Professional drain unblocking: Is it worth the cost?

Drain unblocking isn’t always expensive, but it can feel like an unnecessary cost for some households. 

The two key factors behind higher quotes are the expert labour and specialist technology required for complex blockages. 

While taking a DIY approach is possible and less expensive, there are times when calling a professional is necessary. And actually works out to be the more economic choice in the long-run. 

What affects the cost of drain unblocking? 

The overall cost of drain unblocking differs depending on each scenario's details. Here are some specifics that can affect the price of a professional drain unblocking. 

Location 

Where the pipes are located, along with the depth they sit at, will alter the price of an unblocking. While internal pipes are smaller and easier to access, external drains are larger and often much deeper underground. The deeper the pipe, the more work is needed. This raises safety risks and costs. 

Severity

Less severe blockages, like soap and grease, can be cleared quickly. Solid obstructions, caused by wipes and sanitary products, are harder to fix. The most severe cases are tree roots and vegetation that has entered the pipes. These are the most time-consuming and expensive blockage issues.  

Accessibility

For external pipework, accessibility can be a problem. If there’s a clear inspection chamber, getting access is straightforward. However, if the drain runs under a driveway or extension, locating the blockage and accessing it becomes much more difficult. This increases time and cost. 

Necessary equipment 

More accuracy required = more specialised equipment. If the blockage is easy to locate and resolve, a basic approach of using a rod or drain snake will do the trick. But for more stubborn blockages, high pressure jetting or CCTV surveys may be required. Specialised equipment is harder to operate, and therefore more expensive. 

Pipe quality

Older properties with dated pipework are more susceptible to cracking and root infiltration. Even modern pipe systems can falter at joining points if not properly installed. If the age of your pipes means their structure isn’t strong, and replacement makes more sense than repairing, the job will rack up a big cost. 

Emergency call-outs

Calls outside of typical working hours immediately cost more. Compared to a 10am call-out on a Wednesday, a 5pm Sunday emergency will cost considerably more. Emergencies can’t be helped but if you realise an issue during the week make sure to call instead of leaving it until the weekend. 

Is it worth trying to unblock a drain yourself? 

For small blockages, like in the kitchen sink or bathroom plugs, quick fixes may do the trick. If there’s ongoing, repeated issues, they could signal a bigger plumbing problem. 

Complex plumbing issues require a professional skill set. Trying to fix them yourself can make your pipes worse.

What can go wrong? 

It can be tempting to try and fix drainage issues yourself, but a quick search for ‘drain unblocking near me’ can save you a lot of time and money. 

Possible outcomes of DIY gone wrong include: 

Chemical corrosion 

Using chemical cleaners to clear blockages might work at first, but using them too often can damage your pipes. 

Pipe collapse 

Ignoring possible blockages ultimately leads to your pipes collapsing. So if there’s continued drainage issues, contact a professional to take a closer look. 

Pushing debris further 

Using a drain snake can end up pushing debris further down the drain, forcing the blockage deeper into the pipe system. This makes it more difficult to access for later repairs. 

Flooding 

Not taking care to deal with blockages properly can lead to flooding in your home. This damages your home’s interior, which is an added cost on top of new pipes. 

Is it worth the cost? 

Working drains are always worth the cost. A good drainage system is crucial for your health and helps prevent water damage in your home. 

The upfront cost may look high, but it’s minor compared to the larger expenses from a failed unblocking attempt later on. 

When you could be dealing with thousands of pounds worth of damage, a call-out fee and a thorough fix doesn’t seem so bad. 

Final thoughts 

Dealing with a small drain blockage yourself is totally do-able. But when there’s repeated issues, or a particularly stubborn problem, it’s best to call in the professionals. A call-out cost is worth it when your home’s drainage system is on the line.