Skip to main content

24/7 Emergency Call Out

Local Blocked Drains Specialists

Do you have a blocked drain at your home or commercial property? Our friendly and expert team can be onsite within 24 hours.

Our blocked drain callouts all include a FREE CCTV health check and 6-month warranty on cleared blockages, all for just £140 + VAT.

A Cotswold Drainage van ready to fix some blocked drains

Why choose us for your blocked drains?

We've been fixing blocked drains for over 25 years. Our friendly and highly experienced team know how to quickly solve most blocked drains or drainage issues.

We provide drain unblocking services for both your home and commercial properties. From emergency callouts to drain cleaning and drain jetting, we're here to help.

We can be onsite within 24 hours to fix your blocked drains, or often same-day if you book with us before 2pm.


Get in touch

Contact our friendly and professional team via form, phone or email for any drainage issues you may have.

From blocked drains to septic tank repairs and replacements, we're here to help. We have over 25 years of experience and offer 24/7 emergency callouts.


Excellent service. prompt, good communication both from the office and from the operator on site. Excellent value. Happy to use again (although of course, I hope that I don't have to!).
- Alan Hay
I was kept informed of arrival time, team turned up as arranged and got to work. They worked hard to find the problem and it turned out it wasn’t just a blocked drain, but also a pipe that had never been connected to the outflow pipe (builders fault). Excellent job
- Hugh vC
Really excellent service. Cotswold Drainage are consummate professionals.
- Allabout Themind
- Jonathan Gibbon
A drainage company that knows exactly what they are doing. Quick to react, and a very good price.
- James Hurst
Fantastic service. Quick and efficient would highly recommend
- Dave Donadio
Always a prompt service, so helpful and thorough
- Alistair Barlow
    Please let us know your name.
    Please let us know your email address.
    Invalid Input
    Invalid Input
    Please let us know your message.

    Our drain unblocking services

    We offer a comprehensive range of drain unblocking services for every type of property and issue you can imagine. Whether you're noticing odd smells at home to emergency callouts for commercial kitchens, we're here to help.

    Have an emergency? Or looking for a maintenance or quote?

    What causes a blocked drain?

    Without proper care and maintenance, drains both inside and outside can easily become blocked. Fortunately, the most prevalent reasons are also simple to avoid and control with help of our experts.

    Hair is one of the most frequent obstructions in bathroom drains. It is simple to prevent this by utilising a hair catcher. Similar to guarding the plug holes in your kitchen sink, you may stop food scraps from going down your drains and clogging your pipes by doing the same. These items are the most common causes of blockages we find during our domestic drain unblocking services.

    In addition, flushing non-flushable items, such as sanitary towels, wet wipes and nappies can cause toilets to clog up and begin to overflow. It is vitally important that you avoid flushing these items down your toilet.

    Drain unblocking process

    Another common cause of blocked drains is FOGs (fats, oils and greases) being poured down kitchen sinks. These can cause serious issues with drainage systems, therefore it’s crucial to keep in mind that used oil should never be poured down the drain.

    Unfortunately, some elements, such as ageing, wear and weather conditions, as well as improper installation are more difficult to manage. The need to seek professional support for these blocked drains cannot be stressed enough. If you believe that your pipes have moved because of soil movement or that they have started to corrode over time, make sure to contact our team here at Cotswold Drainage.

    Drain unblocking services

    We have an amazing team to help get your drains up and running smoothly.

    Our friendly, reliable, and expert team will always be on hand to provide you with the necessary drainage solutions. Working hard to get the job done as quickly as possible with the utmost efficiency and care, so that your life can get back to normal. There is nothing more important to us than keeping you in the loop, our engineers will keep you updated sending you reminders, and checking our visit will still be convenient to your needs.

    Cotswold Drainage Engineer

    Take care of your blocked drains: How to prevent drain blockages?

    A plumbing system must be kept healthy and running in order to avoid blocked drains. One of the best ways to prevent drain blockages is to use drain screens or drain stoppers on top of your plugholes. These will catch food, hair and other contaminants that can damage your drains and cause serious blockages before they can enter your drains.

    In fact, it’s crucial to properly dispose of your waste if you want to keep your indoor drains safe. Always be mindful of what you are flushing down your toilet and into your drains. Therefore, it’s best to avoid flushing non-biodegradable items as well as FOGs which will help to ensure your system runs freely.

    Unblocking a drain

    Regular cleaning is still one of the greatest strategies to prevent blocked drains in addition to the aforementioned safety measures. The most ideal treatments are those that are natural, such as baking powder and vinegar, because they won’t induce corrosion like some popular commercial solutions. To perform routine cleaning and maintenance, you can trust our drain unblocking services which include professional drain cleaning and drain jetting.

