How Often Should Drains Be Cleaned Professionally?
Domestic & Commercial Guidelines for Long-Term Drain Health
When was the last time your drains were professionally cleaned? If you’re unsure — or it’s been over a year — you’re not alone. Many homeowners and business owners only act once a blockage becomes a problem.
But professional drain cleaning isn’t just about fixing issues — it’s about preventing them.
This guide from Vikings Building Solutions outlines:
- How often to clean drains professionally (home vs business)
- Why scheduled maintenance is important
- The signs you need professional cleaning sooner
What to expect during a professional drain service
Why Professional Drain Cleaning Is Necessary
Over time, even well-maintained drains collect:
- Grease and fat from cooking
- Hair and soap residue
- Scale and silt
- Food waste
- Tree roots or structural debris
Professional drain cleaning helps:
- Prevent blockages and bad odours
- Extend the life of your pipework
- Catch deeper issues before they cause damage
Maintain health & safety standards (especially in commercial properties)
Domestic Drain Cleaning Frequency
Home Type | Recommended Frequency | Notes |
Standard house/flat | Every 12–18 months | Use eco-maintenance in between |
Older property (>40 yrs) | Every 12 months | Pipes may be narrower, clay, or cast iron |
Household with pets/small kids | Every 6–12 months | More hair, wipes, or food waste expected |
Known tree root issues | Every 6 months + CCTV | Prevent collapse or root re-growth |
Tip: Pair annual cleaning with a basic CCTV inspection to assess hidden risks — especially in older systems.
🏢 Commercial Drain Cleaning Frequency
Business Type | Recommended Frequency | Legal/Operational Need |
Food businesses (restaurants, cafes) | Every 1–3 months | FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease) causes rapid build-up |
Schools, hospitals, care homes | Every 6 months | Hygiene & safety compliance |
Hotels and leisure centres | Every 3–6 months | High footfall, daily use of sinks/showers |
Offices | Every 6–12 months | Depending on staff size and kitchen use |
Warehouses / Industrial sites | Every 6 months | Sediment, chemicals, or external drainage risk |
⚠️ Commercial properties can face legal penalties for unmaintained drainage — especially when health, safety, or pollution are at risk.
Signs You May Need Cleaning Sooner
Even with a plan in place, sometimes drains need attention earlier than expected. Watch out for:
- Gurgling or bubbling plugholes
- Water draining slowly from sinks or showers
- Foul odours near plugholes or manholes
- Toilets not flushing properly
- Overflowing or damp patches near outside drains
- Frequent need for plunging
These are early indicators that a blockage is forming, even if water still drains.
What’s Involved in a Professional Drain Clean?
At Vikings Building Solutions, we use:
- High-pressure water jetting – blasts fat, scale, and debris
- CCTV camera inspections – assess pipe condition and location of obstructions
- Manual rodding – for internal drains or soft build-up
- Enzyme and bio treatments – for environmentally safe maintenance
All work is done safely and cleanly — with no mess left behind.
📍 We cover Coventry, Rugby, Warwick, Leamington Spa and nearby areas.
📞 Call 02476 933033 or email Enquiries@vikingsbuildingsolutionsltd.co.uk to book a maintenance visit.
How Often Should YOU Clean Your Drains?
Here’s a quick reference:
Situation | Cleaning Frequency |
Homeowner with no issues | Every 12–18 months |
Home with trees or blockages | Every 6–12 months |
Café or takeaway | Every 1–3 months |
Office or commercial property | Every 6–12 months |
High-traffic or healthcare site | Every 3–6 months |
💡 Still unsure? We offer free advice and custom maintenance schedules.
Related Reading
- 👉 How to Prevent Blocked Drains – Our Maintenance Checklist
- 👉 DIY Drain Unblocking: What Works and What Doesn’t
- 👉 Signs of a Blocked Drain