A drain that serves only your home, inside your boundary, is normally yours to clear. A shared drain, or the pipe beyond your boundary, is usually the water company’s. Since the rules are not obvious, a camera survey can show where the fault sits.

What Citizens Advice says

Citizens Advice sets out who repairs drains and sewers. It gives four simple cases, although some homes do not fit them.

• A private drain inside your boundary belongs to you.
• A lateral drain outside your boundary belongs to the water company.
• Public sewers belong to the water company.
• A private sewer shared by several homes belongs to those owners jointly.

A lateral drain is the pipe that carries waste from your boundary to the public sewer. It often runs under a pavement or road, which is why it is not yours.

The 2011 transfer

Many private sewers and lateral drains moved to the water companies on 1 October 2011. The old regulations are now revoked, but the transfer date still matters. Some private or unadopted sewers still exist, so check with your sewerage company.

Your local water company may be Anglian Water, which covers much of Northamptonshire. Other firms cover some areas. Check your water bill to see who provides your sewerage service.

How to tell whose drain it is

Start by asking who is affected. If only your sinks and toilets are slow, the fault is probably in your own drain. Yet if neighbours have the same trouble, the blockage may sit in a shared run or the sewer.

Location is a second clue. Trouble near your own fixtures points to private pipework. A full manhole near the boundary points to the wider network. These are pointers, not proof, so the safest test is to look inside the pipe.

What to do in each case

For a private drain, get it cleared and keep a note of the work. Our blocked drains service covers this. Our guide to why drains block lists the common causes. Reporting a fault outside your boundary is a different step, so read how to report a blocked drain or sewer.

A blockage in the yard or driveway is common. Our guide to a blocked drain outside the house walks through the checks. Drainage trouble differs between towns, while our notes on blocked drains across the Nene Valley compare four of them.

Why a CCTV survey settles it

A CCTV drain survey feeds a small camera along the pipe and records what it finds. A good report marks each defect on a plan. That lets you see which side of the boundary the fault is on.

The record is clear, so it also helps if you disagree with a neighbour or a water company. Our guide to CCTV drain surveys shows what a report contains. Costs vary, yet the CCTV drain survey cost guide gives typical prices from two sources.

Buyers, landlords and businesses

Buyers should know which drains they will own. A pre-purchase CCTV survey checks this before you commit. Landlords have extra duties for rented homes, and our landlord plumbing checklist covers them.

Firms with several units face shared pipes more often. Our notes on commercial plumbing in Northampton explain why a plan helps. Water from a burst pipe can reach a drain, so see the signs of a burst pipe.

Frequently asked questions

Is a blocked drain always my responsibility?

No. If the drain serves only your home, it usually is. However, a shared drain or the pipe beyond your boundary normally falls to the water company.

What is a lateral drain?

It is the pipe between your boundary and the public sewer. The water company normally maintains it.

Who looks after a drain shared with my neighbours?

Citizens Advice says a private sewer shared by several homes belongs to those owners jointly. However, many moved to the water companies in 2011. Check with your sewerage company first.

Get help with a blocked drain

Use the online form to describe the symptoms and name the affected fixtures. Mark it urgent if sewage is backing up, because that cannot wait. You can also see all our services and the areas we cover.

For drains in Daventry, see blocked drains in Daventry. In Corby, see plumbers in Corby. Around Rugby, see plumbers in Rugby. In Northampton, see plumbers in Northampton. Near Market Harborough, see plumbers in Market Harborough. Each page explains local coverage, while the form works for every town.

Most blocked drains have a short list of causes. Fat, wipes and other waste block pipes of any age. Older pipes can also fail from roots or moving joints. Start with a few simple checks, and ask for help if the problem still stays.

One guide for four towns

We cover Kettering, Wellingborough, Rushden, Higham Ferrers and Daventry from the same service. Each town has its own page for blocked drains, while this guide sets out what applies in all of them.

The town pages are listed here, because each one has its own detail:

• Blocked drains in Kettering
• Blocked drains in Wellingborough
• Blocked drains in Rushden
• Blocked drains in Daventry

Rushden and Higham Ferrers sit close together, so one page serves both. You can also read about plumbers in Higham Ferrers, since the same checks apply.

Old pipes and new pipes

The age of your home shapes the likely fault. Older homes often have clay drains with many joints. Roots and ground movement can open those joints over time.

Newer homes tend to have plastic drains, which resist roots. They still block, because fat, wipes and building debris can collect inside. So the age of the pipe tells you where to look first, although it does not tell the whole story.

What really blocks drains

Water companies say the same few things cause most blockages. Thames Water’s Bin it page lists wipes, fats, oils and grease. It says only pee, poo and toilet paper should go down the toilet. While this is one firm’s advice, it applies everywhere, and our guide to why drains block goes through each cause.

Hot water does not stop fat from building up, so bin cooking fat once it sets. Wipes marked flushable can still cause a blockage, since they do not break down like paper.

Checks to make before you call

A few quick checks help any engineer.

• Is it only your home, or do the neighbours have the same trouble?
• Is water backing up inside, or at an outside gully or manhole?
• Did the trouble start suddenly, or slowly over weeks?
• Is more than one fixture affected?

