How much does drain unblocking cost in London?

Drain unblocking costs in London typically range from £80 to £200 for most residential blockages. The exact cost depends on factors like severity, location, and accessibility of the blockage.

What factors affect the cost of drain unblocking?

Key factors include whether the blockage is internal or external, the severity of the obstruction, accessibility of the drain, time required to clear it, and whether emergency or out-of-hours service is needed.

Drain Unblocking Cost in London

If you're dealing with a blocked drain, one of the first questions is cost. This page explains drain unblocking costs in London, what affects pricing, and what you should expect from a professional service.

How Much Does Drain Unblocking Cost?

Drain unblocking costs vary depending on the severity of the blockage and how easy it is to access. Most residential drain unblocking jobs in London fall within these typical ranges:

Simple blockages (accessible, single fixture): £80 - £120
Moderate blockages (requiring jetting): £120 - £180
Complex blockages (main drain, difficult access): £150 - £250+
Emergency/out-of-hours: Additional £40 - £80

These are indicative ranges only. We provide exact quotes before starting any work, so you know exactly what you'll pay.

What Affects the Cost of Drain Unblocking?

Several factors influence the final cost:

Location of the Blockage

Internal blockages (sinks, toilets, showers) are typically easier to access than external drains buried in gardens or under paving. Main sewer blockages may require more equipment and time.

Severity of the Blockage

A partial blockage causing slow drainage is usually quicker to clear than a complete blockage with standing water. Blockages that have been building for months may need more intensive treatment.

Equipment Required

Simple blockages may clear with drain rods alone. More stubborn blockages need high-pressure jetting. If we need to investigate with CCTV, this adds to the time and cost.

Time of Service

Emergency call-outs and work outside normal hours (evenings, weekends, bank holidays) typically carry a premium to cover engineer availability.

What's Included in Professional Drain Unblocking

A professional drain unblocking service typically includes:

Assessment of the blockage location and cause
Safe and effective clearance using appropriate methods
Confirmation that normal flow has been restored
Advice on preventing future blockages
Clear explanation of what was found and done

Cheap Drain Unblocking vs Professional Service

Very low-cost services often provide temporary fixes—poking a hole through the blockage rather than clearing it properly. This leads to repeat blockages and higher costs over time.

Professional drain unblocking:

Solves the root cause of the blockage
Significantly reduces the chance of repeat issues
Protects your drainage system from damage
Saves money in the long term

When Costs May Be Higher

Costs may exceed typical ranges if:

The blockage has been ignored for a long time and is severe
Multiple drains are affected
There is damage to pipework requiring repair
Root intrusion needs specialist treatment
Extensive jetting or CCTV investigation is required