Opening a sewer usually costs €100-300 during normal working hours, but the price can vary significantly depending on the situation. At night or on weekends, on-call charges increase the price, and severe blockages may require specialised equipment, increasing the cost. The time taken to open the blockage, the location of the blockage and any additional repairs will affect the final price. Next, we'll look in more detail at the factors that make up the price of a drain opening and when it's worth calling in a professional.
What determines the price of opening a drain?
The price of opening a sewer is determined by a number of factors. The severity of the blockage is the single most important factor, as a simple blockage can be opened quickly with a basic scrubbing machine, while severe blockages require a pressure washer or camera inspection. The location of the blockage also affects the price, with inaccessible points or long drainage lines requiring more time and effort.
The timing of the service increases the price significantly. During normal working hours, from 7am to 4pm on weekdays, the price is at its lowest. During evenings, nights and weekends, on-call supplements can double the price. If you are in a tube lock at home on a Friday night, you should expect higher costs than on Monday morning.
The equipment needed also affects the price. A basic pipe cleaner is suitable for common blockages, but in some situations a pressure washer is needed to effectively clean the drain with a high-pressure water jet. A camera inspection may be necessary if the cause or location of the blockage cannot be determined otherwise. In addition, any additional repairs, such as repairing leaking joints or replacing damaged pipes, will add to the overall cost.
When to deal with a drain blockage yourself and when to call a professional?
Small, superficial blockages can often be treated by yourself. If the tap or shower is slow to drain and the blockage is clearly close to the mouth of the drain, you can try a rubber cup or a hand-held syringe. Biological drain openers can also help in mild cases. However, do not use strong chemical substances as they can damage pipes and are harmful to the environment.
It's worth calling a professional when the water is not flowing at all or the blockage returns quickly. If several drains are blocked at the same time, there is probably a bigger problem in the main sewer. Odours, glugging sounds or water rising from a floor drain are also signs of a more serious blockage problem that requires a professional inspection.
In the worst case, an attempt to repair the damage yourself can cause further damage. Incorrect equipment or excessive handling can damage pipes, leading to more expensive repairs. Especially in older properties, pipes can be fragile, making professional experience and the right tools important. When you have a clogged pipe in your home and the situation seems serious, contacting a professional quickly will prevent more damage and save you money in the long run.
What does a drain opening involve in practice?
Opening a drain always starts with an assessment of the situation. The plumber will find out where the blockage is located, how serious it is and what the likely cause is. This will help you choose the right tool and method. In simple cases, a spiral tool is used, which is inserted into the drain and mechanically breaks or removes the blockage with a rotating motion.
In more severe cases, a pressure washer is used to clean the drain with a high-pressure water jet. This method is effective for removing grease and sediment deposits. If the cause or location of the blockage cannot be easily found, a sewer camera can be used to view the inside of the pipe in real time and reveal any damage or structural problems.
A typical sewer opening takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the severity of the situation. After the opening, the plumber will test that the water is flowing normally and give advice on how to prevent blockages. In urgent situations, we can arrive in up to 15 minutes, as a quick response prevents water damage and structural damage.
How can you prevent sewer blockages and avoid opening costs?
Prevention is the best way to avoid sewer blockages and expensive opening costs. Don't put grease, oil, coffee grounds, food waste or wet wipes down the drain. Grease solidifies in pipes and collects other matter around it, forming a blockage. Hair is a common cause of sink and shower blockages, so use drain filters to prevent it from entering the plumbing.
Regular maintenance keeps your drains in working order. Flush drains with hot water weekly to dissolve grease deposits. You can also use biological drain openers a few times a year as a preventative measure. Floor drains should be cleaned regularly to remove odour and debris trap contents.
Recognise the warning signs in time. If the water is flowing slower than usual, the drain smells or makes strange noises, a developing blockage may be starting. In these situations, it's best to act quickly before the situation worsens. Simple measures such as hot water flushing and mechanical cleaning can solve the problem before you need professional help.
The right habits save money in the long run. By taking care of your drains regularly and avoiding putting harmful substances in them, you will significantly reduce the risk of blockages. However, if you do encounter a situation where you need help, we're on hand 24/7 with a professional service that will solve the problem quickly and efficiently.
