Who is responsible for a blocked drain?
You are responsible for the private drain that runs from your home to your property boundary. Scottish Water looks after the public sewer network beyond that point, while you look after your own pipes. If you rent, Scottish Water suggests a licensed plumber, or your landlord or the council. If the blockage is in your own pipes, see our blocked drains help.
How much does it cost to clear a blocked drain?
Prices vary with the cause, the access and the type of drain. One UK guide from MyJobQuote put the average at around 拢100 in 2026, but other guides give different ranges. None of them is a Glasgow price. So ask for a written quote before work starts.
What should I ask an engineer before work starts?
Ask for a written quote before work starts. Ask whether there is a call-out charge, and what it covers. Ask to see proof of insurance, and ask what guarantee they offer. Then ask them to explain the cause of the blockage, because that helps you stop it coming back.
What should I do in a drainage emergency?
If flooding appears to contain sewage, call Scottish Water on 0800 0778 778. Its website shows that line as open 24 hours a day. However, for a blocked private drain, send a request and mark it urgent. Our page on emergency drain services explains more.
Which areas can I send a request for?
You can send a request for Glasgow and eight nearby towns. They sit in four council areas: Glasgow City, South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire. Each town has its own page, since drain rules and councils differ. See all the areas covered, or start with drain help in Glasgow.
Can I ask for help with a business drain?
Yes. You can send a request for a shop, office, restaurant or other business premises. Kitchens need extra care, because fat thickens in drains as it cools. Read about blockages, repairs and commercial drain jetting.
What is a CCTV drain survey and when is it needed?
A CCTV drain survey uses a small camera to look inside your drain. It can help when blockages keep coming back or when you notice bad smells. Buyers can also ask for a pre-purchase drain survey before they commit. Ask whether you will get the footage and a written report.
How can I prevent blocked drains?
Scottish Water says 80% of the blockages in its drains and sewers come from flushing the wrong items or pouring fat down the sink. So only flush pee, poo and toilet paper, and bin all wipes, even ones sold as flushable. Let cooking fat cool and set, then scrape it into the bin. Read our guide to preventing kitchen drain blockages for more tips.
Who to contact for each problem
Different bodies look after different pipes, so the right first call depends on the problem. This list shows who to contact first.
- A blocked private drain: send a request. If you rent, Scottish Water suggests a licensed plumber, or your landlord or the council.
- Sewage flooding from a public sewer: call Scottish Water on 0800 0778 778.
- A blocked road gully, or flooding from a road: contact your local council.
- Sewage pollution in a river or stream: tell Scottish Water as soon as you can. You can also call SEPA on 0800 807 060, where a live operator answers Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
- A septic tank or private system: if your home is not on the public sewer, you likely have one. SEPA can check whether it is registered.
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Still have questions?
If your question is not here, send it with your request. The engineer who takes your job can answer it, and you can ask for a written quote at the same time.
Need Drainage Help?
The request form is open 24/7 for Glasgow and surrounding areas. Mark an urgent job as urgent, and ask for a written quote before work starts.
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