If the neighbours share the problem, a shared drain or public sewer may be the cause. Our guide to who is responsible for a blocked drain explains the boundary rules. Meanwhile, we explain how to report a blocked drain or sewer in a separate guide.

Strong drain cleaners can harm old pipes, so use them with care. Check the label, and ask a plumber if you are unsure, because a wrong choice can add damage.

Outside drains and cold weather

Water backing up outside is a separate case. Our guide to a blocked drain outside the house covers it. Frozen waste pipes can look like a blockage in winter, so see frozen pipes in Northamptonshire.

A macerator toilet can stop for its own reasons, which our Saniflo troubleshooting guide explains. Leaks from burst pipes can mimic a drain fault, so check the signs of a burst pipe as well.

When a camera helps

If a drain keeps blocking in the same place, look inside the pipe. A CCTV drain survey shows roots, cracks and displaced joints. Our guide to CCTV drain surveys explains what the report shows. Prices vary, so the CCTV drain survey cost guide is a useful start.

Buyers can check the drains before they commit. The pre-purchase survey guide explains how, while the cost is small next to a repair.

Frequently asked questions

Do you cover Higham Ferrers as well as Rushden?

Yes. The two towns are close, so the Rushden page covers both. Use the form to confirm your address.

Why does my drain keep blocking?

A repeat blockage in the same spot often has a cause beyond waste, such as roots. A camera survey can confirm which, since it shows the pipe.

Is it my drain or the water company’s?

If only your home has trouble, the fault is probably yours. If neighbours also suffer, a shared drain or public sewer may be the cause.

Ask for help in your town

Use the online form and name your town. Mark it urgent if sewage is backing up, because that cannot wait. See all our services and the areas we cover for more.

In Kettering, see plumbers in Kettering. For Wellingborough, see plumbers in Wellingborough. In Rushden, see plumbers in Rushden. For Daventry, see emergency plumbers in Daventry. Near Oundle, see plumbers in Oundle. Coverage differs by area, so check the page for yours.

Turn off the water at the stop tap first. Then switch off the boiler, open the cold taps and keep clear of electrics near the leak. Soak up what you can, take photos and ask a plumber for help.

Step 1: stop the water

The stop tap cuts the supply to the whole home. The Met Office says it is usually under the kitchen sink. It can also sit where the mains pipe enters the house. Turn it clockwise until it stops, because that closes the valve.

A stiff tap may need steady, even pressure. If you cannot find it, read where your stop tap is likely to be. Testing it twice a year helps, because a seized tap is no use in an emergency.

Step 2: switch off the boiler

Turn off the boiler and the heating. This follows the Met Office advice on burst pipes. A boiler should not run while water escapes from the system.

Then open the cold taps to drain the pipes. Leave them open until the flow stops, since that eases the pressure on the leak.

Step 3: keep clear of electrics

Water and electricity do not mix. Keep away from sockets, switches and appliances near the leak. Switch off the power only if you can reach the consumer unit without crossing wet floors.

If you cannot do that safely, stay out of the room. Ask for urgent help and say that water is near the electrics, because that detail shows how serious the job is.

Step 4: contain the water

Use towels, mops and buckets to limit the spread. Swap containers before they overflow. Move rugs and furniture away from the wet area. While you wait, open a window if it is safe.

A pan or bowl under a drip buys time. Empty it often, because a full one spills.

Step 5: record the damage

Take clear photos before you clean up. Show the source, the wet walls and floors, and any damage. Your insurer may ask for them. Clear the way to the stop tap and the leak, so the plumber can start at once.

What counts as an emergency

Some faults cannot wait. Others can be booked for working hours.

• A burst pipe or a leak you cannot slow.
• Sewage backing up through a toilet or drain.
• Water spreading near sockets or wiring.
• No water at all in freezing weather.

A dripping tap or a slow sink is not an emergency. However, if a slow drain stops draining, treat it as urgent. Our guide to why drains block explains the difference.

If you smell gas, this is not a plumbing job. Leave the building and follow Cadent’s advice on gas smells.

Why speed matters

Water soaks into plaster, floors and ceilings. A leak left overnight can cost far more than the first repair. Cold snaps add risk, while our guide to frozen pipes in Northamptonshire covers winter steps.

Read the signs of a burst pipe to spot a slow leak early. Boiler trouble is a separate case, so the boiler pressure guide explains it. If your hot water stops, see no hot water: what to check.

Costs and choices

Out-of-hours help often costs more than daytime work. Our guide to what an emergency plumber costs shows typical ranges from three sources. Read how to choose a plumber, since it lists what to ask.

If a leak damages a bathroom, the bathroom fitting cost guide helps you plan a refit. Shops and landlords can read about commercial plumbing. Drain faults vary by town, while blocked drains across the Nene Valley compares four. Buyers can check drains with a pre-purchase CCTV survey.

Frequently asked questions

Where is my stop tap?

Often under the kitchen sink or where the mains pipe enters the house. Turn it clockwise to shut the water off, then check that the flow has stopped.

Should I turn the water off overnight for a slow leak?

Yes, if you can reach the stop tap safely, because it stops a small leak growing while you sleep.

Can I keep using the heating after a leak?

No. Switch off the boiler until a plumber has checked the system, since water may be escaping.

