Drain Cleaning and High Pressure Jetting

Drain cleaning is about restoring proper flow, not just poking a hole through the blockage. Where suitable, high pressure jetting can remove grease, scale, silt and compacted debris from the pipe.

I choose the method based on the access, the symptoms and how the drain behaves when water is run through it afterwards.

How I Approach a Blocked Drain

The first step is to understand the symptoms and find the best access point. I then clear the blockage using suitable drainage equipment, test the flow and explain what I have found. If the drain needs further investigation, I will tell you why.

The aim is not to make the job sound bigger than it is. Some drains simply need clearing properly. Others give warning signs that something in the pipe is catching waste or slowing the flow, and that is when experience matters.

When a CCTV Drain Survey Helps

CCTV is not the main service on every blockage, but it is valuable when a drain in East Sussex keeps blocking, smells persist, rats are suspected or there are signs of root ingress, open joints or damaged pipework.

I do not automatically recommend a camera survey for every drain. If the blockage clears cleanly and the pipe runs well afterwards, that may be enough. If the symptoms suggest a hidden fault, a CCTV survey can stop you paying for repeated clearance without understanding the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you unblock drains without digging?

Most blockages can be cleared without digging. Excavation is only considered where there is damage or access problems that cannot be solved another way. If the drain tests well after clearing, I will say so; if there are warning signs, I will point them out clearly.

How much does drain unblocking cost?

I use fixed-price wording wherever possible, with no VAT added and no separate call-out charge. A good visit should leave you with both a working drain and a clearer understanding of why the blockage happened.

Can you remove fat from drains?

Yes. Fat and grease build-up can often be removed using suitable professional drainage equipment. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

Can a blocked drain cause damp or damage?

An overflowing or leaking drain can contribute to damp, smells and damage if left unresolved. I will always explain what I find in plain English so you know whether it looks like a one-off blockage or something that may return.

Can blocked drains affect neighbours?

Shared drains can affect more than one property, so it is important to identify where the blockage is and who the drain serves. The important thing is to clear the blockage properly first, then check whether the drain is running normally afterwards.

Can you help with blocked drains at rented properties?

Yes. I regularly help homeowners, landlords and tenants with blocked toilets, sinks, drains and outside gullies. If the drain tests well after clearing, I will say so; if there are warning signs, I will point them out clearly.

Do all damaged drains need digging up?

No. Some defects can be repaired with no-dig methods, but it depends on the pipe condition and the type of fault. I would rather give clear advice at the time than leave you guessing whether the same drain is likely to block again.

Can you clear commercial drains?

Yes, depending on the site and access. I can help with many small business and commercial drainage problems. I will always explain what I find in plain English so you know whether it looks like a one-off blockage or something that may return.

Do you charge a call-out fee?

No. There is no separate call-out charge added on top of the quoted drainage price. I would rather give clear advice at the time than leave you guessing whether the same drain is likely to block again.

Can you help if rats are coming through drains?

Yes. Where rats may be using the drainage system, a CCTV survey can help find broken pipes, open joints or redundant connections. I would rather give clear advice at the time than leave you guessing whether the same drain is likely to block again.

Do you repair damaged drains?

Yes. Where damage is found, I can explain repair options such as patch lining, drain lining or excavation where needed. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

Will I need a CCTV drain survey?

Not always. A CCTV survey is usually most useful where the same drain keeps blocking, smells persist or damage is suspected. I will always explain what I find in plain English so you know whether it looks like a one-off blockage or something that may return.

Do you explain the options before doing extra work?

Yes. If anything beyond normal clearance is needed, I explain what I have found and why further work may or may not be worthwhile. The important thing is to clear the blockage properly first, then check whether the drain is running normally afterwards.