Question 1

How quickly can you respond to a blocked drain emergency in Portsmouth?

Accepted Answer

We typically respond within 60 minutes for emergency callouts in Portsmouth and surrounding areas including Southsea, Fareham, and Gosport. Our local engineers are strategically positioned across Hampshire to ensure rapid response times. For non-urgent issues, we offer same-day appointments in most cases.

Question 2

What causes blocked drains?

Accepted Answer

Blocked drains are commonly caused by a buildup of grease and fat (especially in kitchen drains), hair and soap residue (bathroom drains), tree root intrusion, foreign objects, accumulated debris, and mineral scale buildup. In Portsmouth's older properties, we often see issues with aging clay pipes, ground movement, and joint displacement. Regular maintenance can help prevent most blockages.

Question 3

Do you charge a call-out fee?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't charge call-out fees for standard appointments within Portsmouth and Hampshire. You'll receive a clear, itemised quote before any work begins, with no hidden costs or surprise charges. For emergency out-of-hours callouts, a small premium may apply, but this will always be communicated upfront.

Question 4

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We provide comprehensive drainage services across Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire region, including Southsea, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, Emsworth, Portchester, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent, and surrounding villages. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, please get in touch.

Question 5

What is a CCTV drain survey?

Accepted Answer

A CCTV drain survey uses a specialist waterproof camera to inspect the inside of your drainage system. The camera is fed through your pipes, providing live footage that allows us to identify blockages, cracks, root intrusion, collapsed sections, and other issues without digging. We provide a full report with recommendations, which is particularly valuable for pre-purchase property surveys.

Question 6

How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

Accepted Answer

Drain unblocking costs vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Simple blockages typically range from £75-£150, while more complex issues requiring high-pressure jetting may cost £150-£300. We always provide a fixed quote before starting work, so you know exactly what to expect. Use our online quote calculator for an instant estimate.

Question 7

Can you repair drains without digging?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer no-dig drain repair solutions including drain lining (cured-in-place pipe), patch repairs, and pipe bursting. These techniques allow us to repair damaged drains with minimal disruption to your property and are often faster and more cost-effective than traditional excavation methods.

Question 8

What is high-pressure water jetting?

Accepted Answer

High-pressure water jetting (or drain jetting) uses powerful water jets at pressures up to 4,000 PSI to clear stubborn blockages and clean the inside of drain pipes. It's highly effective for removing grease buildup, tree roots, scale deposits, and other debris. It's more thorough than rodding and helps prevent future blockages.

Question 9

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we carry comprehensive public liability insurance covering all our work. This protects you and your property in the unlikely event of any accidental damage during our services. We're happy to provide proof of insurance on request.

Question 10

Do you work with commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We provide drainage services for businesses of all sizes across Portsmouth and Hampshire, including restaurants, hotels, offices, retail premises, and industrial facilities. We offer maintenance contracts for regular drain cleaning and can work outside business hours to minimise disruption.

Question 11

What should I do before the engineer arrives?

Accepted Answer

Please ensure clear access to the affected drain or manhole cover. If possible, identify where the blockage seems to be (which fixtures are affected). It's helpful to have any previous drainage reports or surveys available. For internal blockages, ensure the area is accessible. Our team will handle everything else.

Question 12

How can I prevent blocked drains?

Accepted Answer

Regular maintenance is key. Avoid pouring grease or oil down drains, use drain guards to catch hair and debris, don't flush anything other than toilet paper, and consider annual professional cleaning for older properties. We offer maintenance plans that include regular inspections and cleaning to prevent problems before they occur.

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