Get help now

Our emergency plumber service and burst pipe service take requests through the form at any hour. Mark your request urgent. For sewage or a blocked drain, see blocked drains. You can also see all our services and the areas we cover.

In Northampton, see emergency plumbers in Northampton. Near Daventry, see plumbers in Daventry. In Corby, see plumbers in Corby. Around Roade, see plumbers in Roade. Around Bicester, see plumbers in Bicester. Each page explains local coverage, while the form works for every town.

A macerator toilet pumps waste away when gravity cannot. Most faults involve a switch, a valve, a blade or a blocked pipe. If yours fails, switch it off at the isolator and stop flushing. Then ask a plumber to look, because running it on can make things worse.

Six faults and what they may mean

These are common patterns, not a diagnosis. The unit and the pipework decide the real cause, so treat the list as a guide.

• It will not flush. A float switch may be stuck, or the power may be off.
• It hums but does not stop. The blade may jam, or the outlet may block.
• It trips a fuse. The motor may be seized, or water may have reached the wiring.
• It leaks at the base. A seal or a pipe joint may be worn.
• It drains slowly. The discharge pipe may be partly blocked.
• It smells. A valve may not be sealing, so odours travel back.

Our Saniflo and macerator repair service covers the diagnosis. Use the form to describe the symptoms, since that helps the engineer plan.

Three parts behind many faults

Three parts account for many breakdowns, although others can fail.

1. The float switch. It tells the motor when to start. Limescale or debris can hold it down.
2. The non-return valve. It stops waste flowing back after the pump runs. A faulty one can cause smells or slow draining.
3. The cutter blade. It breaks up waste. Wipes and sanitary items are common causes of a jam.

The chamber is sealed, so opening it without the right tools is risky. That is why on-site diagnosis beats guesswork.

What not to flush

Water industry guidance is simple. Thames Water’s Bin it page says only pee, poo and toilet paper belong in a toilet. Wipes, period products, nappies and cotton wool cause blockages. That advice matters even more with a macerator.

Check the maker’s instructions for your unit too, because they may list extra items to avoid. Read our guide to why drains block for more on what goes wrong downstream.

Stop, switch off, then call

If the unit hums, trips the fuse or backs up, switch it off at the fused spur. Do not keep resetting the fuse. A motor that fights a jam can overheat and fail for good, while more waste in a full chamber can overflow.

If sewage reaches the floor, treat it as urgent. Keep people and pets away. Then follow the first 10 minutes of a plumbing emergency.

Repair or replace?

Two price guides help you decide, while a third factor is age. Fantastic Services puts a Saniflo repair at £90 to £250 including VAT. PumpMaster quotes about £125 plus VAT for a domestic visit, with parts extra. Fantastic Services says a unit often lasts 10 to 15 years.

A new unit costs roughly £300 to £600 according to Trade2Base. When a repair nears that figure, replacement often gives better value. Check your warranty first, since a repair by the wrong person may affect it. These are guides, not our prices.

If you plan a new bathroom, our bathroom fitting cost guide shows the other costs. Our bathroom installation service also covers new layouts.

Other bathroom and heating faults

A macerator fault is not always the only problem. If the room also has a leak, read the signs of a burst pipe. If the outside drain overflows, see a blocked drain outside the house. Drain trouble varies by town, while blocked drains across the Nene Valley compares four.

Heating faults can appear in the same room. If a radiator stays cold, read radiator cold spots. If the boiler shows an error, see boiler fault codes. The boiler pressure guide covers pressure problems. An ageing boiler may need the new boiler cost guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why has my Saniflo stopped completely?

A stuck float switch or a power problem is a common cause. Check the fused spur, then stop flushing and get it looked at.

Why does it hum but not pump?

The blade may jam, or the outlet may block. Switch it off, because running it in that state can damage the motor.

Can a macerator be repaired?

Often yes, since switches, valves and seals can change. However, a failed motor or an old unit may point to replacement.

Ask for help

Use the online form and describe the symptoms. Mark it urgent if waste is reaching the floor. Browse all our services and the areas we cover. Add your town and a short description, because that helps an engineer get back to you.

In Northampton, see Saniflo help in Northampton. Around Desborough, see plumbers in Desborough. In Rothwell, see plumbers in Rothwell. Near Burton Latimer, see plumbers in Burton Latimer. These pages list local details, since coverage varies from town to town.

Commercial plumbing covers shops, offices, rented homes and shared buildings. The big difference from a home job is the cost of downtime. A good plan means fewer surprises, and records help if anything goes wrong, because they show what was done.

Who it is for

The term covers more than people expect, so check where you fit.

• Shops, cafes, salons and clinics, where customers see any fault.
• Offices and workshops, where staff need water and heat.
• Shared houses and flats, where many tenants use the same pipes.
• Landlords with one or many rented homes.

Our commercial plumbing service covers this range. We do not publish a price list for commercial work, because each site differs. Ask for a quote through the request form.

Planned or reactive care

Reactive care means you fix a fault after it happens. It works, yet the downtime comes without warning. Repeated call-outs for the same fault can also cost more than finding the cause once.

Planned care means scheduled checks before things fail. Pipework, water heaters and drains are the usual items. A small unit may manage with reactive care. A building with shared systems often suits a plan, while many sites use a mix of both.

