How Much Does It Cost to Unblock a Drain?

Why drain-unblocking prices vary

• access to a suitable chamber or rodding point
• whether rods are enough or jetting is required
• how far along the system the obstruction lies
• whether heavy grease, roots or scale need specialist cleaning
• whether CCTV is needed after clearance
• out-of-hours attendance where genuinely required

Check whether the price is for clearing only

A straightforward obstruction may be dealt with in one visit. A recurring problem may justify cleaning and CCTV afterwards, which is a different scope of work.

Be wary of neat national averages

Prices vary because the jobs vary. Clearing a blockage close to an accessible chamber is very different from tracing a problem farther down a shared drain. Before comparing prices, check what each quote includes: the call-out, clearing, jetting, any camera survey and whether you will receive a report.

Ask what the price covers if the blockage is harder to clear

Some call-out prices cover only a defined period or one method of clearance. If rods do not reach the blockage and jetting is then required, the price may change. It is useful to know that before work starts rather than after the contractor has already attended.

For recurring blockages, a slightly higher price that includes proper cleaning and camera investigation may be better value than another basic clearance that leaves the reason unexplained.