Unblock a drain in Lincolnshire

Unblock a drain: the basics

What the job involves

An outside drain that overflows, gurgles or smells is usually blocked in the pipe run between your house and the sewer. A drainage contractor will lift the inspection cover, find where the water is backing up, and clear it with rods or a high-pressure water jet. If blockages keep coming back they can put a camera through the pipe to look for a collapsed section, roots or a misaligned joint.

What to ask a pro, and what to have ready

Describe which drains are affected (kitchen, bathroom, both) and whether neighbours have the same problem, which points to a shared pipe. Ask whether the price is fixed for a clearance, what happens if it needs jetting rather than rodding, and whether a camera survey and report are included if the pipe is damaged.

Safety and good to know

Drains inside your boundary that serve only your home are normally your responsibility; shared sewers and pipes beyond the boundary are normally the water company's (Anglian Water for most of Lincolnshire), so check with them before paying for work on a shared pipe. Avoid pouring strong chemicals down an overflowing drain, which makes the job less safe for whoever clears it. LincsDirectory doesn't vet or endorse businesses — always check credentials and get a written quote.

Written by LincsDirectory from public guidance. It is general information, not advice for your situation. LincsDirectory doesn't vet or endorse businesses — always check credentials and get a written quote.