Instant
01 · Ask
Emergency or scheduled?
Overflow now, or a recurring slow drain? Describe the situation and the AI tells you priority and price band.
Book a CCTV drain survey.
Inline camera survey of full drain run — video report, GPS map and condition assessment.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going
Hire a sewer clearance specialist. Cleared, jetted, diagnosed.
Read the brief on rodding vs jetting, septic tank rules and emergency response — then let Three local specialists quote.
Free
02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Rodding vs jetting vs CCTV, septic tank rules, soakaway design, water company boundaries. Know your responsibilities.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 specialist quotes
Three local specialists quote on the same scope — clearance, diagnosis, follow-up — so emergency doesn't mean overcharged.
✦
Get sewer quotes Ready when you are
Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.
Top tips
Hiring a sewer clearance, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
24/7 response matters.
Sewer blockage at 2am is an emergency. Reputable sewer specialists offer genuine 24/7 — confirm before you need to call.
Insist on jetting, not just rodding.
Rodding clears the immediate blockage; high-pressure jetting cleans the pipe. Jetting prevents re-blockage within weeks.
Get a written diagnosis.
After clearance, you need to know why it blocked — fats, wipes, roots, collapse. A written diagnosis informs whether you need follow-up repair.
Check the discharge license.
Septic tanks discharging to ground must comply with the General Binding Rules. Specialists offering 'just empty it' may be hiding compliance issues.
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
Standard sewer clearance
£120–£350
Emergency 24/7 call-out
£250–£600
High-pressure jetting
£200–£500
Septic tank empty (4,000L)
£200–£400
Cesspit empty + clean
£250–£600
Soakaway repair / install
£800–£3.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
CCTV drain surveys diagnose blockage causes, structural issues. Required for some mortgages. Expect to pay £150–£600 for UK CCTV drain survey.
What Does the Work Involve?
Specialist arrives with CCTV crawler camera. Inserted through manhole or rodding eye. Recorded video and photos. WRc (Water Research Centre) coded report. Recommendations for repair.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CCTV survey | 150 | 300 | Standard report |
| Pre-purchase mortgage survey | 250 | 600 | WRc coded report |
| Insurance claim survey | 200 | 500 | Detailed report |
| Sonde location service | 100 | 300 | Map drain runs |
| Combined unblock + survey | 250 | 600 | Same visit |
| Manhole excavation (if needed) | 200 | 800 | Access |
| Build-over survey | 300 | 800 | Extension |
UK Regulations
WRc MSCC5 coding standard. Build-over agreement required for extension over public sewer. Water company approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
When need CCTV survey?
Recurring blockages, pre-purchase, insurance claim, building over sewer.
WRc coded report essential?
For mortgage/insurance: yes. Industry standard.
Cost of repair after survey?
Patch repair £500-£2,000. Relining £100-£200/m. Excavation replacement £2,000-£10,000.
How long does survey take?
1-3 hours on-site. Report 2-5 days.
Pre-purchase essential?
Strongly recommended for properties built pre-1960. Identifies hidden issues.
Build-over agreement?
Required if extending over public sewer. £200-£500 water company fee.
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.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
Got more questions
about sewer clearance?
Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the sewer clearance — so you walk in informed.
I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a sewer clearance?
Sounds like a job for sewer clearance. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS
Keep reading
VIEW ALL SEWER CLEARANCE GUIDES →More sewer clearance guides.
Guide
Sewer Clearance Cost & Work Guide
Dealing with a blocked sewer is one of the most stressful issues a UK homeowner can face. Beyond the unpleasant smells and slow drainage, a compromised sewer li...
READ GUIDE →GuideBlocked Sink Clearance Service Guide
Blocked Sink Clearance Service Guide Scope of Works Confirm issue & locate blockage (trap, branch pipe or stack) with visual/aural checks. Protect area , is...
READ GUIDE →GuideSewer Clearance Cost & Work Guide
A blocked sewer is more than just a domestic nuisance; it is a potential health hazard and a significant risk to your property’s structural integrity. In the UK...
READ GUIDE →GuideSewer Inspection Cost & Guide
A sewer inspection is a critical health check for your property’s subterranean infrastructure. For UK homeowners, these surveys are usually triggered by recurri...
READ GUIDE →GuideSewer Pipe Repair Guide
A damaged sewer pipe is one of the most stressful issues a UK homeowner can face. Beyond the unpleasant smells and slow drainage, structural damage to your prop...
READ GUIDE →GuideDrain Unblocking — UK Cost & Process Guide
Drain unblocking service. UK costs.
READ GUIDE →