Instant
01 · Ask
Blocked, leaking or collapsed?
Slow drain, smelly, overflowing, subsidence — describe and the AI tells you whether it's a £100 unblock or a £6k excavation.
Fit a sump pump.
Basement or cellar flood protection — float-switched, flood-tested and discharged to soakaway or drain.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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Hire a drain specialist. CCTV first, dig only if needed.
Read the brief on CCTV surveys, trenchless repair and ownership rules — then let Three local specialists quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
CCTV reports, no-dig relining, build-over agreements, water company responsibilities, foul vs surface water. Know the lingo.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 drain quotes
Three local specialists quote on the same diagnosis — CCTV, repair method, materials — so you compare honestly.
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Top tips
Hiring a drain specialist, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Insist on CCTV before any major work.
Blockages can be hair, roots, collapse or misalignment. A CCTV survey identifies the cause — anyone digging or jetting without one is guessing.
Get the build-over agreement.
Building over a public sewer needs a water company build-over agreement. Find out before excavating — retrofitting one is painful.
No-dig first, dig only if needed.
Most modern drain repairs use trenchless methods (relining, patch-and-cure). If a quote starts with 'we'll need to dig the whole driveway up', get a second opinion.
Check who owns the drain.
Since 2011, water companies own most lateral drains. Blockages outside your property boundary might be the water company's responsibility — and their fix is free.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Drain unblock (standard call-out)
£80–£250
CCTV drain survey
£150–£400
Drain relining (per metre)
£100–£250
Drain excavation + replacePer 10m run
£1.5k–£6k
Manhole rebuild
£600–£2k
Soakaway install
£800–£2.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Drain Specialist briefing.
Infographic
Drain Specialist quick-view
Video guide
Drain Specialist explained
Sump pumps protect basements, cellars and low-lying utility rooms from flood damage. They sit in a sump pit, auto-trigger on rising water, and pump out to a soakaway or surface drain.
What's involved
- Excavate sump pit (or use existing)
- Fit pump with float switch on solid base
- Run discharge pipe to soakaway, drain or sewer
- Wire 230V supply with isolation (Part P if new circuit)
- Flood-test before sign-off
Typical UK costs (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pedestal sump pump fit | £450–£900 |
| Submersible sump pump fit (with pit) | £900–£1,800 |
| Twin pump with battery backup | £1,400–£2,800 |
| Labour only (you supply pump) | £280–£500 |
Tips
For habitable basements, always fit twin pumps with battery backup — single-pump failure during a power cut means flooded floors.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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