How Much Does Drain Clearance Cost in 2026?

If you've got water pooling around your feet in the shower or a kitchen sink that takes ten minutes to empty, the first question on your mind is probably: how much is this going to cost me? The honest answer is it depends — but not in the vague, hand-wavy way most websites tell you. We've collected pricing data from over 200 drain clearance companies across England to give you a realistic picture of what you should expect to pay in 2026.

Drain Clearance Prices at a Glance

The table below covers the most common residential drain jobs. These are typical prices including VAT for properties in England — London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end.

Most residential blockages fall into the “simple” category. In our data, roughly 70% of call-outs are resolved in a single visit lasting under an hour, with an average invoice of around £140. The remaining 30% involve complications — typically tree root ingress, collapsed pipes, or blockages deep within shared drainage systems.

What Affects the Price?

Five main factors determine what you'll pay:

1. Location of the blockage. A blocked kitchen sink is usually cheaper to clear than a main sewer line under your garden. External drains often require more powerful equipment and take longer to access.
2. Severity. A build-up of grease is quicker to shift than tree roots that have broken through a clay pipe joint. Companies sometimes won't know the severity until they arrive, which is why many quote a fixed starting price and then advise if additional work is needed.
3. Time of day. Evening and weekend call-outs typically carry a premium of £30–£80 on top of standard rates. Bank holidays can be higher still. If it's not an emergency, booking during weekday working hours (8am–5pm) will save you money.
4. Where you live. Prices in London and the South East run 15–25% above the national average. Companies in the North and Midlands tend to be at the lower end of each range. This reflects differences in labour costs, fuel, and commercial overheads rather than skill level.
5. Access. If the engineer needs to lift heavy manhole covers, work in a narrow alleyway, or navigate a basement, expect to pay a little more. Properties with clearly accessible external manholes are generally cheaper to service.

Fixed Price vs Hourly Rate: Which Is Better?

Most reputable drain clearance companies now offer a fixed price for standard blockages. This means you know the total cost before work begins. We strongly recommend getting a fixed quote rather than agreeing to an hourly rate, for three reasons:

• There's no incentive for the engineer to take longer than necessary.
• You won't get a surprise bill if the job takes 90 minutes instead of 45.
• It's easier to compare quotes between companies when they're all pricing the same defined outcome.

If a company insists on hourly billing for a routine blockage, treat it as a yellow flag. Established companies can estimate job times accurately enough to offer a fixed rate. That said, hourly rates are sometimes reasonable for genuinely unpredictable work like drain excavation, where the scope isn't clear until digging starts.

How to Avoid Being Overcharged

The drain clearance industry is largely unregulated, and horror stories about overcharging do exist. Here are six practical steps to protect yourself:

1. Get at least two quotes. Even in an urgent situation, a quick phone call to a second company takes five minutes and could save you over £100.
2. Ask for the total price including VAT. Some companies quote ex-VAT, which adds 20% to the bill. Always confirm the figure you're given is the amount you'll actually pay.
3. Check for call-out fees. A few companies charge £40–£60 just to turn up. The best ones include the call-out in the fixed price or waive it if you go ahead with the work.
4. Be wary of upselling. A common tactic is to clear the blockage, then recommend a CCTV survey “to check for further problems” before you've even seen whether the drain flows properly. If the blockage is cleared and water drains normally, a CCTV survey is often unnecessary.
5. Check reviews before you book. Companies with a pattern of negative reviews about pricing surprises are best avoided. Look at Google reviews, Checkatrade, and Trustpilot.
6. Ask about guarantees. Many reputable companies offer a 30-day or 90-day guarantee on their work. If the same blockage returns within that window, they'll come back at no extra cost.

Is Drain Clearance Covered by Insurance?

Standard home insurance policies typically don't cover the cost of clearing a blocked drain. However, many policies do cover damage caused by a blocked or overflowing drain — for example, water damage to flooring or walls. If your drain issue has caused property damage, check your policy or call your insurer before paying for repairs out of pocket.

Some home emergency add-ons (offered by insurers like Aviva, Direct Line, and HomeServe) do include drain clearance as a covered benefit, typically up to £500 per claim. If you already pay for home emergency cover, it's worth checking whether you can claim before booking a company directly.

When the Drain Isn't Your Responsibility

Since 2011, most shared or lateral drains in England and Wales are the responsibility of the local water company, not the homeowner. If the blockage is in a shared drain that serves multiple properties, your water company (Thames Water, Anglian Water, Severn Trent, etc.) should clear it free of charge. You can usually report a blocked shared drain on their website or by phone, and they aim to attend within 24 hours.

The key distinction: drains within your property boundary that serve only your house are your responsibility. Shared drains beyond your boundary are the water company's. If you're not sure, ask the company you call — any decent engineer will tell you honestly if the problem sits with the water authority.

Compare Prices in Your Area

Prices vary by region, so the best way to get an accurate picture is to compare companies near you. Enter your postcode below to see top-rated drain clearance companies in your area, along with their typical pricing.