About Drains Cleared

What we do

Drains Cleared is a website that takes quote requests for drainage and plumbing jobs. You fill in a short form with your postcode and the problem. We then pass your request to a local drainage engineer.

We are not a trade body, and we do not run a fleet of vans. The engineer who takes your job runs their own work and sets their own prices. Because of that, the quote you get comes from the engineer, not from us.

How it works

The steps are short, and you stay in control at each one. However big or small the problem is, the route is the same.

1. Send a quote request. Tell us where you are and what has gone wrong.
2. We pass it on. Your request goes to a local drainage engineer.
3. The engineer gets in touch. They discuss the job and the price with you.
4. You decide. You can accept the quote or say no. There is no obligation.

Since the engineer agrees the work with you, ask about price, timing and any guarantee before you say yes. Get these details in writing if you can.

What we do not do

We do not set prices, and we do not promise a response time. We also do not check an engineer's qualifications, insurance or registrations on your behalf. For that reason, you should ask the engineer for proof of anything that matters to you.

For example, gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, and you can check the register yourself on the Gas Safe Register website. Similarly, ask to see insurance paperwork if you want it.

Why use a quote request service

Calling round local firms takes time, and some are busy when you need help. A single request saves you that effort. However, you can still call other firms and compare quotes, because you are free to choose.

We keep the process simple, since a blocked drain is stressful enough. Our advice pages explain common problems in plain English, so you know what to ask.

Your drains and who looks after them

Who looks after a drain depends on where the pipe runs and which part of the UK you live in. In England and Wales, many private sewers and lateral drains passed to the water company on 1 October 2011. However, a drain that serves only your own home inside your boundary is usually still yours to look after.

Scotland and Northern Ireland work differently. In Scotland, Scottish Water looks after public sewers, while the owner looks after private drains inside the property. If you are unsure, ask your water company before you pay for work.