Drain Unblocking & CCTV Surveys
1st Porter Call provides drain unblocking, CCTV drain surveys, drain investigation, drain repairs and emergency plumbing services across Southampton, Hampshire and the surrounding areas. We work with homeowners, landlords, letting agents and commercial customers.
If you are dealing with blocked drains, a blocked toilet, blocked bath, blocked sink, bad smells or an outside drain backing up, call us and we will advise on the most practical next step.
Popular Drainage Services
Blocked Drains & Drain Unblocking
Blocked drains can quickly cause disruption, smells, flooding and unusable toilets, sinks or baths. We provide emergency drain clearance and drain unblocking for internal and external drainage problems.
Common causes include fat, wipes, food waste, hair, soap residue, silt, scale and foreign objects. Where appropriate, high pressure jetting or micro jetting can clear the blockage and restore flow.
CCTV Drain Surveys & Investigation
Where the cause of a problem is not obvious, a CCTV drain survey can inspect the pipework without unnecessary digging. Drain investigation is especially useful when blockages keep returning.
CCTV surveys can identify root ingress, cracked pipes, displaced joints, collapsed sections, poor connections and other defects. We use push rod and crawler drain cameras for different pipe sizes and access conditions.
Drain Repairs
If a survey shows damaged or collapsed pipework, we can advise on drain repair options. The right repair will depend on the defect, access, pipe condition and whether excavation is needed.
We explain what we find clearly, so customers understand whether cleaning, repair, replacement or further investigation is the most sensible route.
Emergency Plumbing Repairs
Alongside drainage work, we help with emergency plumbing repairs including leaking or burst pipes, dripping taps, toilets, baths, sinks, showers, water tanks and outside tap installation or repair.
We also assist with water main repairs and replacement where required. Major credit and debit cards are accepted, and there is no call-out fee.
Common Drainage Problems We Fix
Blocked Toilets
Toilets can block because of wipes, sanitary products, scale, pipe restrictions or a problem further down the drain run.
Blocked Baths & Sinks
Baths, showers and sinks often slow down because of hair, soap residue, fat, food waste or internal pipework restrictions.
Outside Drains Backing Up
Gullies and external drains can back up when the pipework is blocked by silt, leaves, fat, scale or a downstream obstruction.
Bad Drain Smells
Persistent smells can point to trapped waste, poor flow, damaged pipework or a drainage defect that needs investigation.
Recurring Blockages
If the same drain keeps blocking, a CCTV drain survey can help identify root ingress, cracked pipes or displaced joints.
Drain Damage
Cracked, collapsed or displaced drains may need repair work after the cause has been confirmed by inspection.
Pre-Purchase Drain Surveys
If you are buying a property, a CCTV drain survey can help you understand the condition of the drainage before you commit. It can identify defects that may not be visible during a standard viewing or building survey.
A pre-purchase drain survey can be useful for older properties, homes with extensions, properties with trees nearby, and any home where there are signs of drainage problems, smells, subsidence or repeated blockages.
Areas We Cover
We provide drainage and plumbing services across Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester, Portsmouth, Chandlers Ford, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Andover and surrounding areas.
See all areas covered or contact 1st Porter Call for emergency help.
Drainage FAQs
Do you charge a call-out fee?
No. There is no separate call-out fee. We will discuss the problem, location and likely next step before arranging a visit, so you know what type of work may be needed.
How quickly can you attend an emergency drain blockage?
Emergency drainage calls are prioritised across Southampton, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford and Hampshire. Attendance depends on engineer availability, location and current workload, so calling is the quickest way to confirm timing.
What does a CCTV drain survey involve?
A CCTV drain survey uses specialist camera equipment to inspect pipework from inside the drain. It can help identify root ingress, cracked pipes, displaced joints, collapsed sections, poor connections and causes of recurring blockages.
When is high pressure drain jetting needed?
High pressure jetting is often used when a drain is blocked by fat, silt, scale, wipes, roots or other debris. It clears the pipe more thoroughly than simple rods in many external drainage situations.
Can you help if the same drain keeps blocking?
Yes. Recurring blockages usually need investigation rather than repeated clearance alone. A CCTV survey can show whether there is root damage, a broken pipe, a displaced joint, scale build-up or another underlying defect.