What is the fastest way to unblock a drain?

For a sink or basin, a plunger is usually the fastest fix — most minor blockages clear within a few minutes of firm plunging. For toilets, a flange plunger or toilet auger works best. If plunging does not work, the blockage is likely deeper in the system and needs a drain snake, rods or professional jetting.

Does boiling water unblock drains?

Boiling water can dissolve minor grease and soap buildup, but it will not clear a solid blockage. It works best as a follow-up after using baking soda and vinegar, or as a weekly maintenance flush to keep drains flowing. Never pour boiling water into a toilet bowl — the thermal shock can crack the porcelain.

Is it safe to use chemical drain unblockers?

Chemical drain cleaners (like Mr Muscle or HG) can clear minor blockages, but they have downsides: they can corrode older metal pipes, damage rubber seals, harm septic tank bacteria, and are hazardous if they splash. Enzyme-based cleaners are a safer alternative for regular maintenance. For a stubborn blockage, a plumber with a drain snake or jetting equipment is more effective and less risky than repeated chemical use.

How much does a plumber charge to unblock a drain?

A plumber typically charges £80 to £150 to unblock an internal drain and £100 to £200 for an external drain in the Exmouth and East Devon area. High-pressure jetting costs £150 to £300. Emergency or out-of-hours callouts may cost more. See our plumber costs guide for a full breakdown.

Who is responsible for blocked drains — me or the water company?

You are responsible for all drains within your property boundary, including the section that connects your property to the public sewer. South West Water is responsible for the public sewer itself. If you are unsure where the boundary falls, South West Water can advise (0344 346 2020). If the blockage is in the public sewer, they will clear it at no charge.

Why does my drain keep blocking?

Recurring blockages usually point to an underlying problem: a partial pipe collapse, tree root intrusion, a bellied (sagging) pipe that traps debris, or a persistent grease buildup. A CCTV drain survey is the best way to diagnose the cause. Clearing the same blockage repeatedly without investigating the root cause ends up costing more in the long run.

Can I unblock an outside drain myself?

Yes, in many cases. Put on rubber gloves, remove the drain cover and clear visible debris. If the blockage is further along, drain rods (£15 to £25 from a DIY shop) can push through most blockages — always turn them clockwise. If rodding does not work or the blockage keeps returning, the drain likely needs professional jetting or a CCTV survey to check for damage.

What should I never put down a drain?

Fat, oil and grease (the biggest cause of drain blockages), wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, nappies, coffee grounds, food scraps, paint and cement residue. Only water, toilet paper and human waste should go down your drains.

How to Unblock a Drain: DIY Methods vs Calling a Professional

A blocked drain is one of the most common plumbing problems in UK homes — and one of the most frustrating. The good news is that many blockages can be cleared yourself with basic tools. This guide walks you through DIY methods for every type of drain, explains when it is time to call a professional and covers what you should expect to pay.

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Blocked Kitchen Sink

Fat, grease and food debris are the most common culprits. Grease solidifies inside the trap and waste pipe, gradually restricting flow until the sink drains slowly or not at all.

DIY Steps

1.Remove the plug and clear any visible debris from the plughole
2.Use a sink plunger — fill the sink with a few inches of water, cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth, then plunge firmly 10 to 15 times
3.Try baking soda and vinegar: pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, follow with half a cup of white vinegar, cover and wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water
4.If the blockage persists, place a bucket under the U-bend trap, unscrew it and clear the blockage by hand

When to Call a Professional

If the blockage is beyond the trap (water drains from the trap but backs up further along), the waste pipe needs rodding or jetting — call a plumber.

Blocked Shower or Bath

Hair tangled with soap scum is the usual cause. It collects in the drain cover and trap, forming a dense plug that gradually slows drainage.

DIY Steps

1.Remove the drain cover and pull out any visible hair and debris — a pair of needle-nose pliers or a zip-strip drain cleaner works well
2.Pour boiling water down the drain to dissolve soap residue
3.Use a drain snake or flexible wire to reach deeper blockages in the trap
4.For shower trays with restricted access, try a wet-dry vacuum on the blowing setting to dislodge the clog

When to Call a Professional

If water is backing up into the shower tray despite clearing the trap, the blockage may be in the branch pipe or soil stack — this needs professional access.

