How Much Does Drain Repair Cost? A Complete UK Pricing Guide

Understanding Drain Repair Costs in the UK

When facing a drainage problem, one of the first questions homeowners ask is "How much will this cost?" The answer depends on many factors, from the type of problem to accessibility and location. This comprehensive pricing guide will help you understand what to expect and ensure you don't overpay.

Drain Repair Cost Summary

Quick Reference Pricing

• Emergency callout fee: £80-150
• Standard drain unblocking: £80-300
• CCTV drain survey: £150-350
• High-pressure jetting: £150-400
• Drain repair (minor): £200-500
• Drain relining (per metre): £80-150
• Excavation and replacement: £150-500 per metre
• New soakaway: £800-2,000

Factors Affecting Drain Repair Costs

1. Type of Problem

Different issues require different solutions:

• Simple blockage: Often cleared quickly with basic equipment
• Stubborn blockage: May need high-pressure jetting
• Root intrusion: Requires specialist cutting equipment
• Cracked/damaged pipe: Needs repair or replacement
• Collapsed drain: Most expensive—excavation usually required

2. Location and Accessibility

• Easy access: Drain at ground level, clear working space
• Moderate access: Requires moving furniture or garden items
• Difficult access: Under decking, in tight spaces
• Very difficult: Under buildings, patios, or driveways

Difficult access can double or triple repair costs.

3. Time of Service

• Standard hours (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm): Normal rates
• Evenings and Saturdays: +25-50% premium
• Sundays: +50-75% premium
• Bank holidays: +100% or more
• Christmas/New Year: Highest rates

4. Geographic Location

• London and South East: Highest prices
• Other major cities: Above average
• Lancashire/Greater Manchester: Competitive regional rates
• Rural areas: May include travel charges

Detailed Pricing by Service

Drain Unblocking

Standard Blockage Clearing

• What's included: Callout, diagnosis, clearing with rods or plunger
• Typical time: 30-60 minutes
• Cost range: £80-180

High-Pressure Water Jetting

• What's included: Callout, jetting equipment, clearing and cleaning
• Typical time: 1-2 hours
• Cost range: £150-400

Severe/Deep Blockage

• What's included: Multiple techniques, possible CCTV, extended work
• Typical time: 2-4 hours
• Cost range: £250-600

CCTV Drain Surveys

Basic Survey

• What's included: Camera inspection, verbal feedback, location marking
• Typical time: 30-60 minutes
• Cost range: £100-200

Full Survey with Report

• What's included: Comprehensive camera survey, written report, DVD/USB of footage
• Typical time: 1-2 hours
• Cost range: £200-350

Pre-Purchase Survey

• What's included: Full survey, detailed report suitable for solicitors, recommendations
• Typical time: 2-3 hours
• Cost range: £250-400

Drain Repairs

Patch Repair (Internal)

• What's included: Localised liner applied to damaged section
• Best for: Single crack or joint damage
• Cost range: £400-800

Drain Relining (CIPP)

• What's included: Full liner installed throughout damaged section
• Cost per metre: £80-150
• Typical job (5m): £1,200-2,500
• Warranty: 10-25 years typical

Excavation and Replacement

• Garden excavation (per metre): £150-300
• Driveway excavation (per metre): £300-500
• Under building (per metre): £500-1,000+
• Plus reinstatement: Varies significantly by surface type

Root Removal

• Jetting with root-cutting nozzle: £200-450
• Mechanical root cutting: £300-600
• Root removal + relining: £1,500-4,000

Septic Tank Services

• Emptying (domestic tank): £150-300
• Emptying (large/commercial): £300-600
• Inspection and report: £100-200
• Tank repair: £500-2,000
• Tank replacement: £3,000-10,000

Getting the Best Price

Tips for Saving Money

• Book during standard hours: Avoid weekend and emergency premiums when possible
• Get multiple quotes: At least 2-3 for major work
• Ask about packages: CCTV + jetting often bundled at a discount
• Consider preventative maintenance: Regular jetting prevents expensive emergencies
• Don't delay: Small problems become big (expensive) problems

Red Flags to Watch For

• No written quote before work begins
• Pressure to make immediate decisions
• No clear explanation of what's wrong
• Prices significantly below market rate (often indicates corner-cutting)
• No mention of insurance or guarantees
• Demand for full payment upfront for large jobs

What to Ask Before Hiring

• Is the quote fixed or estimated?
• What's included in the price?
• Are there potential additional costs?
• What warranty or guarantee is offered?
• Are you insured for this work?
• Will you provide a written report?

Insurance and Drain Repairs

What's Usually Covered

• Sudden, accidental damage to drains
• Damage from tree roots (varies by policy)
• Consequential damage from drain failure
• Emergency repairs following sudden damage

What's Usually NOT Covered

• Gradual deterioration and wear
• Blockages (considered maintenance)
• Pre-existing damage
• Drains beyond your property boundary

Making a Claim

1. Document the problem with photos and video
2. Get a professional CCTV survey report
3. Contact your insurer before authorising major repairs
4. Keep all invoices and reports
5. Check your excess—may not be worth claiming for smaller repairs

Shared Drain Responsibility

Who Pays for What?

• Drains on your property serving only you: Your responsibility
• Shared drains serving multiple properties: Usually water company responsibility since 2011
• Lateral drains (to the main sewer): Usually water company responsibility

Always check with your water company if you're unsure—you may not need to pay for repairs.

Aquaspeed Pricing

At Aquaspeed, we believe in transparent, fair pricing:

• Free telephone advice
• Fixed-price quotes wherever possible
• No hidden charges
• VAT-inclusive pricing
• Written quotes before work begins
• No obligation CCTV surveys

Need a quote for drain repair? Call Aquaspeed on 0800 019 0073 for honest, competitive pricing. We'll explain exactly what's needed and what it will cost—with no pressure or obligation.