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The UK’s No.1 Drainage & Emergency Plumbing Company

3D Drain Survey

Find your local engineer

As the largest drainage company in the UK, we have teams across the country. Enter your postcode into the box below to find your nearest Drain Doctor specialist.

 

Find your local engineer

As the largest drainage company in the UK, we have teams across the country. Enter your postcode into the box below to find your nearest Drain Doctor specialist.

 

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Drain Doctor Engineers

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Have you got an urgent issue? Get in touch with your local drainage engineer, and they will respond within 15 minutes.

08082 538 514

 

 

Why choose Drain Doctor

We’ve been helping homeowners and commercial businesses for over 30 years, finding fixes for blocked drains, bad smells, and emergency repairs. When you choose us, you’ll receive unbeatable customer service and a high-level quality of work.

Available 24/7, 365 days

Over 60 locations and 24/7 support

Our local engineers are always available to help you with any drainage or plumbing issues that you may be facing.

No obligation quote

At Drain Doctor, we pride ourselves on our transparency.

We provide a no-obligation quote before any work commences, and you’ll receive a fixed price for the work needed.

Rapid response times

When you contact us, we aim to respond within 15 minutes.

We’re known for our fast response time, and we can help provide a quick diagnosis and resolution, with minimal disruption.

No call out fee

When you book an engineer, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t have to pay any hidden consultation fees.

Our specialists are here to help and understand the problem at hand.

Trusted accreditations

We hold industry recognised accreditations, giving you confidence that all work is carried out safely and to a high professional standard

Constructionline
AFAQ ISO 9001
Water Jetting Association
Achilles Network Silver Plus
Facilitiesline Gold Member
DBS Check

Find your local team

Enter your postcode below to find your local Drain Doctor team and get in touch today.

 

Frequently asked questions

Yes, we are available 24/7, 365 days a year and you can speak to your local engineer any time, day or night.

Regardless of the time of day, you'll receive a free call out. You can rest easy knowing there's no hidden fees.

Yes, during our visit, we'll provide an upfront quote before any work begins to ensure full transparency for the work ahead.

Depending on the service, we can start work there and then once the quote is approved. However, more specialist services that required professional equipment may require a second visit to ensure it’s completed correctly

We are the nation's largest national provider of 24/7 emergency drainage and plumbing services. Our results speak for themselves, and we have helped thousands of people with their drainage and plumbing issues and requirements.

Yes, we hold industry accreditations, including AFAQ ISO 9001, Achilles Network Silver Plus and Facilitiesline.

If you've noticed gurgling noises, standing water, low water pressure, or overflowing, you may be experiencing a blockage. It's always worth calling a professional to ensure it's fixed correctly to prevent any further issues from occurring.

We provide drainage and emergency plumbing services for a range of commercial properties, helping to prevent downtime as well as protecting your revenue and reputation.

If you’ve noticed that your drain has permanent blockages, then you may need a drain excavation.

A drainage engineer will start with a CCTV drain survey, allowing you to see the condition of the pipes and if excavation is the most effective long-term solution.

Excavation is carefully planned to minimise disruption. As a result, we only excavate the affected area and leave everything tidy before leaving.

While drain excavations can be completed in one to three days, the depth of the drain excavation, access requirements, and the extent of the damage can affect the duration.

Our engineers ensure that all work completed adheres to the latest industry standards and building regulations.

The cost of a drain installation will depend on the scope of work, ground conditions, and the required materials. Our engineers will provide a clear quotation before any work starts

Before installation work begins, we complete a CCTV drain survey to map your existing drainage infrastructure and to understand compromised or broken areas and how best to carry out your installation.

If your septic tank discharges its contents to a watercourse, you will need to adapt your system to comply with UK General Binding Rules. Drainage fields or infiltration systems help to safely and legally dispose of effluent, draining it into the ground where the sewage can break down over time.

Common signs include persistent blockages, foul smells, damp or mould, sewage backups, rodent activity, and subsidence around the property.

Yes. Drain Doctor provides 24/7, 365-day emergency drain repair services across the UK.

Where possible, engineers use no dig repair methods, such as localised structural lining repairs, to minimise disruption. 

We use specialist equipment, including CCTV drain surveys, to locate and assess damage accurately before repairs begin.

Yes. Drain Doctor provides drain repair services for both residential and commercial customers.

An off mains drainage system is used in properties that aren't connected to the main public sewer network. Instead, wastewater is treated and stored on your land and then safely discharged or removed.

