Blog>Hiring Guides>Hiring a sewage clearance company
Last updated: 1 August 2024
Hiring a sewage clearance company
We outline the services offered by drain and sewer companies, the key things to know before you hire, and the average costs to expect.
Here, we outline how to hire the best drain and sewer services, so when the pipes in and around your home start to gurgle and bubble, you know who to call.
Maintaining your home's plumbing and drainage is essential to help prevent blockages, sewage backups, and damaged pipes.
But who should you contact for drain unblocking, which pipes are your responsibility, and how much can you expect to pay for drain and sewer services? Let's take a look...
Who do I call to unblock a drain?
If you're suffering from slow drainage from your sink, bath, or shower, standing water in the sink, or a raised water level in the toilet, you could have a blocked drain. You may have also noticed foul-smelling drains or even gurgling sounds coming from the plugholes.
In the event of any of these telltale signs, it's best to contact a drain clearance company without delay. Leaving the problem could lead to cracks and leaks in the pipes or waste backing up into your home.
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Who is responsible for clearing drains?
If you share a drain with neighbours that are on a road or pathway, contact your local water company for advice.
However, if the drain is within the boundary of your property, generally, you are responsible for them.
How to unblock a sewage drain outside?
The easiest and safest way to unblock a sewage drain outside is to contact a drain clearance specialist. They will have the tools, equipment, and experience to diagnose and fix the problem with relative ease.
If you wish to tackle the drain unblocking yourself, first, put on some heavy-duty waterproof gloves, a face mask, and protective overalls.
Remove the outside drain cover and reach down into the drain to see if you can locate and remove the blockage.
For stubborn blockages, contact a local drain clearance company. Find highly rated trades by entering your postcode, below.
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What makes a good drain and sewer company?
When facing a problem with blocked drains, you want to be assured that you're hiring the best drain and sewer services in your area. After all, you want to know that the issue is being dealt with efficiently and to a high standard.
When you hire a drain clearance company through Checkatrade, it's quick and simple to check:
Experience: See how long a firm has been trading and that they have experience in the services you need
Insurance: All Checkatrade members must have public liability insurance to be included in our directory
Reputation: Read verified reviews from previous customers to be sure you're making the right hire
Only trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.
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What services does a drain and sewer company offer?
Drain and sewer services encompass more than you might think, including:
Emergency drain clearance
Drain unblocking
CCTV drain surveys and inspections
Sewage cleanup services
Sewage removal
Regular maintenance
Pipe relining and repairs
Sewage pump installation and maintenance
Soakaway clearance
You can see all of the services Checkatrade members offer on their profiles, making it easy to select the right contractor for your job.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
How much does it cost to hire drain and sewer services?
Drain and sewer services vary in cost depending on the nature of the blockage, the method needed to remove it, and whether any pipe repairs are needed.
As a guide, expect to pay, on average:
£200for aCCTV drain survey
£85for drain rodding
£185for drain jetting (high-pressure water)
£270if both drain rodding and jetting are needed
£60–£90for drain snaking (more commonly used for indoor blockages)
Relining damaged drain pipes, costs, on average £300 per linear metre.
The average call-out cost for an engineer is£60 . In an emergency, they will likely charge around £180 to visit your property.
The typical hourly rate will vary depending on the service needed and the blockage size. However, drain specialists typically charge around £275 per day, which works out at around £31.25–£37.50per hour.
What's the average cost of unblocking a drain?
In this drain unblocking cost guide, we outline the typical cost of unblocking a drain - including drain jetting, rodding and lining prices.
How to hire trusted drain and sewer services
When you notice the signs of a blocked drain, it's best to act fast. First, check who is responsible for that particular part of the drainage system. Next, contact an experienced drain clearance company for help.
Find highly rated trades near you on Checkatrade
Read customer reviews to check a tradesperson's reputation and the quality of their work
Get at least three quotes from different companies to compare
Ready to find top-rated experts in drain clearance near you? Search your postcode, below, to get started.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job