Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>How to start a drain cleaning business
Last updated: 2 January 2025
How to start a drain cleaning business
Are you thinking of setting up a new drainage business? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll talk you through how to start a drain cleaning business in the UK with our top tips and a step-by-step guide.
In this article you'll find:
From initial research to registering your new business, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about starting a drain cleaning business.
Steps for starting a drain cleaning business
Preparation is the key to success when starting a drain cleaning business – or any business for that matter.
To get you started, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide for drain cleaning business start-ups:
1. Research the market
The first step for starting your drain cleaning business is to do your homework and understand if there’s a demand for your services.
Some of the best ways to do that include:
Speaking to friends, neighbours and local businesses to see if there’s an appetite for your new business
Looking at any existing drain cleaning companies in your area and reviewing their pricing and the services they offer
Identify who your target audience will be so you know who you’ll be focusing on
By doing thorough research, you can save yourself a lot of effort and stress later on.
2. Choose the services to offer
A key element to starting a new business is to find your niche so you can become the go-to business for those drain cleaning services in your area.
As a drain cleaning business, you might want to consider offering some of the following services:
CCTV drain surveys
High-pressure jet washing
Drain lining and patching
Septic tank and cesspit emptying
Grease trap cleaning
From your research, hopefully you’ll have an idea of which services will have a high enough demand locally.
You may want to offer a combination of services to target residential, commercial, and/or industrial drainage systems.
Grow your drain cleaning business with Checkatrade
Find more work in your local area as a member
3. Create a drain cleaning business plan
A clear and thorough drain cleaning business plan will put you in a strong position to start your new business.
Ideally, your business plan will cover the key aspects of your business, including:
Choosing your business structure of sole trader vs limited company
Estimating your business costs (equipment, vehicle, licensing, marketing, running costs), expected revenue, and how you plan to make a profit
A strategy for growing your business once you’re established, such as offering additional services or hiring a team
Opportunities and threats for your business – both present and future
The more you prepare and plan your business, the more likely you’ll succeed in running a thriving business.
How to write a business plan
Why use a business plan for a small business? Every business needs to create a business plan. But what is it? A business plan is a written document that outlines: 1. Where you are now 2. Where you want your business to be in the future 3. How you're going to get there. A clear business plan will
4. Register your business
Once you have a clear idea of what your new drain cleaning business will look like, it’s time to sort out all the legal stuff:
Register with HMRC as either a sole trader or limited company (and for a limited company you’ll also need to register with Companies House)
If you plan to employ staff, make sure you’re aware of employment laws and payroll requirements
Check local council regulations to see if they will affect the drain cleaning services you’re going to offer
If your estimated annual turnover is more than £85,000 then you’ll need to register for VAT too
You can also find a lot of useful information about registering your business on Gov.uk.
5. Invest in the right drain cleaning equipment
If you want to run a reliable, efficient drain cleaning business, you’ll need the right equipment for the job.
And, great news, we’ve already put together a dedicated guide to the best drain cleaning tools to help you decide what equipment to invest in:
What are the best drain cleaning tools for your trade business?
Whether you’re starting a new drain cleaning business or expanding your existing one, it’s important to understand what drain cleaning tools are out there. So, keep reading to find out which tools are available and how to choose the right ones for your business. Best drain cleaning tools in the UK
Make a list of the tools and equipment you need. Then research reliable suppliers and start building a relationship with them.
Want to save money on business essentials? Joining Checkatrade gives you access to exclusive offers and discounts with our partners.
Our members get more for their money
Save money on business essentials with your Checkatrade membership
6. Get business insurance
To protect your business and equipment, it’s important to set up the relevant insurance policies.
Depending on the exact drain cleaning services you’re offering, consider the following:
Public Liability Insurance – Protects your business against any damage or injury claims that may arise while you’re working
Vehicle Insurance – If you use a business vehicle, you need to have the right commercial vehicle insurance
Tools & Equipment Insurance – Enjoy peace of mind that your drain cleaning tools and equipment are protected in the event of theft or damage
To get the best insurance deals, shop around and get multiple quotes from different insurance providers.
Checkatrade members save 20% on public liability insurance with Superscript
The right insurance is just as essential as the tools of your trade. It can protect you and your livelihood from any incidents. It can also provide cover for your clients should anything happen while you're on site. You might be thinking that "insurance is expensive!" So, to help you get covered for
7. Determine your pricing strategy
To work out how much you’re going to charge, start by looking at what your competitors are charging for similar services.
