, a face mask, and old clothes
Follow product instructions carefully if you use drain cleaners, and never mix chemicals
Stop and call in some help if the blockage doesn't shift, it keeps returning, or you suspect a broken pipe
Our guide on how to clear a drain provides step-by-step guidance on how to tackle common blockages in various types of drains.
If in any doubt, contact a local plumber to help unblock drains within your home.
How to unblock a drain: DIY steps, signs to watch for, and when to call a plumber
Learn how to unblock your drains with our easy-to-follow guide. With a variety of methods to return your shower, sink, toilet & bath drains to working order.
How much does unblocking a drain cost?
The average cost to unblock a drain using drain rodding (one of the most common methods) is £85, plus an average call-out fee of £60.
The exact cost depends on where the blockage is, the method needed, and whether any repairs are required. Emergency and out-of-hours call-outs cost more.
For current price ranges for rodding, jetting and other methods, see our drain unblocking cost guide. If you need a camera inspection to find the cause, our CCTV drain survey cost guide can help.
Drain unblocking cost calculator
Want a quick estimate? Try Checkatrade's AI-assisted pricing tool for a rough cost based on past Checkatrade jobs.
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My drain keeps blocking, what should I do?
If you've either unblocked your drain yourself or had the blockage cleared, and it's still causing problems, what should you do?
The cause is usually what's going down it, but continued blockages can also point to damaged pipes or possibly even tree roots underground.
How to prevent blockages in your kitchen, bathroom, and garden drains
Kitchen: Scrape plates into the bin or food waste caddy before washing them, and use a strainer in the plughole. Don't pour fats and oils down the drain - let them cool and solidify, then put them in a sealed container in the bin.
Shower: Use a hair trap and clear it after every time you use it.
Outside: Check outside drains and gullies regularly, especially after heavy rain and in autumn when leaves build up. Clear out any leaves and debris as soon as you spot it.
How to hire a tradesperson to unblock your drains
Regularly flushing your drains with baking soda and vinegar can help to keep them clear and fresh. And having a plumber's snake or drain rod to hand can help to keep on top of small blockages as and when they occur.
But who should you call for a blocked drain that you can't remedy yourself?
For internal blockages, a plumber will be able to assist, but for blockages in external drains, it's usually a job for a specialist drain clearance company.
To start searching for clearance services in your area, enter your postcode into the box below to browse your options.
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FAQs
If the blockage is in a sewer or shared drain that's their responsibility, then yes, your water company will usually deal with it at no charge. If it's in your own pipes, you'll need to arrange and pay for the work yourself.
Often, yes, plumbers can fix simple outdoor blockages. However, a specialist drain clearance company is better for tackling outside drains, repeat blockages, or suspected pipe damage.
Some buildings insurance policies include cover for drain blockages or damage, but not all of them. It may depend on the cause. Check your policy and call your insurer before you arrange work.
If your neighbours are having the same problem, it's more likely to be the sewer. If only your home is affected, it's probably in your own drain or plumbing.
It can be. If sewage is backing up or you can't use your toilet, treat it as urgent and contact an emergency plumber or drain unblocking service.
A slow-draining sink, on the other hand, can usually stand to wait a few days to get fixed.
Common causes are food waste, oils and fats, hair, wet wipes, and leaves. Persistent blockages can also mean damaged pipes or roots, which a CCTV survey can identify.
Dealing with a blocked drain, whether inside or outside your property? Find drain and sewage clearance companies with Checkatrade.
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