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
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