    However, for drains that are located outside, other factors and elements are the root cause of many blockages. Make sure to observe any trees or plants that are close to your pipes since if they are damaged or obstructed, they may go unnoticed. Anytime you have a feeling that something could be off, call us right away for commercial and domestic drain unblocking to prevent a minor problem from developing into a major one.

    Local blocked drain specialists

    Why choose Cotswold Drainage?

    Cotswold Drainage is CHAS-approved for health and safety, a member of Constructionline and has 25+ years of experience. You can trust us to maintain and unblock your drainage systems across commercial and domestic properties with minimal disruption, utilising the latest high-tech equipment as well as follow-up visits during and after your 6-month warranty.

    Why choose Cotswold Drainage for blocked drains?

    Frequently Asked Drain Ublocking Questions

    How can I clear my blocked drain?

    To clear blocked outside drains, it ultimately depends on where the blockage is located and what caused it. The way to go about unblocking your drains will depend on whether you are dealing with an indoor drain or an outdoor drain.

    Rather than purchasing your own expensive equipment, which you will only need to use a few times a year, we recommend contacting a drain specialist like Cotswold Drainage to do the job for you. They have all the necessary equipment at hand and also have the knowledge and expertise to rid you of your blockages for good, without you having to take on any unnecessary health and safety risks.

    How can I clear my blocked outside drains?

    Outdoor drains help to channel rainwater away from your property. However, they can easily become blocked as a result of leaves, dirt and debris accumulating on top of them. When this happens, it is essential to clear your drains as soon as possible to prevent potentially serious damage to your property and ensure adequate drainage.

    Discover how to clean your blocked drains by checking out our detailed guide, '10 quick tips for cleaning blocked drains'.

    Can I unblock the drain myself?

    While some property owners may attempt to clear their drains themselves, it is usually best to hire a professional. Professional drain unblocking companies like Cotswold Drainage have the expertise and experience required to deal with all types of drainage problems, including outdoor drain blockages.

    What’s the best solution for a blocked drain?

    The best way to deal with a blocked drain is to take prompt action to prevent further damage and potential health hazards. If you notice slow-draining water or foul smells, don’t ignore the problem! 

    If the blockage persists, consider hiring a professional drain cleaning company with the expertise and equipment required to clear the blockage both safely and effectively.

    How can I prevent blocked drains?

    Preventing blocked drains is key to maintaining a healthy and functioning plumbing system. A good way to prevent indoor drain blockages is to use drain screens or drain stoppers on top of your plugholes. They serve to catch any hair or scraps of food before they can make their way down your drains.

    Discover some of the key blocked drains wanring signs you should look out by reading our complete, 'Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain' guide. 

    What causes a blocked drain?

    Both indoor and outdoor drains can become blocked easily without adequate care and maintenance. Luckily, the most common causes are also easy to combat and keep at bay with a little common sense.

    Discover the main causes of blocked drains by reading our guide 'Drain Blockage: Ten Common Causes of Blocked Drains'.

    What are the signs of a blocked drain?

    Blocked drains can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms; making identifying the warning signs of a blocked drain quickly so important.

    Check out our guide 'Warning Signs of a Blocked Outside Drain' to uncover some of the key warning signs you should look out for from your domestic drain systems

     

    What should I do if I have a blocked drain?

    If you have a blocked drain, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potential health hazards.

    There are several steps you can take to clear the blockage. Discover what these steps are by checking out our detailed article, 'Blocked Drains Cleaning Tips'. 

    How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

    The amount you will pay to unblock your drains depends on several factors, including the severity of the blockage and what caused it. For instance, if we come out to unblock your outdoor drains and notice that you also have cracked drainpipes, which caused the problem in the first place, we will have to carry out more work than clearing a less complex blockage.

    The cost of unblocking your drains also depends on how urgent the issue is. Immediate help might cost more than maintenance appointments scheduled in advance. Luckily, Cotswold Drainage offers all of its drain unblocking services at a competitive price, including our urgent, 24-hour callouts.

    If the cost of getting your drains unblocked is putting you off, remember that dealing with the problem properly now will always be cheaper than putting it off and dealing with more serious consequences in the long run.

    Who is responsible for blocked drains?

    Homeowners and business owners are typically responsible for maintaining the drains and plumbing within their property boundaries. This includes sinks, toilets and showers within the home, as well as outdoor pipes and drainage systems within their property limits.

    Meanwhile, local councils are responsible for maintaining public drains and sewerage systems, including those located on the street directly outside your property. Utility companies may also be responsible for maintaining any drains and sewer systems connected to their water-supply or sewage-treatment plants.