New rules require septic tanks to discharge into a BS 6297-compliant drainage field. In exceptional cases, an Environment Agency permit may be needed. If pollution is identified, you are required to upgrade your system to remain compliant and avoid fines. 

As a property owner, you are responsible for ensuring your sewage treatment plant complies with legislation and prevents pollution. Systems must be CE marked to BS EN 12566-3, regularly serviced, and emptied, with records kept. They must also be repaired promptly if there are signs of contamination in the discharged water. 

A drainage field is a system of perforated pipes that safely filters septic tank effluent into the ground. A compliant drainage field installed to BS 62797 standards may be needed if your system discharges to a watercourse.

Blockages are commonly caused by food waste, grease, hair, soap residue, wet wipes, and debris entering the drainage system.

Yes. Drain Doctor can unblock sinks, toilets, showers, baths, internal and external drains, and main drains within the property boundary.

Availability depends on your location, but local teams aim to respond as quickly as possible, especially for urgent issues.

Clearing the blockage restores flow, and engineers can also provide advice to help reduce the risk of repeat blockages.

Yes. Our drain unblocking services are suitable for both residential and commercial properties.

Blocked toilets are commonly caused by excess toilet paper, sanitary products, wet wipes, faulty installation, or issues within the waste pipe or drainage system.

Yes. Drain Doctor provides toilet unblocking services for both residential and commercial customers.

Minor issues may clear on their own, but persistent or worsening blockages should be handled by a professional to avoid damage or overflow.

Yes. Engineers can identify underlying issues and provide advice to reduce the risk of repeat problems

A CCTV drain survey can identify damaged pipes, root ingress, blockages, and corrosion that can lead to future failures.

Depending on the size and complexity of your drainage system, CCTV drain surveys can be completed within 1-2 hours.

Following your CCTV drain survey, we can provide either a full written report with images, footage, and detailed recommendations, or a verbal summary of our findings.

If you are experiencing emergency drainage issues, we can provide urgent CCTV drain surveys for your property.

We recommend servicing your pump at least annually to maintain reliable operations and to reduce the chances of a breakdown.

We can provide emergency repairs to help resolve issues and prevent damage and disruption to your property.

A pump installation can usually be completed within a day; however, this can vary depending on system complexity and site conditions.

When you fail to complete regular servicing, it can result in pump failure, blockages, and increased flood risk.

You may need a tanker service if your septic tank, sewage treatment plant or cesspit requires emptying. Septic tanks and sewage treatment plants should normally be emptied at least annually, though some sites may need to be emptied more regularly. Cesspits are usually emptied every 6 weeks.

Timings will vary depending on the size of your tank and the volume of waste being treated; however, most tanker services take between 30 mins and an hour.

Tanker services are non-invasive as they are typically completed using existing access points. This helps to ensure there is minimal disruption to your home and garden.

Tankers are commonly used to remove excess water, sewage, or sludge from flooded drains, manholes, and chambers where flooding and overflows have occurred. This helps to prevent further damage and health risks.

A plumbing emergency can include the following: damaged pipes, leaks, overflowing toilets and sinks, blocked drains, low water pressure, flooding, or property damage.

If it is safe to do so, we recommend turning off your water supply by turning off your isolation valves first. If there are none, turn off the stop cock if possible. Finally, call an expert to diagnose and fix the problem before it worsens.

Our team aims to be with you as soon as possible and they will respond within 15 minutes of your enquiry.

Common causes include fat and grease build-up, food waste, wet wipes, hair, soap residue, tree roots, and foreign objects entering the drainage system. Over-time, this can cause structural defects, cracks and fractures, collapses, open joints, general wear and tear, and rat infestation.

Warning signs include slow-draining sinks, unpleasant smells, gurgling noises, water backing up, or overflowing external drains.

It can be. If wastewater is backing up into your property or drains are overflowing, you should arrange professional help as soon as possible to avoid damage or health risks.

Yes. When carried out by trained professionals, jetting is safe for most modern draining systems and is one of the most effective cleaning methods available.

Most blockages can be cleared within one or two hours, depending on severity and access.

Jetting thoroughly cleans the pipe walls, which helps reduce the risk of repeat blockages. However, good drain care is still important. If you spot structural faults, remedial repairs are needed.

