Plug hole cleaning in Exeter
Professional plug hole cleaning services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
0.5-1 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Plughole cleared properly - hair, soap scum, and gunk removed so water drains freely again. Mechanical cleaning that actually fixes it, not just chemicals down the drain.
That Slow-Draining Sink
Water sitting in the basin after you've finished. Shower tray with 2 inches of water by the time you're done. Bath taking 10 minutes to empty. Gurgling noises. Unpleasant smell.
You've tried drain unblocker from the supermarket. Might have helped for a day or two, but it's slow again now.
Time to actually remove what's blocking it.
💡 Pro tip: Most plughole blockages are in the trap (U-bend) directly under the sink, not deep in the pipes. That's actually good news - means it's easy to access and clear.
Why Mechanical Cleaning Works Better
| ✅ Physical Cleaning | ❌ Chemical Unblocker |
|---|---|
| Actually removes the blockage | Tries to dissolve it |
| Works on hair (chemicals don't) | Often doesn't work |
| Safe for old pipes | Can damage pipework |
| Permanent fix | Temporary relief |
What's Included
🔧 The Service
| What I Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Assess the blockage | Work out where and what it is |
| Remove trap if needed | Access the actual problem |
| Clear mechanically | Pull out hair and gunk |
| Flush and test | Make sure it's flowing freely |
📦 Result
- Water draining freely
- Blockage completely removed
- Smell eliminated
- Advice to prevent recurrence
Typical Pricing
| Job | Time Needed | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple plughole clear | 15-20 mins | £60 |
| Stubborn blockage needing trap removal | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Multiple sinks/drains | 45-60 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Much cheaper than a plumber's callout for a drain specialist.
Get It Sorted If...
✅ Water draining slowly or not at all
✅ Tried drain unblocker - didn't work
✅ Unpleasant smell from plughole
✅ Gurgling noises when water drains
Why Choose Us for Plug hole cleaning in Exeter?
Water draining freely again
Hair and gunk removed
Smell eliminated
Proper clean, not just chemicals
What to Expect
Step 1: Check What's Blocking It
I'll look at how slow it's draining and where the blockage likely is. Most are in the trap under the sink.
Step 2: Clear It Properly
Usually means removing the trap to pull out the hair and gunk. Might use a drain snake if it's further down.
Step 3: Test & Advise
Run water to make sure it's flowing freely, then show you how to prevent it happening again.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you want to try clearing it yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Bucket
- Old towels
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Rubber gloves (trust me)
- Wire coat hanger or drain snake
Clearing from above (easiest attempt)
- Remove drain cover/stopper if possible
- Straighten a wire coat hanger
- Make a small hook on the end
- Fish around for hair/gunk
- Pull out what you can
- Flush with hot water
Removing the trap (proper fix)
- Put bucket under the trap
- Unscrew the trap (two large nuts, hand-tight usually)
- Expect water and gunk to come out
- Remove all the hair/gunk
- Check the trap isn't cracked
- Refit, hand-tight plus a quarter turn
- Run water and check for leaks
For stubborn blockages
- Drain snake/auger
- Feed it down the pipe
- Turn to grab onto blockage
- Pull back out
- Messy but effective
⚠️ Don't do this
- Force things down the drain (damages pipes)
- Mix different chemical cleaners (dangerous)
- Overtighten trap fittings when reassembling (cracks them)
- Pour boiling water down (can crack older traps)
💡 Pro trick: Once cleared, pour a kettle of very hot (not boiling) water down weekly. Melts soap scum and grease before it builds up into a blockage.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚿 Prevention: Hair traps in shower and bath drain covers cost a couple of quid and catch hair before it goes down. Worth having - saves clearing blockages every few months.
Chemical drain cleaners: These work on grease and soap, but not on hair (which is what usually blocks bathroom drains). They're also harsh on old pipework. I prefer mechanical cleaning.
Recurring blockages: If it blocks again quickly after clearing, there might be a problem further down the pipe - poor gradient, bellied pipe, or tree roots. I'll let you know if I suspect this.
Old houses: Victorian plumbing can have odd pipe runs and narrow traps. Sometimes needs more persuasion than modern plumbing, but still clearable.
When to call a drain specialist: If the blockage is deep in the main drain (multiple sinks/toilets affected), you might need a drain company with a power snake. I'll tell you if that's the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes slow-draining plugholes?
Usually hair, soap scum, and general gunk building up in the trap and pipe. Bathroom sinks and shower trays are worst for hair. Kitchen sinks get food debris and grease.
Will you use harsh chemicals?
I prefer mechanical cleaning - actually remove the blockage rather than dissolving it. Chemicals can damage older pipes and don't always work. I'll use them if appropriate, but usually not needed.
Do you need to dismantle the pipes?
Sometimes yes - removing the trap (U-bend) lets me clear it properly and check for buildup. It's not as messy as it sounds and gets much better results than poking at it from above.
Can you prevent it blocking again?
I can fit a hair trap or advise on maintenance, but plugholes will eventually get gunked up with use. Regular hot water flushes help, and catching hair before it goes down.
How long does clearing a plughole take?
Usually 15-30 minutes depending what's blocking it and how accessible the trap is. Some are quick, some need a bit more persuasion.
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