Mobile drain unblocking service
Clear blocked sinks, toilets and drains at customers' homes and small businesses from a van.
- £4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service that clears blocked drains using rods, plungers and a jetting machine, and often uses a drain camera to find the cause. Most jobs are call-outs for homes, landlords and small commercial sites.
Your first three steps
- Take a drainage or drain unblocking course and gain some time shadowing an experienced drainage engineer
- Price up a used van, rods, a small jetter and a drain camera, and get quotes for insurance
- Set up a Google Business Profile and a simple website, and introduce yourself to local letting agents and landlords
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, letting agents, and small businesses such as cafes and shops.
How it makes money
A fixed price or call-out fee per job, with extra for jetting, camera surveys and repeat visits. Regular contracts with letting agents and landlords can give steadier work.
Skills that help
- Practical, hands-on problem solving
- Comfortable with dirty, smelly work
- Clear quoting and customer service
- Driving and basic van upkeep
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance if you hire anyone
- Waste carrying registration may be needed if you take away waste; check with the Environment Agency (or SEPA, NRW or NIEA elsewhere)
- Health risks from sewage, so use proper PPE and hygiene routines
- Working in confined spaces and on roads or driveways needs proper training; check what applies before taking on that work
- Some jobs involve public sewers owned by the water company, so check who is responsible before you quote
- Check how emergency out-of-hours work fits around your other commitments
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: mobile drain unblocking service
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a drain unblocking business?
Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your van, equipment and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many call-outs you take and the kinds of jobs you do.
What licences and rules should I check for drain unblocking?
Check whether you need waste carrying registration if you take away waste, via the Environment Agency (or SEPA, NRW or NIEA). Also check public liability insurance, training for confined spaces and road work, and who is responsible for public sewers before you quote.
What skills and time do I need for drain unblocking?
You need practical, hands-on problem solving, comfort with dirty, smelly work, clear quoting and customer service, and basic van upkeep. Estimates suggest at least around 15 hours a week, depending on call-out demand.
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