Your browser is out of date, so this site won't display properly. Please update Chrome (or your browser) from the app store, then reload the page.
Drainage engineers handle drain blockages, CCTV surveys, drain relining, new drainage installation, and septic tank work. Rates vary between reactive call-out work (typically charged per hour plus a call-out fee) and planned drainage installation (usually day-rate). This guide covers 2026 drainage engineer costs across the UK.
Hourly rate
£28–£55
per hour
Day rate
£220–£450
per day
Call-out
£80–£180
minimum charge
Rates vary considerably across the UK. Here's what you can expect to pay in each region.
* Rates are typical market averages for 2026 based on industry survey data. Individual rates vary by experience, job type, and other factors.
Several factors determine how much a drainage engineer will charge for a job.
Emergency drain unblocking (charged per call-out plus hourly) typically costs more per hour than planned drainage installation (day-rate). Emergency call-outs outside business hours attract further premiums of 50–100%.
Drainage engineers with CCTV drain inspection rigs charge a hire premium on top of their labour rate. A standard CCTV survey report typically costs £90–£350 depending on drain length and report format.
Water jetting for drain clearance involves specialist equipment hire. Engineers charge for machine hire (£80–£200/day) plus their labour. Jet vac (combination jetting and vacuuming) costs more.
No-dig drain lining (CIPP — Cured-In-Place Pipe) requires specialist equipment and materials. These jobs are typically quoted by the metre (£80–£200/m) rather than by day rate.
Working inside manholes or culverts requires confined space training (City & Guilds 6150) and a permit-to-work system. This specialist work commands day rates of £350–£550/day with a trained team.
Free tool
Use our free calculator to work out your ideal hourly rate based on your costs, target income, and working hours.
The average drainage engineer day rate in the UK is £220–£450/day in 2026, with a national average around £280/day. London drainage engineers typically charge £360–£640/day. For emergency reactive work, expect a call-out fee of £80–£180 plus £45–£90/hr.
A CCTV drain survey in the UK costs £90–£350 in 2026 depending on drain length and report format. A basic homebuyer survey of 5–10m of drain costs £90–£150. A full survey with a written report and DVD/USB of footage costs £200–£350.
Drain unblocking in the UK costs £80–£250 for a straightforward blockage (call-out fee plus 1–2 hours labour). Severe blockages requiring high-pressure jetting cost £150–£400. Out-of-hours emergency drain clearance typically costs £180–£450.
Drainage engineers typically hold a City & Guilds or NVQ in plumbing or drainage, CSCS card for site work, and drainage-specific training in CCTV survey operation, high-pressure jetting (JCOP accreditation), and confined space entry (City & Guilds 6150). Water Jetting Association (WJA) certification is recognised for high-pressure work.
No-dig drain lining (CIPP — Cured-In-Place Pipe lining) repairs cracked or collapsed drains without excavation. A resin-impregnated liner is inserted and inflated inside the existing pipe. Costs range from £80–£200/m depending on pipe diameter, with a typical 10m domestic drain repair costing £1,000–£2,500.
Describe your job and get an instant AI price estimate. Free, no signup required.
Get a free quote estimateNo account needed · Free · Takes 60 seconds