5 Common Drainage Specialist Problems and When to Call a Professional

The problems that come up most

These are the jobs drainage specialists are most commonly booked for. Catching them early almost always costs less:

• recurring blockages in the same place
• slow drainage throughout the house
• bad smells from drains
• rat activity linked to drain defects
• a homebuyer drain survey flagging problems

What you can safely check yourself

Before calling anyone, gather information: when the problem started, whether it's getting worse, and clear photos. This helps a professional give you a realistic first assessment and helps you describe the job accurately when collecting quotes.

Basic observation is always safe; DIY repair is not always. If the problem involves gas, electrics, working at height or the structure of your home, stop at observation and call a professional.

Signs it's time to book someone

Book a professional when the problem is getting worse, when it involves safety, when your own attempts haven't held, or when you simply don't know the cause. A correct diagnosis is usually cheaper than a wrong repair.

For context on cost: Unblocking a drain typically costs £80–£150. A CCTV drain survey runs £150–£350; repairs vary enormously — patch lining a section might be £400–£800, while excavation runs into thousands.

Choosing who to call

Drainage work is unlicensed. A reputable firm will offer a CCTV survey before quoting for repairs and provide the footage and a written report, especially for homebuyer surveys.

Check recent reviews before booking — Hammerscore company pages for drainage specialists combine ratings from several platforms, and the low-star reviews tell you most about how problems were handled.