Drain Cleaning

Cleaning drains that are slow, smelly or partly blocked, before a small problem turns into a full blockage.

About drain cleaning

Drain cleaning is about restoring a drain that is still working, but not working well. Slow-draining sinks, a gully that takes a while to empty, or a smell that keeps coming back are signs that material is building up inside the pipe.

Depending on the drain and what is causing the problem, cleaning can involve clearing traps and waste pipes, rodding, flushing or high-pressure jetting. The goal is to remove the build-up rather than simply push water past it.

Drain cleaning is often a sensible step when moving into a new property, before or after building work, or when a drain has a history of problems. It can also be carried out as part of a regular maintenance plan for commercial premises.

Signs you may need help

Sinks, baths and showers that drain more slowly than they used to
Recurring smells from plugholes or gullies
Gullies that are slow to empty after rain
Debris or residue visible in an inspection chamber
Drains that have not been looked at for many years

Common causes

Gradual build-up of fat, soap and food residue
Silt and leaves in outside gullies
Limescale and hair in bathroom waste pipes
Debris left behind after building work

What our approach means for you

Deals with slow drains before they block completely.
Removes the build-up that causes recurring smells.
A useful check after moving house or completing building work.
Can form part of a planned maintenance schedule.

How it works

What you can expect when you contact Clear Drainage about drain cleaning.

Identify the problem areas

We check which fittings and sections of drain are slow or smelly and why.
Clean traps and wastes

Accessible traps, gullies and waste pipes are cleared of build-up.
Clean the drain run

Underground sections are rodded, flushed or jetted depending on what is lining the pipe.
Test the flow

Water is run through the system to confirm it drains freely, and we explain what we found.

Drain Cleaning across Southampton and the surrounding area

We provide drain cleaning throughout Southampton and the surrounding area within roughly 60 miles. Choose your area for local information.

Drain Cleaning Southampton

Hampshire

Also covering

Related services

Drain Jetting

High-pressure water jetting to clear stubborn blockages and scour away fat, silt, scale and debris from the inside of drain pipes.

Drain Maintenance

Planned cleaning and inspection for drains that block regularly, busy commercial premises and managed properties.

Drain Unblocking

Clearing blocked drains, gullies and waste pipes at homes and businesses, then explaining what caused the blockage so it is less likely to come back.

CCTV Drain Surveys

Camera inspections that show the condition of a drain from the inside, so recurring problems and damage can be diagnosed accurately.

Blocked Sinks

Clearing blocked kitchen and bathroom sinks, including waste pipes and the drains they connect to.

Helpful guides

Drain Cleaning FAQs

What is the difference between drain cleaning and drain unblocking?

Drain unblocking deals with a drain that has stopped working. Drain cleaning is for drains that still flow but are slow, smelly or partly obstructed. The methods can overlap, but cleaning focuses on removing build-up from the pipe.

Do household drains need regular cleaning?

Most do not, provided fat, wipes and food waste are kept out of them. Cleaning makes sense when a drain is slow or smelly, after building work, or where there is a history of blockages.

Will drain cleaning stop a bad smell?

If the smell is caused by build-up in the pipe, cleaning usually helps. If the smell continues, it may be coming from a dried-out trap, a failed seal or a damaged pipe, which a CCTV survey can help identify.

Need help with drain cleaning?

Call Clear Drainage or send us a few details about the problem. We will explain what is likely to be involved before any work starts.

Call 023 8112 3123 Request a quote