What the law asks of you

Some duties are not optional. The Health and Safety Executive says the people in control of premises must manage legionella risk. That covers hot and cold water systems. Its Legionnaires’ disease pages explain the basics.

Landlords also have gas duties. HSE says a landlord must arrange an annual gas safety check. A Gas Safe registered engineer must do it. Our landlord plumbing checklist pulls these duties together. Read it alongside carbon monoxide at home, since tenants need to know the signs.

What to ask a commercial plumber

Ask these questions before you choose a firm.

1. How do you plan work around trading hours?
2. What records will you give me after each visit?
3. How do I report an urgent fault, and how do you handle it?
4. Which jobs can you cover, and which need another trade?

The answers matter more than any brochure, because they show how the firm works. Our guide on how to choose a plumber in Northampton is a useful start. For urgent faults, the first steps are in the first 10 minutes of a plumbing emergency.

Keep a record

Ask for a dated note after every visit. It should say what was found, what was done and what is still open. Keep the notes in one folder for each site. They help with insurance, with tenants and with planning, since they show patterns over time.

A repeat fault in the same place is a clue. Raise it early rather than paying for the same repair twice.

Drains in shared buildings

Blocked and damaged drains are a common cause of repeat call-outs. In shared buildings, one fault can affect several units. Our blocked drains service covers clearing. Our guide to who is responsible for a blocked drain explains the boundary rules.

To report a fault in the public sewer, read how to report a blocked drain or sewer. A camera can help with repeat faults, since CCTV drain surveys show the pipe. Staff habits matter too. Share the tips in why drains block and the checks for a blocked drain outside the house.

Heating and macerators

Boilers in shops and flats need care. HSE advises an annual service, while our boiler pressure guide lists early warnings. Some basement toilets use pumps. Read Saniflo not working to learn the common faults.

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer planned maintenance?

Use the request form to describe your premises and what you need. The engineer can say what is possible, although the details depend on the site.

Do you publish prices for commercial work?

No, because commercial jobs vary a great deal. Ask for a written quote, since the site decides the price.

Who is responsible for plumbing in a rented home?

It depends on the lease and the law, so read both. Our landlord plumbing checklist covers the main points.

Talk to us

Use the online form to describe your premises. Mark it urgent if there is a leak or no water. You can see all our services and the areas we cover. Add your town and a short description, because that helps an engineer get back to you.

In Northampton, see plumbers in Northampton. Around Milton Keynes, see plumbers in Milton Keynes. In Kettering, see plumbers in Kettering. Near Wellingborough, see plumbers in Wellingborough. Around Lutterworth, see plumbers in Lutterworth. These pages list local details, since coverage varies from town to town.

Fat, wipes, hair and waste cause most blocked drains. Roots and broken pipes cause the rest. Try a plunger first, then warm water and washing-up liquid. Stop if more than one fixture has trouble, because the fault is then further along. Stop too if water backs up outside.

What the symptoms tell you

Not every slow drain is the same fault, so the signs give you a clue before you try anything.

• Gurgling. Air is trapped by something that restricts the flow.
• One slow sink or bath. The blockage is probably close to that fixture.
• Several fixtures backing up. The blockage is further along the shared pipe.
• An overflowing gully outside. The blockage lies in the underground run.

The further away the fault, the less a plunger will do. A drain rod or a camera may suit better, since they reach further.

What really blocks drains

Water companies see the same causes again and again. While each firm has its own page, Thames Water’s Bin it page names wipes and fats, oils and grease. It says only pee, poo and toilet paper belong in the toilet. It adds that even flushable wipes cause blockages.

Fat is a common problem in kitchens. Let cooking fat cool and set, then put it in the bin. The same source says hot water and washing-up liquid do not stop fat building up, since it sets again further down.

What to try first

For one slow fixture with no other signs, work through these steps in order, because each is gentler than the next.

1. Plunger. Cover the overflow, add enough water to seal the cup, and pump firmly.
2. Warm water and washing-up liquid. Pour it in slowly to loosen grease.
3. Drain auger. A hand-turned auger can hook out hair or a clump of waste.
4. Stop. If none of these works, do not escalate the tools.

Use hot tap water rather than boiling water, because boiling water can harm some fittings.

What not to do

Strong chemical drain cleaners are sold as a quick fix. They rarely clear a real blockage, yet they can harm old pipes and fittings. They are also hazardous if the drain does not clear. Read the label, wear gloves and keep children away. If you are unsure, skip them and call a plumber.

Never push rods or tools into a drain you cannot see. You may push the blockage further, or you may damage a joint.

When to stop and get help

Some signs mean the fault is beyond a plunger.

• More than one fixture is affected.
• An outside gully or manhole is overflowing.
• The same spot blocks again and again.
• Your only toilet is out of use, or waste is backing up.

A repeat blockage often has a cause in the pipe, such as roots. A CCTV drain survey shows the cause. Our guide to what a CCTV drain survey shows explains the report. Meanwhile, the cost guide sets out typical prices.

If sewage is backing up into the house, treat it as urgent, because it is a health risk. Our emergency plumber service takes requests through the form at any hour.

Whose drain is it?

If only your home has trouble, the fault is probably yours. If neighbours have the same problem, it may be a shared drain or public sewer. Read who is responsible for a blocked drain to see the boundary rules. Then see how to report a blocked drain or sewer for the next step.

