Drain unblocking

Drain unblocking across Ireland

Blocked drains, toilets and sewers cleared fast. CCTV surveys, high-pressure jetting and no-dig solutions across all 26 counties.

Same-day callouts availableno-dig solutionsCCTV surveys

Recognise the signs

How to know you have a blocked drain

Most drain blockages get worse over time, not better. A slow-draining sink today can become a fully blocked sewer in weeks. Acting early keeps the job simple and cheap.

Act now

Raw sewage backing up, flooding in garden, sewage smell inside the house

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Multiple fixtures draining slowly, gurgling sounds in pipes, water backing up into bath when you flush

Early signs

Single sink draining slowly, mild odour near drains, toilet slow to clear

Plumber with CCTV drain camera equipment

What we do

Drain services available

Drain unblocking

Manual rodding for simple blockages. Most household drain blockages clear in under an hour.

From €80–€150

High-pressure jetting

High-pressure water blasts through grease, root ingress and compacted debris. The most effective method for stubborn or recurring blockages.

From €180–€300

CCTV drain survey

Camera inspection reveals root ingress, pipe collapse, misaligned joints, or foreign objects. Essential before any major repair work. You receive a full written report and video.

From €200–€400

No-dig drain lining

Damaged or cracked pipes lined from inside without excavation. Costs a fraction of open-cut repair and is suitable for most residential drain damage.

From €800–€2,500

Septic tank servicing

Emptying, inspection and report for septic tanks and treatment units. Required every 1–3 years depending on usage and local authority requirements.

From €200–€400

Emergency drain clearance

Sewage flooding or complete blockage? Emergency call-out typically within 1–4 hours. Available across most of Ireland.

From €200 (emergency rates)

Root causes

What blocks Irish drains

Fat, oil and grease

The most common cause of kitchen drain blockages. Liquid grease solidifies in pipes and builds up over months. Pour it into a container and bin it instead of washing it down the drain.

Wet wipes and nappies

Even wipes marked "flushable" do not break down in Irish sewers. They catch on rough pipe joints and accumulate. Never flush wipes of any kind.

Tree and shrub roots

Common in older properties with clay or concrete drainage. Roots seek moisture and enter through hairline cracks, then grow to block the pipe. CCTV survey confirms root ingress.

Hair and soap scum

Hair accumulates in bathroom drains and catches soap residue. A drain guard costs a few euros and eliminates the problem. Already blocked? Manual clearance or jetting clears it quickly.

Collapsed or offset pipes

Ground movement, frost, or age causes pipes to crack, collapse or joints to offset. Only CCTV survey reveals this. Repair by no-dig lining or spot excavation.

Foreign objects

Toys, sanitary products, cotton buds, and dental floss are commonly found in blocked drains. Retrieval by CCTV and drain rod is usually successful without excavation.

Cost guide

Drain unblocking costs in Ireland 2026

Drain clearance costs in Ireland depend on the severity of the blockage, the method required, and whether CCTV inspection or specialist equipment is needed. Prices vary between urban and rural areas, so always request a written quote before work begins. Emergency call-outs carry a surcharge on top of standard rates.

ServiceTypical costNotes
Drain unblocking (rodding)€80–€150Simple domestic blockage
High-pressure jetting€180–€300Stubborn or recurring blockages
CCTV drain survey€200–€400With written report and video
No-dig drain lining€800–€2,500Per section, depends on length
Drain excavation and repair€1,500–€4,000Open-cut repair, depends on depth
Septic tank emptying€200–€400Standard residential tank
Emergency call-out+€50–€100 surchargeOn top of standard rates

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