How Much Does It Cost to Unblock a Sink?
£60 – £175
per job
Unblocking a sink costs between £60 and £175 for most UK households, depending on how severe the blockage is and where in the waste system it sits. Simple U-bend blockages can be cleared in 30 minutes, while blockages deeper in the soil stack require drainage rods or high-pressure jetting and cost more.
Average cost
£60 – £175
per job
Prices vary by region, property type and tradesperson. Always get at least two quotes.
What affects the price?
Blockage location - a U-bend blockage is quick to clear; a soil stack or shared drain blockage requires specialist tools
Method required - plunging and rodding are cheapest; high-pressure water jetting costs more but clears stubborn blockages effectively
Number of affected outlets - multiple blocked outlets suggest a deeper blockage that is more expensive to clear
Call-out timing - emergency unblocking outside normal hours carries a £50-£100 surcharge
Labour vs materials
Most plumbers charge a fixed call-out fee of £50-£80 for a standard blockage clearance. Labour makes up the vast majority of the cost; chemicals and rods add very little to the total.
Repair or replace?
If the waste pipework is cracked or collapsed, revealed during a camera survey, the pipe section will need replacing rather than just clearing. Camera surveys cost £80-£150 and pinpoint the problem precisely.
Questions to ask your tradesperson
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