Blocked Drains in Essex, Kent & East London

What does blocked drain clearance involve?

Blocked drain clearance means locating where the blockage sits in your pipework and removing it without damaging the pipe. We start by working out whether the problem is in one fitting, such as a sink trap or toilet, or further down in the drain that serves the whole house. That tells us where to access the drain, often through an inspection chamber (a manhole cover) outside. We then clear the blockage using the method that suits its position and cause, and run water through to check everything flows freely before we leave.

Signs your drain is blocked

The clearest sign of a blocked drain is water that drains slowly or not at all. Other signs include gurgling from plugholes or the toilet, bad smells from sinks or outside gullies, water rising in the shower tray when you flush, and an inspection chamber or outside drain that's full of standing water. If only one sink is slow, the blockage is probably local to that fitting. If several fittings are affected at once, especially on the ground floor, the blockage is likely in the main drain and needs clearing quickly before it backs up into your home.

What causes drains to block?

Most household drain blockages are caused by things going down the drain that shouldn't. Fat and cooking oil set hard as they cool and build up inside pipes. Wet wipes, sanitary products and cotton buds don't break down like toilet paper. Hair and soap combine in shower and bath wastes. Outside, leaves, silt and garden debris collect in gullies. Older drains can also crack or shift, and roots can get in through the joints. A blockage that keeps coming back usually points to one of these structural problems rather than bad luck.

Who is responsible for a blocked drain?

Responsibility for a blocked drain in England depends on where the blockage is and how many properties the pipe serves. Since 1 October 2011, drains serving a single property within its boundary remain the responsibility of the owner or occupier, while shared drains and sewers generally became the responsibility of the local water and sewerage company. In practice, if the blockage is in a pipe that only serves your home, clearing it is down to you or your landlord. If it's in a pipe shared with neighbours or outside your boundary, your water company may deal with it. We'll tell you what we find so you know who to call.

What affects the cost of clearing a blocked drain?

The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on where the blockage is, what's causing it, and how easy the drain is to reach. A blocked sink trap is a quick job. A blockage deep in the main drain, under an extension or with no accessible inspection chamber takes longer. Repeat blockages caused by a damaged pipe may need further investigation or repair. Our hourly drainage rates, excluding parts, materials and VAT, are:

Emergency callouts may vary, so ask us for details. There are no hidden charges, and we always confirm a fixed price for your job before we start.

Should a blocked drain be cleared or repaired?

Clearing is usually enough when the blockage is caused by something that went down the drain, such as fat, wipes or hair. Repair becomes the better option when the same drain blocks again and again, when there are signs of subsidence or a sunken path above the drain, or when roots keep returning. In those cases, repeated clearing just treats the symptom. We'll tell you honestly whether you need a one-off clearance or whether the drain itself needs attention.

Blocked drain FAQs