When drains and sewers work as they should, we don’t give them a second thought. However, when things start to go wrong, the services of a trusted sewer clearance company near you are invaluable.
How to find sewer clearance near you
Sewer clearance may not be the most glamorous home maintenance task, but a functioning sewer is an essential part of any household.
Dealing with the problem as soon as it arises (or even planning for sewer clearance as part of regular home maintenance), can help to avoid more serious issues further down the line.
At Checkatrade, we can help you find expert sewer clearance near you with ease and confidence. You’ll only find trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards on our site.
Short on time? No problem. Leave it to us. Request a quote and we’ll get approved local members to contact you directly.
Your questions answered about sewer clearance services
Foul smells, slow drainage, and water backing up are all telltale signs that your drains and sewers need some attention. But what causes this, what can be done about it, and who should you call for help? We cover all this and more.
What’s the difference between a drain and a sewer?
Firstly, many people use the terms drain and sewer interchangeably, so what’s the difference?
A drain is the pipe that exits your property. When a drain from one property joins a drain from another property, it becomes a sewer.
Sewers are made up of a network of underground pipes that take wastewater and surface water run-off from the drains to treatment facilities or disposal points.
What causes blocked sewers?
There are several possible causes of blocked sewers. One of the most common reasons is disposing of items down the sink and/or toilet that should be placed in the bin. For example, baby wipes, grease, and cooking oil. These items build up in sewers and cause blockages.
In some instances, organic matter can be to blame. Roots from trees or shrubs can invade sewer lines, while heavy rain can wash debris into the sewer system.
How to tell if you have a blocked sewer?
Signs that you may have a blocked sewer include:
- Bad odours – foul smells coming from your drains or outside your property
- Slow drains – sinks, baths or showers that take longer than normal to drain
- Water backups – water backing up in your sink or toilet could indicate a significant blockage
- Gurgling sounds – hearing unusual sounds coming from your drains when water is running
- Lush patches on your lawn – unusually green areas of lawn could be due to an underground leak in the sewer line
What could happen if you ignore a blocked sewer?
If you notice the signs of a blocked sewer, it’s time to act. Ignoring the problem could lead to more expensive and serious issues.
Sewer lines dispose of waste products – it’s not something you wish to have backing up into your home. The bacteria and pathogens within the waste are health hazards, not to mention the physical damage to your property.
A leaky sewer line can also have a negative impact on the surrounding environment, contaminating water sources and harming wildlife.
Is sewer clearance only needed in an emergency?
You may only think of sewer clearance for emergencies, but regular maintenance can help to prevent issues before they become more serious. This is especially true of older properties, homes with a history of sewer problems, or those near lots of trees.
What services does a sewer clearance company offer?
A sewer service near you will usually offer expertise in several areas. These are likely to include:
- Blocked drains
- CCTV surveys for drains
- Drain inspections
- Drain repair
- Sewage pump installation and maintenance
- Soakaway clearance
- Emergency sewer clearance services.
When you search for a sewer clearance company near you on Checkatrade, it’s quick and simple to see the services they offer on their member profile page.
You’ll also be able to view:
- Their experience and the equipment they use – to ensure a thorough and efficient job
- Customer reviews – to check their reputation and the quality of their work
- Confirmation of public liability insurance – so you’re covered should an accident happen
How much does sewer clearance near me cost?
To investigate and unblock a drain costs on average:
- £275 for a CCTV drain survey
- £185 for drain clearing
- £270 for drain rodding and jetting
If repairs are needed to the drain line, average costs tend to sit around:
- £500 for materials and plant hire
- £300 for labour (per project)
- Replacing pipework is normally around £185 per m²
Our sewer line repair cost guide contains detailed information to help you budget for this project.
To ensure you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work, we recommend contacting 2-3 sewer clearance companies near you for a quote.
How do I find a reliable sewer service near me?
The best way to find expert sewer clearance firms near you is to follow these three steps.
1. Use a professional directory
Using a professional directory (such as Checkatrade!) removes the guesswork of finding quality trades. We check and approve all our members, so you can be confident in your hire.
We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
2. Read online reviews
Nowadays, it’s easy to find out how previous customers rate a trade by checking out their online reviews.
At Checkatrade, we check and verify all member reviews to ensure they’re from real customers about real jobs.
3. Ask for recommendations
Sewer blockages aren’t uncommon – perhaps a friend or neighbour has recently called upon a sewer service near you. Ask around for recommendations – just don’t forget to cross-check them on Checkatrade!
Ready to find the best sewer clearance companies near you? Simply enter your postcode below to get started.