Our experts insert a specialist CCTV camera into the drainage system to inspect the inside of your pipes. The footage is then recorded and reviewed by a trained engineer, with no digging required.

Surveys can take between one or two hours for domestic properties; however, this depends on the size of the property and drainage layout.

If issues are identified, our professionals will clearly explain the findings and advise on repair options and likely costs. This allows you to make an informed decision before proceeding with the purchase.

In the UK, you are legally required to have your cesspit emptied by a registered waste carrier. This is to prevent leakages and overflow, which can pose serious environmental and health risks.

A cesspit must be emptied regularly, often every few weeks, though the frequency depends on the size of the tank and how much water your household uses.

Yes, our specialists deliver professional cesspit emptying and ensure waste is safely removed and disposed of in line with UK regulations.

If you are unsure whether your property has a cesspit or another private drainage system, our professionals can inspect your system and explain how it works.

Once done, you'll get a clear written report, supported by CCTV footage and images, which outlines any defects found, their severity, and recommended next steps. The report can also be shared with your solicitors, surveyors, or estate agents as evidence during the buying process.

Our specialists aim to keep disruption to a minimum, and most repairs are completed quickly. We also ensure that any work required is explained clearly before it starts.

Yes, our specialists can deliver emergency plumbing repairs to reduce damage and restore your system as quickly as possible. Regardless of whether you have a burst pipe, severe leak, or loss of water, we're to help.

Response times will depend on location and our availability, but our team always aims to attend as quickly as possible, especially for any urgent issues.

Yes, our specialists can advise you on maintenance and good plumbing practices to help prevent future issues once the repairs are completed.

Septic tanks typically require emptying at least once a year; however, it will also depend on the size of the tank and usage.

Common signs can include slow draining water, bad odours, gurgling pipes, or standing water near the tank or nearby land.

Yes, UK property owners are responsible for maintaining their septic tank. This is so it does not become a hazard to the environment and human health.

Yes, routine servicing gives you confidence that your system works efficiently. It also reduces the risk of breakdowns and leakages.

Our professional engineers can provide fixes for leaks, low water pressure, temperature fluctuations, and blocked drains.

Low water pressure can be due to several factors, including limescale build-up, blocked pipes, or a faulty pump within your property.

We recommend completing regular maintenance and addressing minor issues early to prevent costly damage and breakdowns.

Leaks can be caused by worn seals, cracked pipes, or loose fittings. When left untreated, leaks can result in water damage and mould in your property.

Most toilet repairs can be completed within an hour; however, more complex issues, such as hidden cistern faults, can take slightly longer. During our visit, we will let you know how long the repair will take.

A constantly running toilet is one of the most common toilet repairs, and it's usually caused by a faulty cistern flush valve. Other common issues include a blocked toilet or replacing a valve, all of which we can help with.

A leaking toilet tank can be repaired by replacing worn-out parts like cistern valves, fill valves, or gaskets. Finding the source of the leak can require a certain level of expertise, which is where we come in.

There may be some occasions where a toilet replacement can work out as more cost-effective than a toilet repair. This will depend on whether the specific repairs required are frequent or complex. Our friendly team of experts can diagnose the problems and give some guidance on what you should do next.

Drain mapping is advised before construction work, renovations, and property purchases, and can help discover hidden drainage problems.

Our experts use CCTV surveys, sonde locating equipment, tracing tools, and detailed plans to accurately identify pipe routes, depths, connections, and any issues within the system.

Completing drain mapping allows you to identify the exact layout of the drainage system, including pipe routes, depths, connections, and directions of flow. This makes future repairs quicker, more accurate, and helps improve ongoing maintenance for your property.

We pride ourselves on delivering highly accurate and detailed drain mapping. All surveys are carried out using professional equipment by experienced surveyors, and we work to WRC standards to ensure quality and consistency.

A CCTV gutter inspection uses a specialist camera to assess the condition of your gutters for blockages, damage, or defects, without the need to remove sections or carry out unnecessary dismantling. 

If you notice overflowing gutters, damp patches, or repeated blockages, a CCTV inspection can quickly identify the cause.

No. The process is non-invasive and does not require dismantling or altering your guttering.

Yes. Early identification of issues helps prevent water damage and reduces the risk of costly repairs later.

Yes. CCTV for guttering is suitable for houses, flats, and residential buildings of all sizes.

Leaking taps are commonly caused by worn washers, faulty valves, damaged cartridges, or internal corrosion.

