Yes, a plumber can carry out certain drainage jobs, but it depends on where the problem is and what’s causing it. In towns like Reading and across Berkshire, drainage infrastructure is often affected by older Victorian systems, dense housing, and a mix of private and shared pipework. This makes it even more important to identify the exact source of a problem before calling out a professional. If it’s something like a blocked toilet, slow draining sink, or an issue with waste pipes inside your home, a plumber is usually the right person to call. But if the problem is outside your home, like a collapsed drain or a blocked sewer, that’s when a trained drainage contractor is needed. The type of professional you need depends on whether the issue is with water coming into your home or waste water going out.
Plumbers are well equipped to fix many internal drainage problems. This includes clearing small blockages inside sinks and baths, replacing damaged waste pipes, and checking under sink traps. These types of jobs are part of a plumber’s daily work and usually don’t require any specialist drainage equipment.
If the blockage is local and hasn’t affected any other part of the house or the external drains, a plumber can usually sort it out with basic tools.
These are usually jobs that don’t need CCTV inspections or specialist drainage tools, and can often be fixed on the spot by a qualified plumber.
Some problems go beyond what a plumber can safely and legally handle. Drainage contractors are trained and licensed to work on underground and external drainage systems. They have the right tools such as high pressure water jetting machines, CCTV survey cameras, and confined space access kits.
Drainage engineers frequently collaborate with water authorities and local councils. They must meet compliance standards such as those outlined in the New Roads and Street Works Act. In many cases, permits or council approvals are required before any excavation work begins.
These indicators often point to issues within the external drainage infrastructure and are best resolved by trained professionals with the appropriate certifications.
Pro Tip: If you live in a flood prone zone like central Reading, schedule an annual drainage inspection before autumn to avoid winter emergencies
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Plumbers generally work inside the property, using tools suited to indoor systems. These include:
These tools are ideal for clearing basic blockages, repairing internal pipes, and connecting kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
Drainage specialists are equipped for outdoor and underground work. Their equipment includes:
Their technology also includes drain tracing software and moisture detection systems, particularly useful for pre purchase surveys and commercial drainage audits.
A homeowner in Reading called in a plumber to inspect a slow flushing toilet. The plumber found that although the cistern and internal waste pipe were working correctly, water was backing up in the external gully. This indicated a blockage beyond the internal system.
The plumber contacted 24hrs Drainage. Our drainage engineer attended within two hours, performed a CCTV drain inspection and identified a section of collapsed clay pipe. This was located under the customer’s patio. The team carried out a localised excavation, replaced the faulty section with new UPVC pipe, and reinstated the area cleanly. The system was tested thoroughly, and normal flow was restored.
This situation showed how internal plumbing issues can be linked to external faults, and how a coordinated response avoids delay and repeat visits.
Fast action matters when water or waste starts causing damage. But knowing who to call can make the difference between a quick repair and ongoing disruption.
You should call a plumber when:
These types of issues usually relate to internal supply or waste systems and are often resolved with standard plumbing tools.
You need a drainage engineer when:
At 24hrs Drainage, our team is on call day and night. We can be at your door in under sixty minutes for urgent call outs and bring all necessary equipment for repairs, clearance or inspection.
To avoid surprise fees, ask for a clear written estimate. At 24hrs Drainage, we offer full pricing transparency. This includes pre agreed rates, no call out fees, and a breakdown of any additional costs before starting the work.
Upfront pricing and properly diagnosing the issue early prevents avoidable follow up visits and keeps your system working long term.
Pro Tip: Keep a record of where your private and shared drains run on your property. This helps speed up fault finding and avoids unnecessary costs during repairs.
Problem | Best professional to call |
Leaking kitchen tap | Plumber |
Blocked toilet inside home | Plumber |
Foul smell from garden gully | Drainage engineer |
Water pooling in driveway | Drainage engineer |
Low water pressure at tap | Plumber |
Waste backing up through manhole | Drainage engineer |
Yes, both plumbing and drainage jobs must follow specific building and water regulations in the UK. For plumbing, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations ensure that all fittings and pipework protect the water supply from contamination. Plumbers should work to WRAS approved standards.
Drainage work must comply with Building Regulations Part H. This includes rules around foul water disposal, surface water drainage, and backflow prevention. Drainage engineers working on public land need accreditation under the New Roads and Street Works Act. Some drainage jobs may require planning consent or building control approval, especially when altering shared systems or digging near foundations.
Hiring professionals who understand and follow these rules helps protect health and property and avoids potential legal issues.
Start by identifying where the problem is happening. If it’s inside the house and relates to supply pipes or waste traps, a plumber is usually the right choice. If the problem is outside or affects multiple fixtures, a drainage contractor may be needed.
Look for the following when hiring:
If you’re unsure, contacting a company like 24hrs Drainage ensures the right person is sent out for the job. Our dispatch team asks the right questions to direct you to either a qualified plumber or drainage engineer.
Unsure Who to Call for a Plumbing Problem?
Let our team assess the issue and send the right expert – plumber or drainage specialist.
At 24hrs Drainage, we provide both plumbing and drainage services under one roof. This saves time and ensures that the correct solution is delivered quickly. All our team members hold relevant trade qualifications and undergo regular training to stay current with regulations and best practices.
We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with response times as low as 30 minutes in urban areas. Our vans carry everything needed to inspect, diagnose, and repair most issues on the first visit.
Whether it’s a small internal leak or a collapsed drain pipe, we are committed to delivering reliable service with fair pricing and clear communication.
Plumbers and drainage engineers each play a vital role in keeping your home safe and functional. While plumbers focus on the internal systems that bring water in and out of fixtures, drainage contractors handle the larger infrastructure that carries waste water away from the property. Knowing who to call for each type of issue helps avoid delays, saves money, and ensures the problem is properly fixed the first time.
If you need advice or rapid support, 24hrs Drainage is available day or night. Whether you’re dealing with a blocked drain, a leaking pipe, or something in between, we are here to help.
Can plumbers repair external drains? Plumbers can handle some external drain work, but issues like collapsed pipes or shared drains are better handled by a certified drainage engineer.
What if I’m not sure whether it’s a plumbing or drainage problem? Call a company that offers both services. They can assess the issue and send the right professional.
Is a blocked toilet always a plumbing issue? Not always. If the blockage is local, a plumber can fix it. If waste backs up from outside, you’ll need a drainage specialist.
Are all drainage engineers licensed? Professionals should have NRSWA certification if working on public land and be trained in safe confined space access.
Does 24hrs Drainage cover emergency plumbing too? Yes, we provide 24 hour emergency services for both plumbing and drainage problems across the UK.
If you are located in Reading or the surrounding Berkshire area, it’s worth checking with Reading Borough Council’s flood risk map and drainage guidance for your property’s vulnerability. In flood risk zones, regular maintenance and pre planned drainage inspections are especially important. Contact us for plumbing advice or drainage services today.
Blocked Drain in Reading?
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24hrs Drainage Limited
33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
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We are the premier providers of comprehensive drainage solutions in Reading and throughout Berkshire. With years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, we are your trusted partners for all your domestic and commercial drainage needs.
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