--- title: "Drain Unblocking in Kent & Surrey | Vision Plumbing" url: https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/drain-unblocking/ --- # Blocked Drain? Cleared Without Digging, Mostly Most blocked drains are cleared without touching the garden. When a pipe has actually failed, Norbert repairs it by excavation or by no-dig lining, depending on the damage. [4.8 out of 5 · 49 reviews on Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk)[24 reviews on Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) ## Don’t just take our word for it Read every review on the [reviews](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/reviews/) page. JJustin 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Superb service, came same day and did an amazing job sorting out my blocked sink. Definitely would use again. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) DDavid Page 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Norbert was very helpful and friendly. He fixed a leak I had in my bathroom very quickly. Definitely will use again! [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in TN13 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Replace broken toilet cistern > Very speedy response to job request on this website, Norbert called within seconds and agreed to call in for quote later today. Came when said he… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) RRob 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > True definition of 24/7 great service. Very helpful used his services on 2 occasions went above and beyond each time. Great guy keep up the good work. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) AAnna 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Excellent communication, explained issue well, supplied a clear itemized quote, good workmanship and overall high efficiency. Would hire again. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in TN13 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Unblocked of blocked sewerage drains > Emergency call out on a Sunday evening. Very prompt and came straight away. Sorted the problem straight away and at a fair price for a Sunday night… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) DDi 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > We always use Norbert’s plumbing service at our restaurant. He is always on time and fully understand what needs to be done. Highly recommend ! [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) TThomas Dixon 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Excellent work - very efficient. Friendly service. I would highly recommend to others. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in E16 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Leaking pipe behind a laundry machine > Norbert did the job well and efficiently. He was available at short notice to help. [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) AAnia Hampton 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Excellent service. Work undertaken in a timely thorough and clean manner. Operator was friendly informative and totally professional. Highly… [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) JJoe 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot Knowledgable and trustworthy > This firm is professional and do the job well. They turned up on time and they are very knowledgeable. Very trustworthy. I highly recommend them. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in TN4 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Clean out blocked drain, used camera to ensure pipework was in good condition. > The quality of the work completed was extremely high, the engineer did not finish the job until he was satisfied the drain was completely clean as… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) HHarriet Boulding 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Great service! Norbert is very professional and I am very pleased with the result. Will be recommending him. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) CCsaba Nyako 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Very professional service from start to finish. Norbert was friendly and knowledgeable and kept me informed at all stages. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in TN15 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Fixing a new radiator to the wall and updating pipe work to remove valves on our open heating system > Norbert was absolutely brilliant. He offered great advice, worked efficiently and left everything tidy and well completed. He was also friendly and… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) LLauren Ford 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot Great service for emergency work > I called Vision Plumbing as I could hear water gushing underneath my kitchen. He was able to attend quickly, and found and resolved the issue at a… [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) TTunde Ogunniyi 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot Prompt emergency response > Norbert was one of several emergency plumbing services I rang overnight after being disappointed by another plumber when seeking assistance for a… [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in SE15 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Replacing kitchen tap AND replacing pipes under kitchen sink > After exchanging a few text messages Norbert turned up the following day on time with the replacement parts and completed the work in a very… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) Vision Plumbing is a **SafeContractor approved** business - [Home](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/) - [Services](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/) - Drain Unblocking ## Blocked or Broken, Then the Right Fix Most blocked drains clear through existing access points without touching the garden. Where the pipe itself has failed, Norbert repairs it by excavation or no-dig lining, depending on the damage. ## Signs It Is Time To Call - Water backing up in a sink, shower or toilet - An outside gully or manhole that is full or overflowing - Gurgling from plugholes when another tap drains - A drain smell around the house or garden - The same drain blocking again within weeks - Damp ground or sunken paving over a drain run ## Blocked or broken decides the fix A stopped drain either has something in it or has failed. Wipes, fat, silt and roots come out with the right tools. A cracked, displaced or collapsed pipe keeps catching debris and blocks again. - The first job at any blocked drain is working out which it is - Repeat or fast-returning blockages get a camera look before