Blocked Outside Drain
An external drain or manhole cover with standing water, overflowing, or draining very slowly.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Fat, grease, and food waste solidifying in the pipe
- 2Leaves and debris blocking the gully
- 3Tree roots growing into and blocking the pipe
How Urgent Is This?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
What Needs to Be Done
A drainage specialist will rod or jet the drain to clear the blockage, check the pipe condition with a CCTV camera, and clear any root intrusion.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £283 – £913 | Materials: £75 – £318
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionHow to Prevent This
Never pour cooking fat down the drain. Fit gully guards to catch leaves. Have drains jetted every few years as preventive maintenance.
Related Problems
Sewage or waste water spilling out of a drain, manhole, or inspection chamber, especially during heavy rain.
Tree roots have grown into the underground drain pipes, causing blockages and slow drainage.
A strong sewage or rotten-egg smell around the outside of the property, particularly near drains or manholes.
Other Drainage Specialist Problems
A strong sewage or rotten-egg smell around the outside of the property, particularly near drains or manholes.
Sewage or waste water spilling out of a drain, manhole, or inspection chamber, especially during heavy rain.
Bath or shower water taking a long time to drain away, sometimes backing up around the plughole.
Drains making gurgling or bubbling sounds when water runs out of sinks, baths, or toilets.