What affects the cost?
Drain unblocking cost depends on blockage severity, access, whether rodding or high-pressure jetting is needed, and whether diagnosis with a CCTV survey is required. Emergency attendance adds a separate call-out premium.
- Blockage location and severity
- Rodding or high-pressure jetting
- Scheduled or emergency call-out
- CCTV survey requirement
- Drain access
- Damage requiring relining or repair
Typical cost breakdown
Regional planning examples
The examples below apply our published modelling factor to the same national benchmark. They are not claimed as observed city-wide average quotes.
Sources used for this guide
Drain Unblocking: Cost Breakdown 2026
Published / checked: Updated June 2026
Used for: Drain call-out, rodding, jetting, CCTV survey and relining benchmarks
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to unblock a drain?
Simple drain rodding averages around £85, while jetting averages around £185. More difficult blockages or combined methods cost more.
How much is an emergency drain call-out?
A current UK benchmark is around £180 for the emergency call-out itself, before the clearance work.
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