How Often Should Commercial Drains Be Cleaned? A Maintenance Guide

When it comes to running a commercial property, maintaining the drainage system is often overlooked — until something goes wrong. However, commercial drains are under far more pressure than those in domestic environments, and without regular attention, they can become blocked, damaged, or even hazardous.

At Mantank, we specialise in commercial drain cleaning across a wide range of sectors, from retail parks and offices to industrial sites, hospitals, and hospitality venues. One of the most common questions we’re asked is: how often should commercial drains be cleaned?

The answer depends on several factors, which we’ll cover in this guide. But one thing is certain — routine maintenance is key to preventing expensive repairs and keeping your business fully operational.

Why Commercial Drains Need Regular Cleaning

Commercial drains handle larger volumes of waste, water, and debris than domestic systems. Kitchens may contribute fats and grease, car parks bring in silt and leaves, and industrial units often deal with oils or chemical residues. Over time, all of this builds up within the pipework and causes blockages, slow flow, unpleasant odours, or even flooding.

Routine commercial drain cleaning helps to:

• Prevent blockages and overflows
• Maintain pipe efficiency and flow
• Extend the lifespan of drainage infrastructure
• Avoid disruption to operations
• Remain compliant with health, safety, and environmental regulations

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

So, how often should you clean your commercial drains? Here’s a general guideline, depending on the nature and size of your premises:

1. High-Use Sites (e.g. restaurants, food production, hospitals)

Frequency: Every 3–6 months
Grease, food waste, and heavy water usage mean these sites are at high risk of blockages. Regular drain jetting and grease trap cleaning are essential.

2. Medium-Use Sites (e.g. offices, schools, small retail)

Frequency: Every 6–12 months
These sites produce moderate wastewater, and an annual cleaning is often sufficient. CCTV inspections may also be used to spot early signs of trouble.

3. Low-Use or Well-Designed Sites (e.g. warehouses, light industry)

Frequency: Annually or as required
If the site has minimal water usage or modern drainage design, cleaning may only be needed yearly or following extreme weather or works.

Remember, these are only guidelines. We always recommend a site-specific assessment to determine the most suitable commercial drain cleaning schedule.

Signs Your Commercial Drains Need Cleaning

Between scheduled cleans, keep an eye out for warning signs that your drains may be developing problems:

• Persistent foul smells near drains or gullies
• Slow draining sinks, toilets, or appliances
• Gurgling noises from pipework
• Water pooling in external areas
• Overflowing gullies or manholes

Catching these early can prevent full blockages or costly emergency call-outs.

Our Commercial Drain Cleaning Services

We offer comprehensive commercial drain cleaning services tailored to your site’s needs. Our team uses high-pressure water jetting, mechanical root cutting, and vacuum tankers to clear even the most stubborn build-up.

Our services include:

• Planned maintenance programmes
• Emergency unblocking
• Gully and interceptor cleaning
• CCTV drain surveys and reporting
• Wastewater and sludge removal

We operate nationwide, supporting commercial, industrial, and public sector clients with reliable, professional service.

Stay Compliant and Avoid Downtime

Maintaining your commercial drains isn’t just about avoiding blockages — it’s also about protecting your business reputation, staying compliant with environmental regulations, and ensuring your site remains operational.

A blocked drain in a restaurant, school, or healthcare facility isn’t just inconvenient — it can be a health and safety issue that disrupts service, damages property, or leads to regulatory penalties.

Book Your Commercial Drain Cleaning Today

If you’re unsure when your commercial drains were last cleaned — or if you’ve noticed signs of a potential issue — now is the time to act. Contact Mantank for expert advice and a no-obligation site assessment. We’ll help you put the right cleaning schedule in place to keep your system flowing smoothly all year round.