Drains · London & Herts

Drain cleaning in London

Routine and one-off cleaning to stop smells and prevent blockages.

The short answer

Drain cleaning removes the fat, soap, scale and debris that build up inside drains over time. Done routinely, it stops bad smells, keeps water flowing freely and prevents blockages before they happen. It suits kitchens, older properties and businesses whose drains get heavy use.

Drains rarely block without warning. Build-up narrows the pipe gradually until one day it closes. Cleaning removes that build-up before it causes a problem.

We use mechanical cleaning and water jetting suited to the pipe, from minor clogs to heavy grease, and advise on how often your drains need attention.

Floorboards lifted in a Barnet bathroom to reroute copper and plastic pipework between the joists

How it works

Drain cleaning: what happens when you call

  1. 01

    Call or message us

    Tell us about the drains. Phone, WhatsApp or book online, 24 hours a day. We'll ask a few quick questions and tell you when we can be there.

  2. 02

    Diagnosis and quote

    The engineer finds the cause of the build-up, explains it in plain English and gives you a clear quote before any work starts.

  3. 03

    Repair and clean-up

    We clean the drains and check the flow, test everything, tidy up and talk you through how to avoid it happening again.

FAQs

Drain cleaning questions, answered

Why do my drains smell?

Drain smells usually come from food, grease and soap rotting in the pipe, a dried-out trap letting sewer gas through, or a partial blockage. Run water through rarely used fittings to refill their traps. If the smell persists, the drain needs cleaning or there may be a defect.

How often should drains be cleaned?

Most homes don't need routine drain cleaning unless there's a history of problems. Busy kitchens, flats sharing a stack, and commercial premises benefit from regular cleaning. We'll recommend an interval based on what we find rather than selling a fixed plan.

Is drain cleaning environmentally friendly?

Our cleaning relies on mechanical methods and water jetting rather than harsh chemicals, so nothing corrosive goes into your pipes or the sewer. That is safer for older pipework and for the wider drainage system.

What customers say

All 165 reviews
Eljo from Urgent Plumbers London Ltd is one of, if not the most responsive tradesman I've come across - replied to queries and messages quickly without fuss, and clearly explained issues/reasoning with any work required. Always arrived when he said he would too and was happy to provide all relevant documentation (Gas Safe etc) when asked - would recommend. Quoted for boiler service/replaced our boiler when it was found to be un-serviceable.
Jessica MetcalfeGoogle review
Urgent Plumbers were fantastic when my boiler leaked. It was at the worst time possible -early on a Sunday morning when I was rushing out to work. He was so calm , turned up quickly as promised and then was so efficient at working out and fixing the problem. He was also so kind as I was terrified how much it would all cost for a Sunday emergency call out Thank you so much - you're an absolute hero
Natalie JaqueGoogle review
I'm really pleased with the service. All in the same day the gentleman came to fix an issue in the bathroom. A leaking pipe fixed. Very friendly and professional. I totally recommend their service. Thanks again 😊
Cesar CorreiaGoogle review
Open now, 24 hours

Drain cleaning? We can help today.

Call any time, day or night. We'll tell you when we can be there and give you a clear price before we start.