Blocked gullies and yard drains are a separate case. Our guide to a blocked drain outside the house covers them. Drain faults vary between towns, while blocked drains across the Nene Valley compares four.

Related problems

A toilet that will not flush may not be a drain fault at all. If you have a pump unit, read Saniflo not working. A new bathroom is a good time to check the pipes. The bathroom fitting cost guide explains why. Buyers can see inside the pipes with a pre-purchase CCTV survey.

A bath that runs cold is a different problem from one that drains slowly. If the water drains but is not hot, see no hot water: what to check.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my drain keep blocking?

A repeat blockage in the same place usually has a cause beyond waste, such as roots or a low spot. A camera survey can confirm which, since it shows the pipe.

Can I use drain cleaner on an outside drain?

We advise care, because strong cleaners can harm old pipes. Outside gullies may lead to shared drains. Ask a plumber first.

Is a gurgling drain serious?

It is a warning, because something is restricting the flow. Check for other signs and act early.

Still blocked?

Use the online form and describe the symptoms. Name the fixtures with trouble. Mark it urgent if sewage is backing up. Our blocked drains service covers clearing. You can also browse all our services and the areas we cover. Add your town and a short description, because that helps an engineer get back to you.

In Northampton, see blocked drain help in Northampton. Around Raunds, see plumbers in Raunds. Near Irthlingborough, see plumbers in Irthlingborough. In Rushden, see blocked drains in Rushden and plumbers in Rushden. Each page explains local coverage, while the form works for every town.

A CCTV drain survey feeds a camera through your drain and records what it sees. The footage shows cracks, roots, joints that have moved and blockages. It turns a guess into a clear picture, because you can see what needs fixing.

How a survey works

An engineer puts a waterproof camera into the drain at an access point, such as a manhole. The camera moves along the pipe while it records. The engineer then notes each defect and where it sits on the run.

Most home surveys need one visit, although longer runs with many branches take more time. Our CCTV drain survey service covers both existing faults and checks before a purchase.

What a survey can show

A camera can find a fault before it causes a smell or a blockage, so it can save you a messy surprise.

• Roots. They enter through joints and narrow the pipe.
• Displaced joints. Pipe sections slip apart and let silt in.
• Cracks and breaks. These range from fine lines to full collapse.
• Build-up. Fat and scale reduce the bore of the pipe.
• Poor falls. Water sits in a low spot and collects debris.

Because the camera records as it goes, you can see where the fault is. That helps you plan a repair without digging more than you need.

Understanding the report

Reports often grade each defect with a recognised coding system. In the UK, many surveyors use the WRc coding manual for sewer condition. Ask your surveyor which standard they use. A clear code makes reports easier to compare.

A good report includes footage and a written summary. It should also include a plan that marks each defect. That plan matters when you need to know whose pipe is at fault. Our guide to who is responsible for a blocked drain explains the boundary rules.

What a survey costs

Prices vary with the length of the run, access and the report you want. While every job differs, MyJobQuote gives a range of £90 to £500 for drain surveys. KIKK Civil Engineering gives £150 to £350 for a domestic survey. Our guide to CCTV drain survey costs sets out both sources.

These are guides, not our prices. Use the request form for a quote for your own drain.

What to ask before you book

Ask what the price includes. Some quotes cover jetting first, and some do not. MyJobQuote says cleaning a drain before the survey can add to the cost. Ask whether you get footage and a written report, and how soon you will receive them.

When a survey pays off

A survey is rarely a treat. It earns its keep in a few cases.

1. Before you buy. A pre-purchase CCTV survey checks the drains before you commit. Our guide to why buyers should check the drains explains the reasons.
2. A blockage that returns. If the same spot blocks again, a camera finds the cause. See why drains block for the common reasons.
3. Water outside. A gully that overflows often points to a fault below ground, and our guide to a blocked drain outside the house covers the checks.
4. Before building work. A refit can disturb drains, so the bathroom fitting cost guide is worth reading first.

A survey and your other plumbing

A camera cannot see leaks inside walls, so it sits alongside other checks. Our notes on boiler pressure cover the heating side. For shops, offices and rented homes, see commercial plumbing in Northampton, because planned checks suit them.

Ask any firm about its call-out charges before you book. Our guide to emergency plumber costs shows the typical ranges, while our guide on how to choose a plumber lists the questions to ask.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get the footage and a report?

A proper survey should leave you with recorded footage and a written report. Ask for both before you book, since some quotes cover only a verbal summary.

Does a survey unblock the drain?

No. A survey finds the cause, although it does not clear it. If the drain needs clearing, our blocked drains service can help.

How long does a survey take?

Many home surveys take an hour or two, but long or complex runs take more time. Ask the engineer for an estimate, because access changes it.

Book a survey

Use the online form to describe the property and the problem. You can also browse all our services or the areas we cover. Add your town and a short description, because that helps an engineer get back to you.

In Northampton, see plumbers in Northampton. Around Kettering, see plumbers in Kettering. Near Bedford, see plumbers in Bedford. In Milton Keynes, see plumbers in Milton Keynes. Near Kempston, see plumbers in Kempston. Coverage differs by area, so check the page for yours.