Blocked Toilet

Toilet blockages are usually caused by too much paper, wet wipes (even "flushable" ones), sanitary products or children's toys. The blockage typically sits in the toilet's internal S-bend.

DIY Steps

1.Use a toilet plunger (the type with a flange that fits into the bowl outlet) — push down slowly to create a seal, then pull back sharply
2.If no plunger is available, squirt washing-up liquid into the bowl, add hot (not boiling) water from waist height, and wait 15 minutes — the lubrication and pressure can shift the blockage
3.A toilet auger (available from hardware shops for around £10 to £15) can reach blockages deeper in the S-bend without scratching the porcelain

When to Call a Professional

If plunging does not work after several attempts, or if flushing the toilet causes water to back up in other drains (bath, shower, sink), the blockage is in the soil pipe or main drain — stop using the toilet and call a plumber immediately.

Blocked Outside Drain or Manhole

External drains block due to leaves, silt, tree root intrusion and fat deposits from kitchen waste pipes. After heavy rain, surface water drains can also become overwhelmed with debris.

DIY Steps

1.Put on rubber gloves, remove the drain cover and clear any visible debris by hand
2.Use a drain rod (available from DIY shops for around £15 to £25) to push through the blockage — always turn the rods clockwise to avoid them unscrewing
3.Flush the drain with a garden hose to confirm the water flows freely

When to Call a Professional

If the blockage is deep, keeps returning, or you can see standing water in a manhole, the drain likely needs high-pressure jetting or a CCTV survey to identify root intrusion or pipe damage. If multiple manholes are affected, the blockage may be in a public sewer — contact South West Water on 0344 346 2020.

Drain Unblocking Costs: DIY vs Professional

Here is what you can expect to pay for DIY tools versus hiring a plumber. Professional costs are for the Exmouth and East Devon area in 2026.

Method / Service	Typical Cost
DIY plunger or drain snake	£5–£15
DIY drain rods	£15–£25
Plumber: internal drain unblock	£80–£150
Plumber: external drain clearance	£100–£200
High-pressure drain jetting	£150–£300
CCTV drain survey	£100–£250
Drain repair (minor)	£200–£400
Drain repair (excavation)	£500–£2,000+

Professional prices include labour. For a full breakdown of plumbing costs, see our plumber costs guide. Get a quick estimate with our cost calculator.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

Most drain blockages are preventable. These habits will save you money and hassle in the long run.

Never Pour Fat Down the Sink

Let cooking fat cool and solidify, then scrape it into the bin. Even small amounts of grease accumulate inside pipes and are the leading cause of kitchen drain blockages in the UK.

Fit Drain Guards

Mesh drain guards over kitchen and bathroom plugholes catch hair, food scraps and debris before they enter the pipe. They cost a few pounds and prevent most blockages.

Bin Wet Wipes — Always

Wet wipes do not break down in water, even when labelled "flushable". They snag on pipe joints and create fatbergs further down the system. The only things that should be flushed are toilet paper and human waste.

Monthly Enzyme Treatment

A monthly dose of enzyme-based drain cleaner breaks down organic buildup before it becomes a blockage. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners — they can corrode older pipes and damage septic systems.

Manage Tree Roots

If you have trees or large shrubs near your drainage runs, have a CCTV drain survey every few years to check for root intrusion. Roots can crack clay pipes and cause persistent blockages that are expensive to repair.

Clear External Drains Seasonally

Remove leaves and debris from external drain covers in autumn and spring. Blocked external drains during heavy Devon storms can cause flooding and back up into your property.

Drain Unblocking FAQs

Still Blocked? Find a Local Drain Specialist

If DIY methods have not worked, a professional plumber can clear the blockage quickly with drain rods, high-pressure jetting or a CCTV survey. Browse our directory for local drain specialists covering Exmouth and East Devon.

Find a Drain Specialist Try Our Cost Calculator

For Exmouth-specific drain costs and causes, see our blocked drains page. Got a different plumbing problem? Try our diagnosis tool. Suspect a leak rather than a blockage? Read our signs of a water leak guide. Keep your drains healthy year-round with our annual maintenance checklist. Blocked toilet specifically? Read toilet repair or diagnose a running toilet.