Do You Need Your Drain Cleaned ?

Managing Director
Lucian Ivan
• 5 minute read
Contents
- How Often Do I Need My Drains Cleaned?
- How Do I Know I Need My Drains Cleaned?
- How Does a Plumber Clean a Drain?
- How Much Does Having Your Drains Cleaned Cost?
- Can I Clean My Drains Myself?
- Maintenance is Key
- Why Might I Need a CCTV Drain Survey?
- Spectrums Drain Cleaning Service
- Get In Touch
In this Blog:
How Often Do I Need My Drains Cleaned?
How Do I Know I Need My Drains Cleaned?
How Does a Plumber Clean a Drain?
How Much Does Having Your Drains Cleaned Cost?
Why Might I Need a CCTV Drain Survey?
Most people only think about their drains when faced with a blockage or an awful smell. Having an annual drain check scheduled will keep your property's sewage lines and pipes functioning correctly. Doing so will also help highlight any small underlying issues, which should be dealt with as they arise to save you money on repairs in the future.
Take a moment to consider the onslaught of food, grease, soap and hair that pipes deal with daily – once you do, you'll realise why looking after your drains is essential.
Wondering, "What is drain cleaning? And "How do I clean my drains?" Then keep scrolling! In the blog below, you'll discover everything you need to know about drains and how to maintain them.

How Often Do I Need My Drains Cleaned?
We recommend having your drains surveyed and cleaned every 1-2 years to prevent any serious blockages and to spot any repairs that may be required. In any building, free-flowing drains are essential. They are responsible for removing water and other waste, protecting it from flooding and a build-up of household debris.
How Do I Know I Need My Drains Cleaned?
When a drain blockage occurs, slow-draining showers or sinks are usually the first signs, followed by foul-smelling aromas. These problems, though small at first, can lead to severe blockages over time, which may result in serious (and costly) damage to your pipes.
Several issues may occur if you allow your drains to become blocked. These include;
- Unpleasant smells: Clogged pipes cause unpleasant odours, permeating the surrounding area.
- Noisy pipes: A common warning sign, gurgling pipes can be both irritating and a sign of a blockage.
- Slow drainage – Water overflow due to a blocked shower drain may force you to cut your morning wash short.
- Health risks – When a blockage is left untreated, it becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and, as a result, a health risk

How Does a Plumber Clean a Drain?
Professional drain cleaning involves using specialist chemical drain cleaners, plungers; air burst drain cleaners, and water jets. These methods target the blockages in two ways: the chemicals in certain products break down the debris, while pressurised water or air uses force to wash blockages away.
How Much Does Having Your Drains Cleaned Cost?
Depending on the severity of the drain blockages, typical drain servicing can cost anywhere between £75 to £400. We’d be happy to provide a quote for you, just call our London-based office, and we will gladly discuss your requirements. We will provide access to our Spectrum teams and help deliver a plan for your needs.
Can I Clean My Drains Myself?
While you can try specific home remedies for minor blockages, we wouldn’t recommend wasting your money pouring vinegar, cola or baking soda down your drains. Your money is better spent on contacting a professional.
We may advise using a plunger or over-the-counter chemical unblocking product for small issues, such as slow-draining sinks. These items are easily used and readily available at supermarkets and hardware stores.
But before you reach for the drain cleaner, it’s best to assess the damage and decide whether it may be better to call an expert like Spectrum. Strong drain cleaners can easily corrode plastic pipes, causing them to leak or burst. After all, a poorly executed attempt at cleaning your drain will likely result in more damage to your system and more costly repairs.
Maintenance is Key
We would always recommend aiming to prevent serious issues from arising in the first place. We recommend pouring a kettle of boiling water down your kitchen sink weekly to clean kitchen drains dealing with food waste and grease. The boiling water will help to dislodge the oils and sweep them down the drain.
We also recommend booking a professional drain inspection at least every two years to ensure everything is in good condition. Before executing the necessary repairs, we can perform a CCTV inspection to check for any leaks or serious blockages.

Why Might I Need a CCTV Drain Survey?
Drainage systems can be large and complex. When they are, identifying the exact location and cause of the blockage can be tricky. That’s why a CCTV drain survey service like that offered by our Spectrum team is so valuable.
Our CCTV service speedily assesses your drainage system, highlighting any existing issues or blockages and identifying where potential problems are likely to occur. If you have recently acquired a property, we can also draw up a map of your drains if the existing documentation needs to be updated.
Read more about our CCTV drain surveys here.
Spectrums Drain Cleaning Service
Are you looking to have your drains cleaned or surveyed? Then look no further than Spectrum. Our specialist team are experts at cleaning drains and offers a 24/7 emergency call-out drain unblocking service. Spectrum's unique methods and cutting-edge technology allow our team to gain access to any drain blockage, no matter how challenging.
Unlike other drain cleaning companies, Spectrum avoids using chemicals for sustainable and environmental reasons. Instead, we opt for powerful water jets, which blast waste and blockages out of drainage systems. Our methods ensure drainage flows while keeping unnecessary chemicals out of the water supply.
The benefits of keeping your drains clean include the following:
- Keeping bad odours at bay – Drain cleaning removes household detritus that can become trapped in drains. As this waste breaks down, it can cause foul odours to leak into your house.
- Avoid expensive repairs – Schedule regular drain checks with an expert who can help you catch small issues that, if left unattended, can become significantly costly.
- Prolong the life of your drain – Drains are prone to clogging. But routinely cleaning your drains will help clear your pipes of any clogs that might damage them.
Please take a look at some of our previous clients' drain projects.

Get In Touch
Are you interested in Spectrum's drain cleaning services? Why not get in touch for a chat and a quote?
Your Building Deserves Thoughtful, Expert Care
Ensure your building remains in top condition with Spectrum Specialist Support. Our expert team offers a full range of exterior maintenance services, from external cleaning and repairs to comprehensive restoration of brick, render, stone and other substrates.
With an IRATA-certified team of abseilers and experience across hundreds of varied projects, we’ll find an access solution that saves you time and money, even on the most complex elevations.
Whether you need emergency maintenance or a tailored service plan, we are here to help. Contact us directly on 020 3551 6206 or email us at info@spectrumss.co.uk to discuss your requirements and receive a free consultation and quote.