Two UK cost guides put a standard family bathroom at about £4,500 to £9,000, fitted. The size of the room matters less than you might think. The suite, the tiling, any pipework moves and access set most of the price.

Guide prices from two sources

Bathroom Mountain gives £4,500 to £9,000 for a standard bathroom. Drench puts a mid-range refit at £5,000 to £8,000. Both guides cover supply and fitting.

Labour is a large part of the bill. Bathroom Mountain suggests £1,800 to £4,000, and Drench quotes £250 to £500 a day. Drench says a refit takes about a week, while Bathroom Mountain says six to ten working days. The stages run in order, so ask for a timeline with your quote.

These are guides for the UK as a whole. They are not our prices, so ask for a written quote for your own room, since every bathroom differs.

The suite is the biggest variable

Two rooms of the same size can end up far apart in price, because the reason is nearly always the choice of fittings.

• Sanitaryware. A close-coupled toilet takes less time to fit than a wall-hung unit with a hidden cistern.
• Shower type. A basic mixer shower is a different job from a digital or power shower.
• Tiling. Half-height tiles are quicker than floor-to-ceiling tiles on every wall.
• Flooring. Tiled floors need a level base and waterproofing first.
• Heating. A heated towel rail is a simple swap, while underfloor heating adds work.

Hot water matters too, because the shower needs a supply that suits it. Our water tank and cylinder page explains how stored hot water affects flow. If you plan a new cylinder, see the hot water cylinder cost guide.

Like-for-like or a new layout

The biggest cost lever is whether the layout changes. A like-for-like swap keeps the toilet, basin and bath where they are. Pipes stay put, so there is less first-fix work and less mess.

A new layout costs more because pipes and waste runs must move. Turning a bath into a walk-in shower is a common example. A toilet moved to another wall may need a new waste route, and in some homes a macerator is the answer. Our guide to Saniflo faults explains how those units behave.

What a bathroom installation involves

Our bathroom installation service follows a set order.

1. Strip out the old suite, tiles and floor.
2. First fix: new pipes, waste runs and any electrics.
3. Tile and waterproof the wet areas.
4. Second fix: fit the suite, taps and shower.
5. Test the water, the drains and the extractor before sign-off.

Delays usually arise at first fix, because the old suite can hide worse pipework than expected. Old leaks may still show up. Our guide to the signs of a burst pipe lists what to look for before you start. Drains matter as well, since a refit may expose a weak run, and a CCTV drain survey can check it first.

Building rules and the right trades

Some bathroom work needs notifying. Approved Document G covers hot water safety, and drainage changes can also count. Check with building control or a competent person scheme for your job. The government page on Approved Document G is the place to start.

Ask each trade what they will cover and what they will not. Our guide on how to choose a plumber lists the checks to make. Landlords refitting several rooms may also like our notes on commercial plumbing.

Plan for the unexpected

Set aside a cushion in your budget, since hidden damp, old pipes and rotten boards all cost extra to fix. If a leak appears mid-job, our emergency first 10 minutes guide tells you what to do. Meanwhile, the emergency plumber cost guide shows what out-of-hours help may cost.

If you buy an older home and plan a refit, a pre-purchase drain survey shows what lies below the floor. The cost of a CCTV survey is small next to a bathroom budget.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a bathroom fit take?

Bathroom Mountain suggests six to ten working days for a standard room. A like-for-like swap is shorter than a new layout, although access can add time.

Should I supply the suite myself?

Either way works. Tell the fitter early, because it changes the quote. Check delivery dates, since a late tile can stall the job.

Does a small leak need fixing before a refit?

Yes, because tiling over a damp wall hides the fault. Fix the cause first. For smaller jobs, our tap and shower repair service can help.

Get a written quote

Use the online form to describe your layout and what you want to change. Mark it urgent only if water is escaping. You can also browse all our services or see the areas we cover. Add your town and a short description, because that helps an engineer get back to you.

In Rushden, see bathroom help in Rushden. Around Wellingborough, see plumbers in Wellingborough. In Kettering, see plumbers in Kettering. In Northampton itself, see plumbers in Northampton. These pages list local details, since coverage varies from town to town.

A pre-purchase CCTV drain survey lets you see inside the pipes before you buy. It is not a legal requirement. Yet it can show defects that a general survey may not cover. The report can also support a talk about price.

Why drains are easy to miss

Most buyers rely on a valuation, a legal check and a building survey. None of these needs to look underground. Ask your surveyor whether the drains were inspected. Read the wording in the report too, because it may say the drains were not inspected. If so, a camera survey fills the gap.

Drains are hard to judge from the surface. A pipe can look fine from a manhole while a crack sits further along. That is why a camera run is the usual way to check.

What a survey can find

A camera can show faults that cause trouble later.

• Roots that have entered joints.
• Joints that have slipped apart.
• Cracks, breaks and collapsed sections.
• Fat and scale that narrow the pipe.
• Low spots where water sits.

Our guide to what a CCTV drain survey shows explains each fault in more detail. Older pipes are more prone to roots and slipped joints, yet newer pipes can still block. Our guide to why drains block covers the common causes.

What it costs

Two UK guides give a clear range. MyJobQuote puts a pre-purchase survey at £250 to £350. KIKK Civil Engineering gives £200 to £400 for a homebuyer survey with a full report. Both are guides, not quotes from us.

