How much does drain unblocking cost in 2026? Drain unblocking costs £80-£150 for simple blockages, £150-£300 for complex issues requiring jetting, and £400-£1,500+ for severe blockages needing excavation. Emergency call-outs (evenings, weekends) add 50-100% to standard rates. All prices include VAT.
If you’ve got a blocked drain, you’re probably wondering what you’ll actually pay. This guide breaks down 2026 UK prices by method, severity, and timing—so you know exactly what to expect before you call anyone.
Drain Unblocking Costs at a Glance
| Blockage Type | Price Range | Typical Method |
|---|---|---|
| Simple blockage (sink/toilet) | £80-£150 | Manual rodding |
| Moderate blockage (main drain) | £150-£250 | Drain jetting |
| Severe blockage | £250-£400 | Jetting + CCTV survey |
| Blockage requiring excavation | £400-£1,500+ | Excavation and repair |
| Emergency call-out (out of hours) | +50-100% | Any method |
These prices reflect 2026 rates across Berkshire and the surrounding areas. London prices typically run 20-30% higher.
What Affects the Price?
According to the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the complexity of drainage work is the primary cost driver. Several factors determine what you’ll actually pay:
1. Severity of the Blockage
A slow-draining sink caused by hair and soap buildup costs far less than a completely blocked main sewer line. Simple blockages near the surface clear quickly. Deep blockages in the main drain require more time and specialist equipment.
2. Access to the Drain
Easy access means lower costs. If your drain is under a patio, driveway, or inside a building, expect to pay more. Drainage engineers may need to lift manhole covers, remove obstacles, or work in confined spaces.
3. Method Required
- Manual rodding: £80-£120 — Basic tool insertion to break up blockages
- High-pressure jetting: £150-£250 — Powerful water jets blast through stubborn debris
- CCTV survey: £100-£200 — Camera inspection to locate hidden problems
- Excavation: £400-£1,500+ — Digging to repair collapsed or damaged pipes
4. Time of Day
Standard business hours (8am-6pm, Monday-Friday) attract the lowest rates. Evening, weekend, and bank holiday call-outs typically cost 50-100% more. A £150 job during the day might cost £225-£300 at 10pm on a Sunday.
5. Your Location
Urban areas with more competition often have lower prices. Rural locations may incur travel charges. Some companies add £30-£60 for travel.
Cost by Method: What You’re Really Paying For
Manual Drain Rodding: £80-£120
Rodding uses flexible rods pushed through the drain to physically break up blockages. It’s effective for:
- Hair clogs in bathroom drains
- Food debris in kitchen sinks
- Light toilet blockages
Rodding takes 30-60 minutes for most jobs. It’s the cheapest option but only works for accessible, minor blockages.
High-Pressure Drain Jetting: £150-£250
Jetting uses water at 3,000-4,000 PSI to blast through blockages and clean pipe walls. It’s the most effective method for:
- Fat, oil, and grease buildup
- Tree root intrusion
- Years of accumulated debris
- Main drain blockages
A standard jetting job takes 1-2 hours. The price includes equipment setup and thorough cleaning of the affected section.
CCTV Drain Survey: £100-£200
A camera inspection isn’t always needed for simple blockages, but it’s essential when:
- The cause of blockage is unknown
- Blockages keep recurring
- You’re buying a property
- Structural damage is suspected
Many drainage companies include a basic CCTV check with jetting work. A full survey with recorded footage and written report costs more.
Excavation and Repair: £400-£1,500+
When pipes are collapsed, cracked, or severely damaged, excavation becomes necessary. Costs depend on:
- Depth of the pipe (deeper = more expensive)
- Location (under driveways or buildings costs more)
- Length of pipe needing replacement
- Reinstatement of surfaces
Most excavation jobs in Berkshire fall between £600-£1,200. Complex jobs under buildings can exceed £2,000.
Emergency vs Standard Rates
What Counts as an Emergency?
True drainage emergencies include:
- Sewage backing up into your property
- Foul water flooding gardens or public areas
- Complete blockage of your only toilet
- Risk of structural damage from water buildup
A slow-draining sink, while annoying, isn’t an emergency. Booking a next-day appointment saves 50-100% compared to an out-of-hours call.
Emergency Pricing Example
| Scenario | Standard Rate | Emergency Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Simple blockage | £100 | £150-£200 |
| Drain jetting | £180 | £270-£360 |
| Jetting + CCTV | £280 | £420-£560 |
We offer 24/7 emergency callouts across Bracknell, Wokingham, Reading, and surrounding areas. Our emergency rates are clearly quoted before we attend—no surprises.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Some drainage companies advertise low prices then add extras. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, tradespeople must provide services with reasonable care and skill—and pricing should be transparent. Watch for:
Call-Out Fees
Some charge £30-£60 just to turn up, regardless of whether they fix the problem. At TrueFlow, all our work comes with a 6-month guarantee.
