🔧 How Much Does it Cost to Unblock a Drain?

Before jumping into the prices, here’s what typically influences the final cost:

• Blockage Size & Type: A small kitchen sink blockage costs far less than clearing a main sewer line blocked with roots or grease.

• Access to the Drain: Manholes, internal pipework, or buried drains all require different approaches.

• Time Required: Most professional drainage companies charge by the half hour.

• Special Equipment: Jetting units, descaling tools, and CCTV cameras all add cost.

• Out-of-hours Work: Evening, weekend or emergency callouts may incur premium charges.

🛠️ Drain Clearance Pricing Breakdown

1. 🚿 Drain Rodding – from £80

Drain rodding is the simplest and most cost-effective solution for clearing minor blockages using traditional drain rods. It’s best suited for early-stage or soft blockages.

• Ideal for: Paper build-up, leaves, internal pipe obstructions, or small external blockages.

• Price: Starts at £80–£100 for the first half hour. Each additional half hour typically ranges from £70-£95

• Time on site: Usually 30–60 minutes for simple jobs.

✅ Best choice for minor issues where fast clearance is possible without heavy machinery.

2. 🚽 Internal Blockage Clearance – from £60

Internal drain issues like blocked sinks, baths, toilets or washing machine outlets usually require manual tools and light rodding.

• Ideal for: Blocked toilets, slow-draining kitchen sinks, showers.

• Price: £60–£100 per half hour, depending on severity.

• Access: Sometimes internal pipework must be removed or adjusted, which can add labour time.

🔧 These issues are usually resolved within an hour unless additional work (like jetting or CCTV inspection) is required.

3. 💦 High Pressure Drain Jetting – from £80

Jetting uses high powered water pressure to break down and flush away stubborn or large blockages. It’s essential when drain rodding isn’t enough.

• Ideal for: Fat, grease, scale, or solidified waste in external or underground pipes.

• Price: £80–£120 for the first 30 minutes, then £80+ for each half hour.

• Includes: Use of specialist jetting unit, trained operator, and disposal of debris.

⚠️ Jetting is commonly used after CCTV inspections reveal serious build-up or after failed attempts with rods.

🎥 CCTV Drain Survey Costs

4. 📹 CCTV Drain Inspections – from £100 fixed

CCTV drain surveys are used to identify problems deep within your drainage system, such as structural issues, root ingress, scale build-up, or collapsed pipework.

• Ideal for: Recurring blockages, bad smells, unknown pipe layouts, or pre-purchase inspections.

• Price:

  • Basic CCTV look & see: From £100–£150

  • Survey with full report & video footage: £250+

• Length of survey: Pricing may increase depending on the length of pipework inspected or if multiple manholes need to be accessed.

📋 Full reports are useful for insurance claims, property purchases, and long-term repair plans.

🔩 Fixed Price Drain Services (Higher Cost but Long-Term Solutions)

5. 🧼 Drain Descaling – from £180 to £300+

Descaling removes hardened deposits and mineral build-up that naturally occur over time, especially in hard water areas or older pipework.

• Ideal for: Slow drainage, recurring clogs, or pipe restoration.

• Price:

  • Typical small job: £180–£220

  • Extensive descaling over long pipe runs: £300+

• Includes: Descaling tool use, disposal, and CCTV before/after.

🧱 Descaling isn’t usually priced by time, it’s often offered at a fixed rate depending on pipe length and access.

6. 🌱 Root Cutting & Removal – from £250–£400+

Roots entering pipework can cause serious long-term damage. Removal is done using mechanical root cutters, followed by CCTV verification.

• Ideal for: Blockages caused by tree roots in garden or external drains.

• Price:

  • Standard root cutting job: £250–£300

  • Severe cases or multiple areas: £350–£450+

• Often includes: Follow-up CCTV to confirm root removal and pipe integrity.

🌳 This is a specialist service and often the most expensive, but it prevents costly emergency blockages later.

💬 Final Tips to Manage Drainage Costs

• ✅ Address issues early: Waiting often means more severe blockages and higher prices.

• 🧰 Book with a local company: You’ll avoid high travel charges or hidden fees.

• 💡 Ask about fixed prices for complex work like descaling or root removal.

• 📞 Choose firms with transparent pricing: At GSB Drainage, we keep costs clear from the start.

📍 Need Drain Help in Southampton or Nearby?

GSB Drainage offers honest, upfront pricing with no call-out fee. Whether you need a quick unblock or a full CCTV survey, we’ve got you covered across Southampton, Sholing, Hedge End, Whiteley, and beyond.

📞 Call now on 07738 181472🌐 Visit our website for more info🕒 Available 24/7 for emergencies