The cost sits small beside the price of a home. For example, several guides put a typical drain clearance at about £80 to £250. Larger repairs cost more, and a survey shows how large yours might be. Our CCTV drain survey cost guide sets out the figures in full.

When to book

Book the survey early, after your offer is accepted and before you exchange. Changes after exchange are much harder, since you are then committed to the sale. Ask the seller for access to manholes and covers, because a blocked cover can delay the visit.

If the seller has lived there for years, ask what they know. Past blockages and past repairs are useful clues. Still, treat the answers as hints rather than proof, and let the camera confirm them.

Using the report

A good report includes footage, a written summary and a plan. The plan marks where each fault sits. That helps when you ask the seller to fix a defect or lower the price.

Show the report to your solicitor, because they can decide how to raise it. The plan also tells you who owns the pipe, which matters for repairs. Our guide to who is responsible for a blocked drain explains the boundary rules. If a fault sits beyond the boundary, read how to report a blocked drain or sewer.

What else to check

Drains are only one part of a purchase. Ask about the age of the boiler and the hot water cylinder. If the home has a cylinder, the hot water cylinder cost guide shows typical prices.

Check any bathroom with a macerator pump, because these fail in set ways. Our Saniflo troubleshooting guide lists them. If you plan a new bathroom, the bathroom fitting cost guide helps you budget.

Keep a plumber’s details ready for move-in day. Our guide on emergency plumber costs shows what to expect. Drain trouble differs from town to town, so see blocked drains across the Nene Valley.

Frequently asked questions

Is a drain survey a legal requirement?

No. It is a choice, and it gives you facts before you commit.

How long does a survey take?

Many home surveys take an hour or two. Longer runs take more time, so ask the engineer.

Can I ask the seller to pay for repairs?

You can raise it through your solicitor. The report gives you evidence, although the seller does not have to agree.

Book a pre-purchase survey

Our pre-purchase CCTV survey service and CCTV drain survey service take requests through the online form. If you find a blockage, see our blocked drains service. Browse all our services or the areas we cover. Add your town and a short description, because that helps an engineer get back to you.

Buying near Olney? See plumbers in Olney. In Newport Pagnell, see plumbers in Newport Pagnell. Around Stony Stratford, see plumbers in Stony Stratford. In Northampton, see plumbers in Northampton. For Buckingham, see plumbers in Buckingham. Coverage differs by area, so check the page for yours.

Falling boiler pressure usually means water is going somewhere it should not. Check the gauge when the system is cold, and read your boiler manual. If the pressure keeps dropping, a Gas Safe registered engineer needs to find the cause, because gas parts sit inside.

What the gauge tells you

Most sealed boilers have a dial or a screen that shows pressure. Look at it when the heating has been off for a while. Many dials mark a safe zone, while the manual gives the right range for your model.

We do not quote a single figure here, because boilers differ. Always follow the maker’s manual. If the needle sits below the marked zone, the system may be low on water.

Why pressure drops

A sealed heating system is a closed loop. It should not lose water, so a steady fall is a warning sign. Since the causes differ, these are the usual ones.

• A small leak. Look at radiator valves, pipe joints and the area below the boiler.
• A weak expansion vessel. This part helps the system cope as water heats and cools.
• A leaking safety valve. It can release water through a discharge pipe outside.
• Recent radiator bleeding. Bleeding lets out a little water, so pressure dips afterwards.

If the discharge pipe ends at an outside gully, check that the gully is clear. Our guide to why drains block explains the signs, because a drip there is easy to miss.

Safe checks you can make

Start with the simple things, since none of these involve opening the boiler.

1. Look for drips, damp patches and stains near pipes and radiators.
2. Check the pressure gauge when the system is cold.
3. Read the manual for the right range and for how to top up.
4. Note how fast the pressure falls, and write it down.

Many sealed systems have a filling loop for topping up. If yours does, follow the manual step by step. Never open the boiler casing, because gas parts sit behind it.

When to stop and call

Do not keep topping up, because water added to a leaking system only moves the problem. Call an engineer in any of these cases.

• The pressure falls again within days.
• You see water leaking from the boiler or pipes.
• The boiler shows an error code. Our guide to boiler fault codes explains what to do.
• You smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide. Read carbon monoxide at home at once.

The Health and Safety Executive says gas appliances need a Gas Safe registered engineer. Its domestic gas FAQ also advises an annual service. Our engineers are Gas Safe registered, and you can ask to see the ID card.

Pressure, leaks and emergencies

A leak in the heating circuit can look like a burst pipe. Our guide to the signs of a burst pipe lists the clues. If water is pouring out, follow the first 10 minutes of a plumbing emergency.

Radiators that stay cold can point to the same fault. Our guide to radiator cold spots explains each symptom. An old boiler that keeps losing pressure may need replacing, so read what a new boiler costs first.

Landlords and buyers

Landlords must keep gas appliances safe in rented homes. Our notes on commercial plumbing cover planned maintenance for several properties. If you are buying a home, ask about the boiler as well as the drains. A pre-purchase CCTV survey covers the drains, while the boiler needs its own check.

A drain survey also helps if a leak runs into the ground, and our guide to CCTV drain surveys explains how it works.

