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Drain Unblocking Services

Do you need drain unblocking services for your domestic or commercial property? Need to stop your drains from overflowing causing bad smells and property damage? Cotswold Drainage is the UK’s expert in fixing your blocked drains, and we can usually fix 90% of all blockages in the first hour. If you have a blocked drain, book online or call our friendly team now!

Our blocked drain callouts all include a FREE CCTV survey and 6-month warranty on cleared blockages. 

blocked drains

Drain unblocking and cleaning service professionals

We have been helping people across the country with their blocked drains for over 25 years, with our dedicated team possessing expert knowledge on how to quickly solve any issues you may have.

drainage unblocking is our speciality and our team can reach your property in several locations, including:

We provide professional drain unblocking services for both domestic and commercial properties. Whether blockages are causing your drains to overflow, or your kitchen sink, bath or shower are creating nasty smells, you can rely on Cotswold Drainage.

As the top drainage unblocking company, we guarantee to provide a swift response, arriving at your residence to rectify your problem.

Our drainage unblocking services

Here at Cotswold Drainage, our team has over 25 years of expertise to solve your problem quickly with minimum hassle, leaving you more than satisfied. We can provide drainage unblocking services for a wide selection of properties across commercial and domestic sectors, no matter the time or situation.

We all need help in an emergency. Drain unblocking can be worrisome, leaving some panicking about what to do when drains begin to overflow into your home. If you have a blocked drain that is overflowing, waste no time and reach out today. We offer 24/7 emergency drain unblocking services and a member of our team can be at your location within minutes to clear your drain. Simply give us a call on 01386 882324.

Learn more about our emergency drainage.

For commercial drain unblocking services, trust Cotswold Drainage to provide the best possible service to an array of commercial locations, including schools, offices, factories and industrial estates. With all these commercial sectors, high volumes of waste are often produced, in addition to business owners not having the time to regularly check their drainage systems. Therefore, you can rely on us to keep your drains clear which will help to keep up with health and safety standards, avoid nasty smells for employees and keep clients and customers happy when visiting your business. From drain unblocking to surveying or lining drains, we can help to prevent further problems your commercial drainage systems might have.

We have helped a plethora of clients with domestic drain unblocking, working to provide professional services for blockages in sinks, toilets, showers and baths as well as outdoor drainage systems that may be blocked due to vegetation and soil disruption. It’s vital that any serious drain blockage is dealt with by professionals to save damage to your furniture, protect your young ones and get rid of nasty smells.

Whatever the situation for domestic drain unblocking, contact us today for swift action from our friendly team.

Have an emergency? Or looking for a maintenance or quote? Call us today on 01386 882324

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, makeup 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
drain unblocking services

Indeed, while blockages caused by these items can be easily avoided, another common reason people require drainage unblocking services is from 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 drainage unblocking service to help solve the issue as soon as possible 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.

man who unblocks drains

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why choose Cotswold Drainage?

Cotswold Drainage is CHAS-approved for health and safety, a member of Constructionline and has more than 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.

choosing Cotswold Drainage services

Drain Unblocking FAQs

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.

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    10 Quick Tips for Cleaning Blocked Drains

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    How To Clear Blocked Drains Outside

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    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 survey 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.

    • “Very quick and efficient service at a reasonable price - no need to go anywhere else.”
    • “Can’t recommend Luke highly enough, went above and beyond to sort our nasty blockage on a Saturday night in awful weather. Friendly, professional, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use Cotswold drainage again!”
    • “Called today and they were here well within an hour. Polite and cheerful operative did a fantastic job and kept us informed about what and why all the time. I can well understand why your reviews are so good. Would recommend without a moment's hesitation. Thank you!”
    • "Cotswold Drainage were truly excellent. They were very efficient in what was a miserable job, digging out a foul drain and un-blocking it, in cold rainy weather and removing a spirit level!!! and then leaving us after ensuring that everything was left as clean and tidy and as it was before the big dig started. I would have no hesitation in recommending them for a professional and personable service.”