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What Affects the Cost of Drain Work?

No two drains are the same, so drain work isn’t priced the same either. This guide explains what affects the cost of unblocking, surveying and repairing a drain, so you know what to ask and what to expect.

Servicing and
repair engineers
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call-outs
Clear report
after every visit
Our own vans
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34 years
in drainage

The basics

Why can’t drain work be priced from the street?

Most of a drain is out of sight. Until we know where the problem is, how bad it is and how we can get to it, any figure would be a guess.

That is why we ask questions first, and often recommend a CCTV survey before quoting for a repair. It replaces guesswork with a picture of the pipe.

We don’t publish prices on this page because they depend on the job. The factors below show what moves a quote up or down.

Services that are quoted

Common jobs and what they depend on

Each service page explains what is involved, which helps you compare quotes.

Drain unblockingDepends on where the blockage is and how it is cleared. High pressure jettingDepends on pipe length, size and build-up. CCTV drain surveysDepends on the length of drain and access. Drain liningDepends on pipe size, length and condition. Drain excavationDepends on depth, length and surface to reinstate. Septic tank emptyingDepends on tank size and access.

Getting a quote

How we reach a price

  1. Understand the problem

    You tell us what is happening and where, and we ask a few questions.

  2. Find the cause

    Jetting and a CCTV survey show what is wrong, where and how far it extends.

  3. Set out the options

    We explain what each option involves and what it is likely to achieve.

  4. Quote for the work

    You get a quote for the option you choose, with a timescale.

What moves the cost

The factors that affect a quote

Access. Whether we can park a tanker or van close to the drain, and whether covers can be lifted easily.

Depth and length. Deeper and longer drains take more time and equipment, and digging adds reinstatement.

The cause. A one-off blockage costs less to put right than roots, a collapse or a build-up along the whole pipe.

Equipment. Jetting, a vacuum tanker, a camera or an excavation each need different kit and crew.

Urgency. An emergency call-out is a different job from a planned visit, and being flexible on timing can help.

Questions to ask any contractor

  • What exactly is included?
  • Will you survey the drain first?
  • Is the ground reinstated?
  • Will I get a report or footage?
  • Who is responsible for the drain?
Get a quote

Why Clearmasters

Why choose Clearmasters?

We explain what is driving the cost and what each option does, so you can decide with the facts. We’ll tell you if a cheaper approach will do the job.

Ask us a question

Always on hand

Planned servicing at a time that suits you, and 24/7 call-outs when something goes wrong.

Straight answers

We explain what we found in plain English, and give you honest advice on what needs doing now and what can wait.

Trained engineers

Our engineers hold current confined space entry certificates and work on treatment plants, pump stations and drainage every day.

We tidy up after ourselves

We reinstate your ground and leave the site clean.

What our customers say

9.85/10

Checkatrade

From 135 reviews · Read them
4.9/5

Google

From 71 reviews · Read them

Scores as of October 2026

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Questions answered

Drain work cost FAQs

Why can’t you give a price without seeing the drain?

Because the cause, the depth, the access and the length of pipe all change the work involved. We can often give guidance once you’ve described the problem.

Is a CCTV survey worth paying for?

Usually, yes, before a repair. It shows what is wrong and where, so you pay for the right fix and avoid digging in the wrong place.

What makes one drain repair cost more than another?

Mainly the method (lining or digging), the depth and length of the damaged pipe, access, and the surface that has to be put back.

What if the blocked drain is not my responsibility?

Shared drains and pipes outside the boundary have been the water company’s responsibility since October 2011. Our responsibility guide explains how to tell.

How do I get a quote?

Use our contact page or call 03333 233566 and tell us what is happening.

Got a different question? Call 03333 233566 or send us a message.

Related services

CCTV Drain SurveysThe picture behind an accurate quote. Drain UnblockingClearing blocked drains and sewers. Drain LiningNo-dig repairs where the pipe allows. Drain ExcavationDig-out and replacement for collapsed pipes.

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SafeContractor

Health & safety pre-qualification accreditation, verifying our processes meet recognised safety standards.

RISQS

Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme — approved to work safely within the rail industry supply chain.

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Utilities Vetting Database membership, confirming we meet the utilities sector's supply chain standards.

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Vetted and approved under the local authority's trusted trader scheme for honesty and fair dealing.

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Members of the National Association of Drainage Contractors, the UK trade body for the drainage industry.

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Registered with the Environment Agency, so your waste is handled and disposed of fully within the law.

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