Indicative UK costs
Drain unblocking cost UK: what to expect
A straightforward UK drain unblock is usually in the low hundreds of pounds, with simple rodding cheaper than high-pressure jetting or a CCTV survey for a recurring problem. If the blockage is in a shared or public sewer, your water company may clear it at no charge. These are indicative ranges, not a quote.
Drain unblocking cost depends on how bad and how accessible the blockage is, and whether it is on your private drain or a shared sewer the water company is responsible for.
The ranges below are indicative, drawn from public UK trade cost guides. Before paying, it is worth checking whether the blockage is the water company responsibility, because shared and public sewers are often their job, not yours.
Indicative costs
Indicative UK ranges only, not a quote. Prices vary by area, severity and access, so always get a written quote.
- Simple drain unblock (rodding)
- A single accessible blockage cleared by rods
- High-pressure water jetting
- For tougher or partly collapsed blockages
- CCTV drain survey
- To find the cause of a recurring or hidden problem
- Emergency or out-of-hours call-out
- Confirm the call-out fee before booking
What drives the cost
- How severe and accessible the blockage is, and whether jetting is needed.
- Whether a CCTV survey is needed to find a recurring or hidden cause.
- Time of day: emergency and out-of-hours call-outs cost more.
- Whether the drain is private or a shared or public sewer (often the water company responsibility).
How to get an accurate quote
- Check whether the blockage is in a shared or public sewer first, as your water company may clear it free.
- Ask for the call-out fee and the hourly or job rate before agreeing, especially out of hours.
- For a recurring blockage, a CCTV survey can be cheaper than repeated unblocking.
- Get a written quote and avoid agreeing to major works before the cause is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to unblock a drain?
A simple, accessible blockage cleared by rodding is usually in the low hundreds of pounds, with jetting or a CCTV survey costing more. Emergency call-outs carry a premium. These are indicative trade-guide figures, so get a written quote and check whether your water company is responsible first.
Will my water company unblock a drain for free?
Often, if the blockage is in a shared or public sewer rather than your own private drain. Responsibility for many shared sewers passed to water companies, so it is worth reporting the problem to them before paying a private firm, as they may clear it at no charge.
Do I need a CCTV drain survey?
Not for a one-off blockage, but if a drain keeps blocking a CCTV survey can find the underlying cause, such as a collapse, root ingress or a misaligned pipe. Paying once to diagnose it can be cheaper than repeatedly clearing the same blockage.
Sources
The ranges above are indicative, drawn from public UK trade price guides. They are a market reference, not a quote for your job.
Editor, HomesAndHedge
Oliver leads HomesAndHedge's editorial coverage of home and garden problems. He researches and writes the plain-English explainers on pests, invasive plants, damp and mould, drainage and wildlife, drawing on guidance from bodies such as the Property Care Association, the RHS and the NHS, and is clear about when a job needs a qualified professional.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026