Yes. Drain Doctor provides tap repair services for both residential and commercial customers.

Yes. Our engineers are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for urgent plumbing issues.

Yes. You receive a free call out and no-obligation quote before any repair work begins.

Yes. All tap repair work is carried out to a high standard and comes with a quality guarantee.

Some of the most common signs of your water mains leaking include low water pressure, wet patches, water pooling, or unusually high water bills.

Water mains can break and leak because of corrosion, age of the pipes, ground movement, water pressure changes, or damage during excavations.

When water mains leak, it can cause flooding, property damage, and water supply disruption. As a result, quick and efficient professional repair is critical.

Most water mains repairs can be completed within a day; however, it can depend on the extent of the damage and access conditions.

Drain surveys can help identify the cause behind recurring blockages, slow drainage, unpleasant smells, or flooding. They are also commonly required when buying a property or before starting building or extension work.

One of our trained engineers starts by inserting a CCTV camera into your drainage system through an access point. The camera records footage as it moves through the pipes, providing accurate mapping and identification of any issues.

While most drain surveys can take between one and two hours, it can vary depending on the size and complexity of your drainage system and how accessible the drains are.

A drain survey is commonly recommended during the homebuying process, especially for older properties. These surveys reveal hidden drainage issues that may not be picked up during a standard property survey.

With our pre-build surveys, our engineers can help to uncover damaged pipes, blockages, root ingress, and non-compliant drainage systems.

Pre-build surveys can be requirement for homeowners, developers, builders, architects, and commercial project managers.

You are not allowed to build over a drain, manhole, or pressurised pumping main, as your local water authority will require constant access. However, there is the option to move the manhole, or redirect the sewer if it interferes with your plans. This is more likely to be a problem in densely populated areas, where a pre-build CCTV survey can help.

Our engineers use CCTV footage to map the drainage layout, identify ownership of the existing drainage, and understand the drain depth. We use all this insight and make it available to architects at the planning stage.

Animals such as rats access properties through cracked pipes, broken joints, or damaged drainage systems connected to sewers.

Yes. CCTV drain surveys allow engineers to pinpoint exact entry locations and assess the condition of your drains.

Yes. Drain Doctor often works alongside pest control specialists to ensure pests are removed and access points are permanently sealed.

Repairs to damaged drains, installing rat guards, and regular drain maintenance all help prevent animals from returning.

Where possible, no dig repair methods such as drain lining are used to minimise disruption.

We advise that sewage treatment plants should be emptied and serviced regularly. Servicing requirements vary depending on the model of plant installed, and some may need servicing once or twice a year.

Continuous servicing helps to maintain the efficiency of your systems. It also prevents breakdowns, keeps compliance with legislation, and reduces the risk of pollution.

We are here to provide any sewage treatment plant service you may require. Get in touch, and we'll provide expert service, repair, and maintenance support.

We've got 30 years of experience and blend certified expertise with professional technology. Our teams are licensed waste carriers, able to provide a complete emptying and waste disposal service. You also get clear reporting and 24/7 emergency support, with no call-out charges.

If safe to do so, turn off your water supply and contact Drain Doctor immediately for professional assistance.

Yes. Our engineers use leak detection equipment to locate hidden leaks behind walls, floors, or underground.

Yes. Drain Doctor provides emergency repairs for burst, frozen, and severely leaking pipes.

Yes. We provide leaking pipe repairs for both residential and commercial customers.

We provide emergency plumbing support whenever, and wherever you require it. We respond quickly to urgent issues that could cause damage, disruption, or health risks if left unresolved.

Sewage treatment plants should normally be emptied at least annually, although some sites may need to be emptied more regularly. Drain Doctor can arrange a rolling emptying service to give you peace of mind. We will contact you before each attendance to confirm the day and time convenient for you. While we are on site, we can also carry out the annual service of your treatment plant, saving you time and money.

Water mains are owned by your water company, and they are responsible for their maintenance and repair, including any external stop taps or meters up to the point where they cross your property's boundary.

You are responsible for the maintenance and repair of any water pipes within your property's boundary. If there are any shared pipes leading to more than one property,  they are a shared responsibility for all the property owners that are connected to them.

Drain Doctor can arrange a rolling emptying service, giving you peace of mind. We will contact you before each attendance to confirm a date and time convenient for you.  While we are on site, we can also carry out the annual service of your treatment plant, saving you both time and money.

We can also provide a reactive emergency service if needed.

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