To ensure that you make a profit from your drain cleaning services, you’ll need to:
Factor in all the costs of running your business, including initial set-up costs, equipment, materials, any travel costs, etc
Decide how you’re going to charge, e.g. per call-out, per hour, with memberships, bulk discounts, etc
Be competitive compared to your competitors’ prices for similar services
Offer discounts and/or service plans for regular bookings
Want to know more about pricing services? Take a look at our guide below:
How to price your services
Your pricing strategy will ultimately dictate how much revenue you generate and what profit you can make. We’ve put together an overview of the main types of pricing strategies to help you with the pricing strategy for your business. What is a pricing strategy? Simply put, your pricing strategy
Start marketing your new business
With everything set up and ready to go, it’s time to let the world know about your new drain cleaning business.
Some of the best ways to promote your new business include:
Digital marketing with a well-designed business website that’s optimised for SEO, social media activity, and paid online ads
Traditional print marketing that targets potential customers in your local area
Word of mouth encouraged by you offering first-rate drain cleaning services – and maybe a referral scheme
Every new business is different so try a variety of marketing and advertising methods and see what works. Then do more of that.
How to generate cleaning leads
Why do you need more cleaning leads? Cleanliness is an essential part of every home. Having great interior design is pointless if it all looks a bit shabby. And with people being busier and busier, there's always homeowner interest for cleaning services like yours. Do you work in any of the
Ideas for your drain cleaning business start-up
The more creative you can be with your approach to your new business, the more likely you are to succeed.
Here are some ideas to help you stand out from the drain cleaning crowd:
Embrace sustainability – Customers are increasingly eco-conscious and are often attracted to businesses that are sustainable and eco-friendly
Offer a 24/7 emergency service – Drainage issues can often create an urgent need for drainage services, so offer help outside normal hours
Build relationships with landlords and letting agents – By offering special deals you could win maintenance work across multiple properties
Offer seasonal promotions – Make the most of autumn and winter fallen leaves by promoting gutter and drain clearing
Offer preventative maintenance packages – Offer customers a subscription service for you to regularly check and maintain their drains
By being proactive, you can build a trusted local drain cleaning business that’s in demand all year round.
Our members get more for their money
Save money on business essentials with your Checkatrade membership
Boost your business with Checkatrade
Becoming a Checkatrade member can work wonders for your new drain cleaning business, making it easier for customers to find you.
Be seen by customers with a business profile on the UK’s leading trade directory
Get an online listing on Google
Access more leads – there were over 297,000 searches for drain and sewer clearance jobs on the Checkatrade website in 2024 alone*
The Checkatrade tick that homeowners trust can help you secure more work
Save money with exclusive access to offers and discounts from our partners
Already a member? Log in to our members' app now to see what offers are currently available!
FAQs
Is drain cleaning a good business?
Yes, starting a drain cleaning business in the UK can be a very good business idea.
There’s generally a steady demand for drainage services, potential for high earnings, and flexibility to set your own prices.
Want to know more? Check out our guide on how much drain cleaners earn.
Is a drain cleaning business profitable?
There’s excellent earning potential for a drain cleaning business. Below are some of the average earnings of drain cleaners in the UK:
| Level | Per hour | Per day | Per year | Business Costs* | Approximate Take Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £6.30 | £50.40 | £11,060 | £0 | £10,720 |
| Newly Qualified | £10.00 | £80 | £17,560 | £0 | £15,340 |
| Employed | £14.00 | £112 | £29,120 | £0 | £23,300 |
| Sole Trader | £23.00 | £256 | £47,200 | £5,900 | £30,640 |
| Business Owner (ltd company) | £40.00 | £320 | £59,000 | £10,325 | £38,900 |
| *includes estimated costs for business expenses such as vehicle, tools, insurance, fuel etc | |||||
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||||
How to start a drain clearing business?
Start by reading this guide and following the steps we recommend. And remember…
Plan, plan, and plan some more so that you’re as prepared as possible to run your own business
Always offer excellent customer service by being friendly, reliable and communicating well with your clients
Be eco-conscious with your business and use eco-friendly products and materials, where possible
Reach out for help when you need it, whether that’s hiring an accountant, speaking to a business bank manager, or asking loved ones for advice
Track all your finances with vigilant bookkeeping so that you know how much money you’re making and spending at any point in time
Evolve when needed by offering new services, focusing on specialist work, or covering a larger area
Be patient and understand that it will take time to get established and build a solid reputation
Wondering how you can grow your drain cleaning business? Start by reading our top tips for growing a trade business.
What do I need to start a drainage business?
To get started, here are some of the essentials that you’ll need for your new drain cleaning business:
Vehicle (either lease or buy)
Any relevant licences or permits from your local authorities
Make sure you research what you’ll need for the specific drain cleaning services you’re planning to offer.
Our members get more for their money
Save money on business essentials with your Checkatrade membership
* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024