Dealing with a blocked drain is stressful enough without worrying about hidden fees or surprise charges. If you've got an overflowing toilet, a stubborn sink or an outside gully backing up, your first question is probably “how much is this going to cost?”
The honest answer is that it depends on the job. This guide explains what drives the price, who's responsible for which drains, and how to avoid paying for work you don't need.
How we price at AllTime Drainage
- No call-out fee. You don't pay extra just for us to turn up. The call-out is included in your price.
- Price agreed on the phone. Jack talks the problem through with you and agrees the price before he sets off.
- No hidden extras on the day. If something unexpected turns up, he explains it and agrees it with you before doing any more.
- If we can't clear it, you usually won't pay. The exception is if something on your side stops the work, like no safe access to the drain.
Be wary of very low advertised prices that don't include the call-out, or that turn out to be “from” prices once someone is on your doorstep. Ask what's included before anyone travels.
4 things that affect the cost
1. Where the blockage is
Internal blockages, like a sink trap or toilet bend, are usually quick to clear. Blockages deep in underground pipes or the main drain run can need heavier equipment like a high-pressure jetter, and take longer.
2. What's causing it
Soft blockages from soap, hair, wipes or grease clear quickly. Hard blockages, like tree roots, heavy scale or a broken pipe, need specialist cutting tools or a camera survey to sort out properly.
3. The equipment needed
A simple blockage may only need rods. Severe or recurring problems often need a CCTV survey to find the cause, followed by high-pressure jetting to clean the pipe walls.
4. When you need it
Late-night, weekend and bank holiday call-outs usually cost more with any drainage company. If it can safely wait until the morning, it's often worth it. If it can't, make sure you're told the rate before anyone sets off.
Is the blocked drain your responsibility?
Before you pay anyone, check whose drain it is.
- Usually yours: drains inside your property boundary that serve only your home.
- Usually the water company's: shared drains, lateral drains outside your boundary, and public sewers. Your water bill shows which company handles your sewerage.
If you're not sure, describe it to Jack on the phone and he'll tell you whether it sounds like yours.
3 ways to avoid an emergency call-out
- Bin the fat. Never pour cooking oil or melted fat down the sink. Let it set in a container and put it in the general waste.
- Use plughole strainers to catch hair and food scraps before they get into the pipe.
- Only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and paper. “Flushable” wipes, sanitary products and cotton pads cause a huge share of the blockages we clear.
Get a clear price from AllTime Drainage
We cover Farnborough and the surrounding towns across Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. Whether it's a slow sink or a blocked main drain, call and you'll have an agreed price before anyone sets off.
