Blocked toilets and sinks in Exeter
A toilet that rises when you flush, or a sink that won't empty, is usually a blockage close to the fitting. Sometimes it is further down the line, which is why it is worth having someone check the drain as well as the toilet.
Get a free quote
Tell us what's happening and we'll pass it to a local drainage engineer.
Thanks, we have your request. A local drainage engineer will be in touch as soon as possible. If waste water is backing up, stop using water in the house until it has been cleared.
Signs you need blocked toilets and sinks
- The toilet water rises or drains very slowly when you flush
- Two fittings blocked at once, like a toilet and a shower
- Water coming back up through the shower tray or bath
- A kitchen sink that empties slowly or smells
- Gurgling when another tap or appliance drains
- A plunger has helped for a day or two, then it blocks again
What the job involves
In general, the engineer works out first whether the blockage is in the fitting, the waste pipe or the drain outside. A single blocked sink or toilet can often be cleared with a plunger, a hand auger or a short set of rods. If several fittings are blocked, the problem is usually further down, in the drain or chamber they share, and that is cleared from outside.
Common causes are wet wipes and other items flushed down the toilet, fat poured down the kitchen sink, and hair in bath and shower wastes. The engineer can point out what caused it so you can avoid a repeat.
Local factors
If your toilet and other fittings are blocked at the same time, check whether neighbours have the same problem. Since 1 October 2011, sewers shared with neighbours and lateral drains outside your boundary have been South West Water's responsibility, so a shared blockage may be theirs to deal with.
In general, terraced houses often share a drain run at the back. That is one reason a blocked toilet in one house can be caused by something further along.
While you wait
In general: stop flushing a blocked toilet, as each flush can bring it closer to overflowing. Turn off the isolation valve on the cistern if there is one. Don't pour chemical unblockers into a toilet that is full, and keep children and pets away from any waste water. If waste is coming up through a bath or shower, stop using water in the house until it has been cleared.
What happens when you enquire
You fill in the form with your postcode and a few words about the problem. We pass it to one vetted, independent drainage engineer covering your area, who gets in touch as soon as possible to talk it through. They'll give you a price before any work starts, and there's no obligation to go ahead. The quote and any work are between you and the engineer.
Typical costs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Unblocking a toilet | £50–£60 |
| Unblocking a bath or sink | £50–£70 |
| Emergency toilet call-out from a plumber | from £150 (includes first hour) |
Indicative UK price ranges published by MyJobQuote (updated November 2026). Your drainage engineer will quote after inspecting.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to unblock a drain in Exeter?
It depends on where the blockage is and how it's cleared. As a guide, MyJobQuote's published UK ranges are £50–£60 to unblock a toilet, £80–£145 for drain rodding and £70–£175 for drain jetting, with emergency call-outs at £100–£200. Your drainage engineer will give you a price after looking at the job.
Is the quote free?
Yes. Sending the form costs nothing, and the quote is free and without obligation. You decide whether to go ahead.
Is a blocked drain my responsibility or South West Water's?
In general, you're responsible for drains inside your property boundary. Since 1 October 2011, lateral drains outside the boundary and sewers shared with neighbours that connect to the public network have been South West Water's responsibility. If neighbours are blocked too, the problem may be in a shared sewer. A drainage engineer can usually tell you which it is.
What should I do while I wait?
Stop using water in the house as far as you can so the blockage doesn't back up further, and stop flushing a blocked toilet. Keep children and pets away from any waste water, and wash your hands after touching anything near it. Don't lift a heavy chamber cover on your own.
What if waste water is coming into the house?
Choose the urgent option on the form so the engineer knows it's urgent. Stop using water in the house, keep people and pets away from the area, and turn off electrics near any water if it is safe to do so.
Will my home insurance cover a blocked drain?
Some home insurance policies include accidental damage to drains or home emergency cover, and some don't. Check your policy before work starts. If your insurer wants evidence of damage, a CCTV survey report is usually what they'll ask for.
Why does my toilet keep blocking?
In general, the usual causes are wet wipes and other items that don't break down, too much paper, or a problem further down the drain. If it keeps happening, the drain outside may need checking.
Toilet or sink blocked? Send the form and a local engineer will be in touch.