any recommendation - A [CCTV drain survey](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/cctv-drain-surveys/) gives you the recording and a written account ## How a blockage is cleared Most drain unblocking across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and south-east London is done from the nearest manhole, gully or rodding eye. None of it touches the garden. - Soft blockages give way to rods - Compacted fat, scale and root masses need Norbert’s own jetting kit - Heavier jobs are covered under [high-pressure drain jetting](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/high-pressure-drain-jetting/) ## No-dig repair from inside the pipe If the camera shows a cracked pipe or open joint that is still in line, the drain can often be repaired from the inside. Patios, drives and borders stay exactly where they are. - A resin patch is pressed against the damaged spot and sets hard - For longer damage, a full liner is cured along the run - The old pipe gets a new, sealed inner wall ## When digging is the honest answer Lining needs a pipe that still holds its shape. Where a section has collapsed, shifted badly out of line or been crushed, the proper repair is to excavate and replace that length. - Norbert does both dig and no-dig work - The choice comes from the pipe, not a preference for either - Every repair carries his one year warranty on parts and labour ## Why people ring Norbert - 20+Years in plumbing - 1 yearWarranty on parts and labour - 24/7Emergency call-out - 1Plumber, start to finish ## What the job covers - Clearing the blockageRodding or jetting the run from the nearest access point to shift wipes, fat, paper and debris. - Camera check afterwardsWhere a drain keeps blocking, a look inside with his own camera to see whether the pipe is damaged. - No-dig patch repairsA resin-impregnated patch pulled into place and set against a cracked or open joint, sealing it from inside. - Relining a damaged runA full-length liner cured inside an old pipe that has cracked along its length but still holds its shape. - Excavation where neededDigging down and replacing the section where a pipe has collapsed or displaced too badly to line. - Not sure what you need?[Quick Quote Online](#quote) ## Drain Unblocking in pictures ## How a job with Norbert runs No call centre and no hand-offs. The same man takes the call, quotes the work and does it. - 01You call or send the formTell Norbert what is happening. He rings back himself to ask the questions that matter before anyone drives out. - 02He comes out and quotesHe looks at the job, explains what has failed and what the fix involves, and gives you the quote before work starts. - 03The work is done and testedFixed, tested and cleaned up, with a one year warranty on parts and labour for the work he has done. ## Often needed alongside drain unblocking - [High Pressure Drain Jetting](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/high-pressure-drain-jetting/)High-pressure water jetting for hardened fat, scale, root growth and silt that ordinary rodding leaves behind. - [CCTV Drain Surveys](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/cctv-drain-surveys/)Camera inspections of drain runs for house purchases, repeat blockages and insurance or neighbour disputes. - [Emergency Plumber](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/emergency-plumber/)A 24-hour emergency call-out for burst pipes, flooding leaks and backed-up drains, answered by Norbert himself. ## Drain Unblocking: questions answered ### 01What is the difference between a blocked drain and a broken one? A blocked drain has something in it: wipes, fat, silt or roots. Clear the material and the pipe works again. A broken drain has a fault in the pipe itself, such as a cracked joint, a displaced section or a collapse, and it will keep catching debris however often it is cleared. Repeated blockages in the same spot are the usual clue that the pipe, not the contents, is the problem. ### 02Will you have to dig up my garden? Usually not. Clearing a blockage is done through the existing access points, and many damaged pipes can be repaired from inside with a patch or a liner. Digging is only needed where a section has collapsed, moved out of line or lost its shape, because a liner needs a sound enough pipe to sit in. Norbert does both, so the recommendation is based on the pipe rather than on what equipment he happens to own. ### 03What is no-dig drain repair? It is a way of repairing a pipe from the inside. A patch or a full liner soaked in resin is fed into the drain, pressed against the pipe wall and left to set, forming a new sealed surface over the crack or open joint. The ground above is left alone, so patios, drives and planting stay where they are. It suits pipes that are damaged but still in the right place. ### 04Is the drain my responsibility or the water company's? In most homes, the drain serving only your property is yours up to the boundary. Once it joins a pipe serving neighbouring properties, it is normally a shared sewer maintained by the water company. Norbert can usually tell from the layout and the manholes which part is blocked, and if the fault sits on the public side he will say so rather than charge you to clear it. ### 05Why does my drain keep blocking after it has been cleared? Something is catching the debris. It might be a hard build-up of fat or scale that simple rodding only punches a hole through, root growth at a joint, or a cracked or dropped section of pipe. A camera inspection shows which it is. Heavy build-up needs jetting, while a physical fault needs a repair, and knowing which saves paying for the same clearance again and again. ### 06Can you unblock a drain out of hours? Yes. Vision Plumbing offers a 24-hour emergency call-out, and a drain backing up into a house is one of the calls that warrants it. If sewage is coming up through a toilet or shower, stop running water in the house until the drain is clear, because every flush or tap sends more water into a pipe that has nowhere to go. ## Tell Norbert what needs doing A line about the job is enough. Norbert reads every enquiry himself and rings you back to talk it through before he quotes. [4.8 out of 5 · 49 reviews on Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk)[24 reviews on Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) [07379 636676](tel:+447379636676) 24 hours, for emergencies ## Further reading - Drain unblocking in Sevenoaks: blockages cleared with rods and jetting, drains surveyed by CCTV and repaired dig or no-dig by Norbert. 24-hour call-out.[Drain Unblocking in Sevenoaks](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/resources/drain-unblocking-sevenoaks/)