Before we arrive
We ask what the drain is doing, which fixtures are affected, how old the property is, and whether it has happened before. Five minutes on the phone usually narrows it to two possibilities and occasionally saves you a visit.
Finding access
Most work happens at a cleanout, outside or in the basement. If a property has no accessible cleanout, that changes the approach and we would rather discuss it before starting than after.
The work itself
Cable, jetter or descaler depending on what we find. On anything recurring the camera goes in first, and you watch the screen while it does.
Before we leave
You get told what caused it, and on a recurring problem a second camera pass so you can see the line you are left with. Including when the answer is that there was nothing wrong with the pipe.
What we need from you
A clear description of which fixtures are affected and when it started, and access to the cleanout. Those two things account for most of the difference between a straightforward visit and a difficult one.
Mess, honestly
Drain work is dirty and there is no version of it that is not. We put down protection, we work at the access point rather than through the house where possible, and we clean up. It is worth knowing what to expect rather than being surprised by it.
How long it usually takes
A straightforward clearing is often under two hours. A camera pass adds time. Descaling or jetting a full lateral can take most of a day, and we would tell you that when booking rather than on arrival.
What we leave you with
An open line, a plain account of what caused the problem, and on anything recurring the footage. If we think it will happen again, you will hear that rather than a reassurance we cannot support.