    If you’re not sure who is responsible for fixing a blocked drain, it’s always best to consult a licensed plumber or contact your local council or utility company for guidance. It’s important to address blocked drains quickly to prevent further damage and potential health hazards.

    How can I stop leaves from blocking my drains?

    Leaves are a common cause of outdoor drain blockages, especially during the autumn months. Nevertheless, there are several simple steps you can take to prevent leaves from blocking your outdoor drains.

    1. Clean your gutters regularly. If your gutters become clogged with leaves or debris, the water they collect can overflow and pool around your property foundations, potentially resulting in serious damage. Cleaning your gutters regularly can help to prevent this from happening.
    2. Install gutter guards. Typically made of mesh, gutter guards can be placed over your outdoor gutters to prevent leaves and debris from getting into them in the first place. Water can still flow through the gaps allowing your drains to function as intended, but leaves, twigs and other debris won’t be able to cause any issues.
    3. Do some gardening. Regularly raking the leaves in the garden reduces the likelihood of them ending up in your gutters. Trimming any trees or shrubs growing close to your property can also help to prevent root ingress in drains as well as leaves, twigs and branches from dropping into your drains.
    4. Install leaf catchers: Leaf catchers are mesh-like screens or baskets that fit over the top of your downspouts and other drains. They catch any leaves and debris before they can enter your drain to cause a blockage.
    5. Call in the professionals: Even the most conscientious property owners will struggle to keep nature at bay. Leaves and debris will still inevitably make their way into your drains at some point but calling in the professionals and taking advantage of their expert drain clearing service can help to prevent this minor issue from becoming a serious problem.

    Worried about leaves in your guttering or drains? At Cotswold Drainage, all of our teams are equipped with a high-power jetwash system to clear any blockages thoroughly, with an almost immediate effect.

    Why does my outside drain keep blocking?

    There are several reasons why your outside drain may keep blocking. The most common cause is the accumulation of debris, like leaves, twigs and dirt. The good news is that this is also incredibly easy to remove, either by hand or using a high-powered jet system.

    Nevertheless, if a poorly designed drainage system is the cause, you may need to call in the professionals. Repositioning your drains can help to ensure that water is draining properly, as can diagnosing and treating any root ingress problems.

    If your outdoor pipes have suffered any structural damage, either caused by age, the weather or other external factors, this can also lead to frequent blockages. In such cases, it’s best to consult a licensed drain-unblocking company like Cotswold Drainage to deal with the root cause of the problem.

    Who is responsible for an external drain blockage?

    The homeowner is responsible for unblocking any drains within your property boundary such as, beneath your house, garden, and driveway. These are classed as private drains. Any drains which do not share pipes with your neighbours are your responsibility to unblock.

    How do I know if my drains are blocked?

    The telltale signs of a blocked drain are :

    • Gurgling sink
    • Backing up in the toilet
    • Overflowing manhole

    If you notice any of these things then give us a call and we'll be able to assist.

    I'm not sure if the blockage is coming from my property, is there any way to find out?

    If you’re not sure if the blockage is on your property then there are a couple of things you can do. The first is to check a neighbouring manhole to see if this is full. If it is, then there’s a very high chance that the blockage is the responsibility of the local water authority.

    If this is the case then give them a call and they will come deal with the blockage free of charge. If you’re still unsure then simply give us a call on 01386 882324 and we can assist.


    What we offer

    Here at Cotswold Drainage, our team have over 25 years’ experience and the expertise guaranteed to sort your problem quickly with minimum of fuss, leaving you more than satisfied.

    We offer a 6-month warranty, along with a free drain camera health check and a guarantee that you will receive follow-ups during and after your 6-month warranty.

    We operate a large fleet of vehicles, equipped with specialist equipment for any situation, including our high-power jetting system for removing blockages & cleaning, and also CCTV for on-site surveying of the problem or damaged drainage systems.

    Don’t just take our word for it, read our incredible reviews left by our valued customers

    Excellent service. prompt, good communication both from the office and from the operator on site. Excellent value. Happy to use again (although of course, I hope that I don't have to!).
    - Alan Hay
    I was kept informed of arrival time, team turned up as arranged and got to work. They worked hard to find the problem and it turned out it wasn’t just a blocked drain, but also a pipe that had never been connected to the outflow pipe (builders fault). Excellent job
    - Hugh vC
    Really excellent service. Cotswold Drainage are consummate professionals.
    - Allabout Themind
    - Jonathan Gibbon
    A drainage company that knows exactly what they are doing. Quick to react, and a very good price.
    - James Hurst
    Fantastic service. Quick and efficient would highly recommend
    - Dave Donadio
    Always a prompt service, so helpful and thorough
    - Alistair Barlow
      contructionline
      has
      serviceM8
      which