Match the service to the problem
Drain problems come in many forms. A slow sink, a flooded gully and a cracked pipe each need a different fix. This page starts with six drain services, then lists the plumbing, bathroom and boiler services, because the right choice depends on the problem. Use it to match your problem to the right one. Each service has its own page with more detail.
Start with the signs. If a fixture drains slowly or a toilet gurgles, read about blocked drains. However, if water or sewage is coming into your home, go to emergency drain help first. Then send an urgent request.
Some problems need a closer look. A camera survey can show cracks, roots and blockages, so it helps when blockages keep returning. If the pipe is damaged, repairs may follow, while jetting suits grease and silt.
Whichever service you pick, ask the engineer a few questions first. Ask for a written quote and whether there is a call-out charge. Ask what cover the work carries, because it differs between engineers. Keep the quote for your records.
Compare quotes with care. Two quotes can differ because they cover different work. Ask each engineer what is in the price, such as a camera check or clean-up. Then compare like with like, since price alone can mislead.
Not sure who looks after a pipe? Since 1 October 2011, shared drains and lateral drains beyond your boundary belong to the water company. The pipe within your boundary that serves only your home stays yours. Ask the engineer to explain the split, because it affects who pays.
Blocked Drains
A blocked drain can affect a toilet, sink, bath or outside gully. Read the common causes, how engineers clear them and what to ask.- Blocked Toilet
- Blocked Sink
- Blocked Bath & Shower
Drain Unblocking
Drain unblocking covers waste pipes inside the home and drains outside it. Read how engineers clear each type and what to ask.- External Drain Unblocking
- Internal Drain Unblocking
CCTV Drain Surveys
A CCTV drain survey uses a small camera to look inside a pipe. It can show cracks, roots, collapses and blockages without digging.- Pre-Purchase Drain Survey
- Drainage Investigation
Drain Jetting
Drain jetting uses high-pressure water to clear grease, scale and silt from pipes. Read when it suits a home or business, and what to ask first.- Domestic Drain Jetting
- Commercial Drain Jetting
Emergency Drain Services
Water or sewage backing up in your home is stressful. Read what to do first, then send an urgent request through the form.- Flooding Emergency
- Sewage Emergency
Drain Repairs
A cracked, leaking or collapsed drain needs a repair, not just a clear-out. Read how relining and digging work, and what to ask first.- Pipe Relining
- Drain Excavation
Plumbing, bathroom and boiler services
Drains are not the only job. You can also ask about boiler servicing and boiler repair. A Gas Safe registered engineer must do gas work, and these pages cover gas boilers only.
For water problems, read about an emergency plumber if a pipe has burst. If you suspect a hidden leak, see leak detection and repair. Planning a new room? Bathroom fitting is installation work, so it is not an emergency and it is not gas work. Each page has links to the towns it covers.
Boiler Servicing
A boiler service is a regular check of a gas boiler. Read what a visit covers, why Gas Safe registration matters and what to ask first.Emergency Plumber
An emergency plumber deals with burst pipes, leaks and taps that will not shut. Read the first steps to take and what to ask.Boiler Repair
Boiler repair covers faults in a gas boiler, such as no heat or no hot water. Read the safety steps, what to ask and who may do the work.Leak Detection and Repair
Leak detection finds where water is escaping. Read the signs of a hidden leak, who looks after which pipe and what to ask first.Bathroom Fitting
Bathroom fitting covers a new or replacement bathroom. Read what a quote should list, which rules may apply and what to ask the fitter first.Find your town
Browse the town pages to find your area. Every town has its own page with local details. Pick the one closest to you, because the details differ from town to town.
Need a Drainage Service?
Send a request through the form at any time. Mark it urgent if water is coming into your home. Say what you can see, since details help the engineer plan.