”Diagnostic” Charges
Beware companies that charge separately to identify the problem, then quote again for the fix. A reputable company quotes for the complete job.
Per-Hour vs Fixed Price
Hourly rates (£60-£90/hour) seem cheaper but add up quickly. A “simple” job taking 3 hours costs £180-£270. Fixed quotes protect you from overruns.
VAT
Always confirm whether quotes include VAT. A £200 + VAT quote actually costs £240. All our prices include VAT.
Equipment Hire
Some companies charge extra for specialist equipment like jetting machines. Professional drainage engineers include equipment in their quoted price.
DIY vs Professional: When to Call for Help
DIY Methods That Work
For minor blockages, try these first:
- Plunger: Creates pressure to dislodge blockages. Works best on toilets and sinks with standing water.
- Drain snake: A flexible wire that physically breaks up clogs. Available from hardware stores for £10-£30.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Pour half a cup of each, wait 30 minutes, flush with boiling water. Effective for light grease buildup.
- Enzyme cleaners: Break down organic matter over time. Good for maintenance, not emergency unblocking.
When DIY Won’t Work
Call a professional if:
- The blockage is in the main drain (outside your property)
- Multiple fixtures are draining slowly
- You notice foul smells from drains
- DIY methods haven’t worked after two attempts
- Sewage is backing up
- You suspect tree root intrusion
Professional equipment clears blockages DIY methods can’t reach. Attempting to force a stubborn blockage can damage pipes, creating a more expensive repair.
How TrueFlow Prices Our Services
We believe in transparent, honest pricing:
- Free phone assessment: Describe the problem and we’ll give a ballpark figure
- Fixed quotes: We quote a price before starting work—that’s what you pay
- Guaranteed work: All work comes with a 6-month guarantee
- VAT included: All quoted prices include VAT
- No fix, no fee: If we can’t clear your blockage, you don’t pay
Our Standard Rates (2026)
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Drain rodding | From £80 |
| High-pressure jetting | From £150 |
| CCTV drain survey | From £120 |
| Jetting + CCTV | From £220 |
| Emergency call-out | From £120 |
Prices vary based on the specific job. We’ll confirm the exact cost before any work begins.
How to Get the Best Price
“Most homeowners wait until a drain is completely blocked before calling us. If they’d acted when it first started draining slowly, they’d save 50-70% on average.” — Connor, Lead Drainage Engineer at TrueFlow
Follow these tips to keep costs down:
- Act early: A slow drain today becomes a blocked drain tomorrow. Early intervention costs less.
- Book during business hours: Avoid emergency premiums when possible.
- Get multiple quotes: Compare 2-3 companies, but check reviews—cheapest isn’t always best.
- Ask about package deals: Some companies offer discounts for jetting + CCTV together.
- Consider maintenance plans: Regular jetting prevents expensive emergency callouts.
FAQ
Does home insurance cover drain unblocking?
Most standard home insurance policies don’t cover drain unblocking as routine maintenance. However, if a blocked drain causes damage to your property (flooding, structural damage), your buildings insurance may cover the repairs. Some policies include “home emergency” cover that includes drainage—check your policy documents.
Can I claim drain unblocking costs against a landlord?
If you’re a tenant, your landlord is typically responsible for drainage issues in the main property drains. Blockages caused by tenant misuse (flushing inappropriate items) may be the tenant’s responsibility. Check your tenancy agreement and contact your landlord before arranging repairs.
How long does drain unblocking take?
Simple blockages clear in 30-60 minutes. Jetting a main drain takes 1-2 hours. Complex jobs requiring CCTV investigation and multiple access points can take half a day. We’ll give you a time estimate when we quote.
Is drain jetting worth the extra cost over rodding?
Yes, for main drains and stubborn blockages. Jetting clears the entire pipe, not just the blockage point. It removes grease buildup, scale, and debris that rodding leaves behind. Jetting also lasts longer—a jetted drain typically stays clear for 2-5 years versus months for rodding.
What’s the difference between a plumber and a drainage engineer?
Plumbers work on water supply pipes and fixtures inside your home (taps, toilets, boilers). Drainage engineers specialise in waste pipes and external drainage systems. For a blocked sink, either can help. For main drain issues, CCTV surveys, or complex blockages, you need a drainage specialist.
Need Help With a Blocked Drain?
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain in Bracknell, Wokingham, Reading, or anywhere in Berkshire, we’re here to help. Our drainage engineers carry full jetting and CCTV equipment to handle any blockage.
Call 0808 175 7440 for a free, no-obligation quote. Available 24/7 for emergencies.
TrueFlow Plumbing & Drainage | Serving Berkshire since 2020 | Companies House Reg: 15450422