Question 1

Do you charge a call out fee?

Accepted Answer

No — we never charge a call out fee. You only pay for the work carried out. There are no hidden charges and we always provide transparent pricing before starting any work.

Question 2

Are you available 24/7?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer 24/7 emergency callouts, 365 days a year including bank holidays and Christmas. Drainage emergencies don't keep office hours, and neither do we.

Question 3

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover Leeds, Harrogate, Bradford, Wakefield, Wetherby, and the surrounding areas across West Yorkshire. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, just give us a call.

Question 4

Are you insured and accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we are CHAS Elite accredited, which means we meet the highest standards in health, safety, and professional practice. We are fully insured for all the work we carry out.

Question 5

Are you a family-owned business?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Drains First Limited is a family-owned small business based in Leeds. We take pride in providing a personal, professional service and building long-term relationships with our customers.

Question 6

How quickly can you respond to a blocked drain?

Accepted Answer

For emergencies, we aim to respond as quickly as possible — often within hours. For non-urgent blockages, we can usually arrange a visit within 24–48 hours.

Question 7

What causes blocked drains?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include fat and grease build-up, wet wipes (even "flushable" ones), hair, food debris, tree root ingress, and collapsed or damaged pipes.

Question 8

Can you unblock drains at night or on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we're available 24/7 including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.

Question 9

Do you unblock both internal and external drains?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we unblock all types of drains including sinks, baths, showers, toilets, outside drains, manholes, and drainage channels.

Question 10

When do I need a CCTV drain survey?

Accepted Answer

You should consider a CCTV survey if you have recurring blockages, slow drainage, bad smells, subsidence, rat problems, or if you're buying a property and want to check the drainage condition.

Question 11

Will I receive a copy of the footage?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we provide a full written report along with the camera footage so you have a complete record of your drainage system's condition.

Question 12

How long does a CCTV drain survey take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential surveys take 1–2 hours. Larger commercial or industrial sites may take longer depending on the extent of the drainage system.

Question 13

Can you carry out pre-purchase drain surveys?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we regularly carry out pre-purchase surveys for homebuyers and their solicitors. We can provide reports suitable for conveyancing purposes.

Question 14

What is patch lining?

Accepted Answer

Patch lining is a no-dig repair technique where a resin-impregnated liner is installed over a specific defect in a pipe — sealing it from the inside without any excavation.

Question 15

How long does a patch liner last?

Accepted Answer

A correctly installed patch liner can last 50 years or more, making it an excellent long-term investment.

Question 16

Is patch lining always possible?

Accepted Answer

Not always — it depends on the type, location, and severity of the defect. We'll carry out a CCTV survey first to confirm whether lining is the right solution.

Question 17

Do you offer maintenance contracts for businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer tailored planned maintenance contracts for businesses of all sizes. Regular maintenance prevents costly emergency callouts and keeps your drainage compliant.

Question 18

Can you work outside of business hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we can carry out maintenance visits at times that suit your business, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Question 19

Do you provide documentation for compliance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we provide detailed service reports after every visit, suitable for insurance, compliance, and regulatory purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Drain Unblocking

CCTV Surveys

Patch Lining & Repairs

Commercial Services

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