What should I do if my drain is blocked?

Stop using fixtures that are backing up, keep clear of wastewater and avoid chemical drain cleaners. If a toilet or outside drain is overflowing, call 0800 8600 289 with your postcode and symptoms so we can confirm availability. A recurring blockage may need a camera inspection to find the cause.

Signs a drain may be blocked

Slow water, gurgling plugholes, bad smells, a rising toilet level or an overflowing outside gully can all point to restricted flow. If several fixtures are affected at once, the blockage may be farther along the shared pipework.

Safe steps to take now

  • Stop using the affected sink, toilet or appliance if water is backing up.
  • Keep people away from wastewater and wash thoroughly after any contact.
  • Avoid adding chemical drain cleaners; they may not reach the cause and can create a hazard for you and the engineer.
  • If water is escaping, protect nearby electrics only when it is safe to do so.
Drain clearance through an open inspection chamber

Should I call a drainage company or Yorkshire Water?

Responsibility depends on the pipe and where the problem is. A drain serving only your property within its boundary is usually the property owner's responsibility; many shared drains and public sewers are Yorkshire Water's responsibility. If neighbours are affected too, or you suspect a public sewer blockage, check with Yorkshire Water before arranging private work. If you rent, contact your landlord or managing agent.

Use Yorkshire Water's pipe responsibility guide to check your situation. Road gullies may be the council's responsibility: City of York Council explains which drainage problems to report.

How much does drain unblocking cost?

TC Drains drain unblocking starts from £85, with no VAT, subject to the job. The starting price is not a fixed quote for every blockage, camera survey or repair. We confirm the work and quote before starting.

To help us assess the job, tell us:

The location and severity of the blockage, access to the pipe and any inspection or repair needed affect the scope. Ask what the quote includes and how any additional work would be agreed. Request a drain unblocking quote.

Do I need drain unblocking, jetting or a CCTV survey?

Water is backing up or draining slowly

Drain unblocking addresses the immediate obstruction. High-pressure drain jetting can remove grease, sludge and debris from inside the pipe. The method depends on the blockage, access and condition of the drain.

The same drain keeps blocking

A CCTV drain survey can investigate cracks, displaced joints or root intrusion. It is an inspection, so clearing an obstruction or repairing a defect may be separate work. A camera also needs access and a clear enough view to inspect the pipe.

Roots or damaged pipework have been found

Root cutting removes roots inside the drain. It does not seal the gap they entered through. A suitable local defect may be repaired from inside with patch lining; a collapsed or badly displaced pipe may need a different drain repair. Inspection findings guide the recommendation.

Rainwater is overflowing from the roof gutter

Blocked roof gutters and downpipes need a different service from underground drain clearance. Our gutter cleaning service covers York and surrounding areas only. Send your postcode, property type and access details to confirm coverage and a quote.

Reducing repeat blockages

Keep fats, oils, wipes and hygiene products out of drains; clear leaves from gullies; use sink strainers; and act on recurring smells or slow flow before the drain overflows. For commercial kitchens or frequently used systems, planned cleaning may be more economical than repeated emergency visits.

If the drain is overflowing now, contact TC Drains or call 0800 8600 289.

For a planned visit, include a callback number in your enquiry. For an emergency, call: availability and arrival estimates are confirmed directly.