Frequently asked questions

Can I top up my boiler pressure myself?

On many sealed systems you can, using the filling loop. Follow the manual. However, call an engineer if the pressure drops again.

Is low pressure dangerous?

Low pressure usually stops the boiler from firing, so you lose heat rather than safety. Yet a leak still needs fixing.

How often should a boiler be serviced?

The HSE advises an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Get boiler help

Our boiler repair service and radiator and central heating service cover these faults. Use the request form and describe what the gauge shows. Mark it urgent if the boiler is leaking. You can also see all our services and the areas we cover. Add your town and a short description, because that helps an engineer get back to you.

Near Brixworth, see plumbers in Brixworth. In Long Buckby, see plumbers in Long Buckby. Around Earls Barton, see plumbers in Earls Barton. In Northampton, see boiler help in Northampton. These pages list local details, since coverage varies from town to town.

A burst pipe often shows itself slowly. Damp patches, weak pressure and odd noises are the usual clues. If you think a pipe has gone, shut off the water at the stop tap. Then switch off the heating.

Sign 1: damp patches on walls or ceilings

A stain on a ceiling or a cold, damp wall is a classic clue. Water can run along joists, so the leak may sit far from the patch. It will not dry out by itself, because the source keeps feeding it. Check the spot again the next day.

Sign 2: a drop in water pressure

Weak flow at every tap can mean a leak in your supply pipe. However, the fault may sit on the water company’s side. Ask a neighbour if they have the same problem. A leak on your side is more likely if only your home is hit.

Sign 3: running water when everything is off

Turn off every tap and appliance, then listen. A hiss or a drip points to a leak. If you have a water meter, note the reading, wait a while and read it again. A moving dial while no water is in use is a strong clue.

Sign 4: wet floors or lifting boards

Pools near radiators, under sinks or along skirting boards can come from a split pipe. Floorboards that warp or lift suggest water has sat below them for some time. Treat any wet patch as a warning, because small leaks grow.

Sign 5: brown or cloudy water

Rust or grit in tap water can point to a corroded pipe, although street work on the water main can cause the same thing. Run the cold tap for a minute. If it stays brown, ask a plumber to look.

Sign 6: a higher water bill

If you pay by meter, a jump in your bill can mean a hidden leak, because the water still runs through the meter. Compare it with the same months last year. Slow leaks often show up in the figures before they show on a wall.

Sign 7: mould in odd places

Mould in a cupboard or behind a bath panel needs a damp source. A slow leak is one possible cause. Cleaning the mould will not cure it, since the damp will bring it back. Look for the water first.

What to do if you think a pipe has burst

The Met Office gives clear advice on frozen or burst pipes. The steps below follow it.

1. Turn off the water at the stop tap.
2. Switch off the boiler and the heating.
3. Open the cold taps to drain the pipes.
4. Keep away from electrics near the leak, and switch them off only if it is safe.
5. Mop up the water and take photos for your insurer.
6. Ask a plumber to attend. The WaterSafe directory lists approved plumbers.

Our guide to the first 10 minutes of a plumbing emergency covers each step. If you cannot find the valve, read where your stop tap is likely to be.

Finding a hidden leak

If you can hear water but cannot see it, do not start opening up walls. Instead, ask the plumber how they plan to trace the leak first. Our burst pipe repair page explains how we handle these jobs.

A fall in boiler pressure can also hint at a leak in the heating circuit, and our boiler pressure guide covers that case. Leaks under a floor may cause damp, which matters if you plan a refit. The bathroom fitting cost guide shows what drives that job.

What a burst pipe repair may cost

TradeMatch puts burst pipe repairs at roughly £150 to £400, while MyJobQuote shows about £100 in labour alone. Access and hidden pipework move the figure up or down. Our guide to emergency plumber costs shows how call-out fees and hourly rates add up.

These are guides, not quotes from us. Use our online request form to ask for a price, since every job differs.

Other leaks to watch

Cold weather is a common cause, so see our guide to frozen pipes in Northamptonshire. A leak at a macerator base is a different fault, which we cover in Saniflo not working. Landlords and shop owners may want a plan before a leak happens, so read about commercial plumbing in Northampton. Drains can leak underground too, while a CCTV drain survey can show where.

If you need a plumber, how to choose a plumber in Northampton lists the checks to make.

Frequently asked questions

Should I turn the water off straight away?

Yes, if you can reach the stop tap safely. Shutting off the supply limits the damage while you arrange a repair.

Will home insurance cover a burst pipe?

Many policies cover escape of water, although terms differ. Read your policy and photograph the damage before you clean up.

Can I fix a burst pipe myself?

A temporary wrap may slow a leak. However, a proper repair needs the right fittings and tools. Ask a plumber to make it permanent.

Get help near you

Our emergency plumber service takes requests through the form at any hour. Mark your request urgent if water is escaping. We cover Northampton and a 30-mile radius, and you can browse all our plumbing services or the areas we cover.

Near Towcester, see plumbers in Towcester. In Brackley, see emergency plumbers in Brackley. Around Thrapston, see plumbers in Thrapston. In the county town, see plumbers in Northampton. Near Banbury, see plumbers in Banbury. Each page explains local coverage, while the form works for every town.