What should I do first if I have a blocked drain?

Stop using the affected sink, toilet or drain to avoid making the blockage worse. Try a plunger or drain rods on accessible blockages, and contact a plumber if the blockage does not clear or water is backing up.

Can I unblock a drain myself?

Minor blockages in an accessible sink or toilet can sometimes be cleared with a plunger or drain rods. Persistent, deep or shared drain blockages usually need a plumber or drainage specialist with professional equipment such as a drain camera or jetting kit.

How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

Clearing a blocked drain typically costs between £80 and £300, depending on the location and severity of the blockage. More complex jobs involving CCTV drain surveys or excavation can cost more.

What causes drains to block?

Common causes include a build-up of fat, oil and grease, wipes and sanitary products flushed down toilets, hair and soap scum, tree roots, and general debris in outdoor drains.

How do I know if a drain blockage is serious?

Signs of a serious blockage include water backing up into other fixtures, foul smells, gurgling noises, or water pooling in the garden near a drain. These situations usually need professional attention.

Who is responsible for a blocked drain?

Homeowners are usually responsible for drains within their property boundary. Shared or public sewers are typically the responsibility of the local water company — a plumber or drainage specialist can help identify which applies.

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Homeowner Hub › Emergency Home Repairs › Blocked Drains

Blocked Drains

A blocked drain can cause flooding, bad smells and backed-up plumbing. Learn the immediate steps to take, common causes, unblocking costs and when to call a plumber.

Last reviewed: August 2026 · Reviewed by: The TopTenTrades Editorial Team

Quick Answer

1.Stop using the affected sink, toilet or drain
2.Try a plunger on accessible blockages
3.Check outdoor drain covers for visible debris
4.Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners down toilets
5.Contact a plumber if the blockage does not clear

Problem type: Emergency plumbing
Typical trade: Plumber
Urgency: High, especially if water is backing up
Typical repair time: 30 minutes–2 hours
Typical cost: £80–£300
Risk if ignored: Flooding, sewage backup, damage to flooring and fixtures

What To Do

1.Stop using the affected sink, toilet, shower or drain to prevent the blockage worsening.
2.Try a plunger on an accessible sink or toilet blockage.
3.Check any accessible outdoor drain covers for visible debris or blockages.
4.Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners down a toilet, as they can be ineffective and cause damage.
5.If multiple fixtures are affected or water is backing up, turn off the water supply if necessary.
6.Contact a plumber or drainage specialist if the blockage does not clear or keeps recurring.

Signs You May Have This Problem

•Water draining slowly from a sink, bath or shower
•Gurgling noises from pipes or drains
•Foul smells near a sink, toilet or outdoor drain
•Water backing up into another fixture when you flush or drain
•Water pooling in the garden near a drain cover

Common Causes

•Build-up of fat, oil and grease in kitchen pipes
•Wipes, sanitary products or nappies flushed down toilets
•Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains
•Tree roots intruding into underground pipework
•Leaves and debris blocking outdoor drains and gullies

Blocked Drains: Typical Costs

Repair	Typical Cost (UK)
Sink or toilet unblocking	£80–£150
Outdoor drain unblocking	£100–£250
CCTV drain survey	£100–£300
High-pressure drain jetting	£150–£350

Costs depend on the location and severity of the blockage, access to the drain, and whether specialist equipment such as CCTV cameras or jetting is required.

When Should You Call An Emergency Professional?

check_circleA plunger has not cleared the blockage
check_circleWater is backing up into other sinks, toilets or drains
check_circleYou notice foul smells or sewage odours
check_circleThe blockage is recurring despite previous clearing
check_circleWater is pooling in the garden or outside the property

How To Prevent This

•Avoid pouring fat, oil and grease down kitchen sinks
•Use a drain guard to catch hair and debris in bathroom drains
•Only flush toilet paper — never wipes or sanitary products
•Clear leaves and debris from outdoor drain covers regularly
•Have drains professionally cleared periodically if blockages recur

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