The short answer: The average cost for standard drain unblocking in London and Hertfordshire ranges from £80 to £145 for simple rodding, and £150 to £250+ for high-pressure jetting.
Pipe descaling typically costs between £180 and £300 depending on the severity of the scale buildup and pipe length. Emergency, out-of-hours callouts will generally add an £80 to £100 premium to the base price.
If you are dealing with a slow-draining sink, a foul smell, or a completely backed-up sewer, you are likely wondering how much it is going to cost to get it fixed.
It is a stressful situation, but understanding the pricing structure before you call a drainage expert can help you avoid unexpected bills.
Drain Service Cost Estimator
Get a rough estimate for your London/Hertfordshire property.
1. What is the issue? Minor (Single blocked sink or toilet) Severe (Multiple slow drains, bad smells, outside blockage) Recurring Issue / Suspected Tree Roots 2. Required Service (If known) Not sure – basic clearance High-Pressure Drain Jetting Pipe Descaling CCTV Survey with Report 3. When do you need us? Standard Hours (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) Emergency / Out of Hours (Nights, Weekends) Calculate Estimate
Estimated Cost Range:
£0 – £0
*This is an estimate. Contact us for a precise quote.
The Scale of the Problem in the UK
Before diving into the costs, it helps to understand why these blockages happen. You are not alone in dealing with drainage issues. According to data from Water UK and Thames Water, the UK uses roughly 11 billion wet wipes every year.
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90% of all sewer blockages in the UK are caused by wet wipes and “fatbergs” (congealed fat, oil, and grease).
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Thames Water clears approximately 75,000 blockages a year from its network.
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This widespread issue costs the network an estimated £18 million annually to manage.
If your drain is blocked, there is a very high chance it is due to a buildup of these “unflushables” or hard water scale. Here is how much it costs to clear them.
Drain Unblocking Price Breakdown (2026 Averages)
The cost of unblocking a drain depends heavily on the method required to clear it. Not all blockages are created equal.
ServiceEstimated Cost (Standard Hours)Best ForManual Rodding£80 – £145Minor blockages, paper buildup, single blocked toilets or sinks.High-Pressure Water Jetting£150 – £250Severe blockages, fatbergs, grease, and main drain obstructions.Pipe Descaling£180 – £300+Hard water scale, recurring slow drains, pipe restoration.Root Cutting & Removal£250 – £400+Tree roots invading underground pipes.CCTV Drain Survey£100 – £275Identifying hidden structural issues, recurring blockages, or pre-purchase surveys.
(Note: These are average estimates for London and the Home Counties. Prices may vary based on exact location and property size).
