The most common signs are slow drainage from sinks, baths, or showers, gurgling sounds from toilets or drain outlets, unpleasant odours coming from drains or plugs, and water backing up in unexpected places. In more serious cases, sewage smells persisting after a blockage has been cleared, or water pooling outside the property near drain inspection covers, can indicate a more significant problem inside the pipework. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s worth having the system inspected sooner rather than later. Problems that are caught early are generally quicker and less costly to resolve.
Why choose us for drain pipe cleaning in London?
Drainage pipes work quietly in the background until something goes wrong. By the time a blockage, slow drain, or foul smell becomes noticeable, build-up inside the pipework has usually been developing for some time. Regular pipe cleaning keeps the system running efficiently, reduces the risk of blockages, and helps identify any underlying issues before they develop into something more disruptive.
We’ve been specialising in drainage pipe cleaning for more than 15 years, working across domestic, commercial, and industrial sites throughout London and the Home Counties. We use a range of methods, including high-pressure water jetting, electro-mechanical cleaning, and descaling equipment, matched to the nature of the problem and the type of pipework involved.
Where the cause of a problem isn’t immediately clear, we carry out a CCTV survey first to inspect the system from the inside and identify exactly what needs to be done before any cleaning begins.
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How does drain pipe cleaning work?
We start by assessing the situation. For routine maintenance and straightforward build-up, high-pressure water jetting is typically the most effective method, clearing debris, grease, and sediment from the internal walls of the pipe and restoring normal flow. For harder deposits such as scale or compacted material that jetting alone won’t shift, electro-mechanical cleaning or descaling equipment is used to break down and remove the obstruction more thoroughly.
Where there’s uncertainty about the condition of the pipework or the nature of the problem, a CCTV survey allows our engineers to see inside the system before treatment begins. This ensures the right method is used for the right problem, avoids unnecessary work, and flags any structural issues that need attention alongside the cleaning.
Once the work is complete, we’ll advise on a maintenance schedule where appropriate to help keep the system in good condition going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should drainage pipes be cleaned?
For most residential properties, an annual clean is a sensible baseline. Properties in hard water areas, older buildings with ageing pipework, or homes where recurring blockages have been a problem may benefit from more frequent maintenance. Commercial and high-occupancy sites, where drainage systems handle considerably more use, typically require cleaning every three to six months to maintain proper flow and avoid operational disruption. We can advise on the right frequency once we’ve assessed your system and taken into account the property type, usage levels, and local water conditions.
What equipment do you use for blocked drains?
We use professional-grade high-pressure water jetting units, electro-mechanical cleaning machines, and specialist descaling equipment, selected based on the nature of the problem and the type of pipework being treated. For initial assessment, we use the latest CCTV drain survey technology to inspect the internal condition of the pipes before any cleaning begins. This ensures we’re using the most appropriate method rather than applying a standard approach regardless of what the system actually needs. All of our equipment is maintained to a high standard and our engineers are fully certified in its safe and effective use.
How much does drain pipe cleaning cost in London?
The cost depends on the size of the system, the method required, and whether a CCTV survey is needed beforehand. For a standard residential property, pipe cleaning typically falls within the range of £150 to £500. Larger commercial systems, those requiring descaling or electro-mechanical treatment, or jobs where a CCTV survey is carried out as part of the same visit will sit higher. We’ll always provide a clear quote before any work begins, with a straightforward explanation of what’s included and what’s driving the cost.