A clogged sewer is never convenient, but it occurs remarkably often in Rotterdam. This is due to the city itself: a lot of post-war housing, an extensive system of combined sewers, and neighborhoods where the underground infrastructure simply needs replacement. Whether you live in Kralingen, a gallery flat in Zuid, or a new-build home in Nesselande, you will encounter it sooner or later.
In this article, we discuss what you can do about a clogged sewer in Rotterdam, what it costs, how quickly help can arrive, and which problems we most frequently encounter in this city.
What does it cost to unclog a sewer in Rotterdam?
At RBNL, we work with a fixed rate starting from €165 for a standard unclogging. No call-out fees, no escalating hourly rates, and no surprise invoices afterwards. You know what you'll pay upfront, whether it's Monday morning or Saturday night.
This fixed rate covers the most common situations: a clogged toilet, a sink that won't drain, a blocked shower drain, or a blockage in the stack pipe. For larger jobs, such as a blockage in the main sewer or a situation requiring a camera inspection, you will receive a fixed price upfront. You will never get a bill afterwards that is higher than agreed upon.
Do you want to know more about how the costs are structured? Then read our detailed article on sewer unclogging costs.
24/7 Availability Throughout Rotterdam
A sewer doesn't just get clogged on weekdays between nine and five. That's why RBNL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In most cases, a technician will be at your door within one to two hours.
We are active in all Rotterdam districts and sub-municipalities: Centrum, Delfshaven, Overschie, Noord, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek, Kralingen-Crooswijk, Feijenoord, IJsselmonde, Charlois, Prins Alexander, and Hoek van Holland. Our technicians know the city and understand what to expect with different types of homes.
Common Sewer Problems in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has its own unique characteristics when it comes to sewerage. The city was largely rebuilt after the 1940 bombing, meaning a significant portion of its sewer system dates from the 1950s and 1960s. These pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan. Additionally, there are specific challenges.
Post-War Reconstruction Districts
Districts like Zuidwijk, Pendrecht, Lombardijen, and Schiebroek were built during the post-war reconstruction. The sewer systems in these areas are often made of concrete or stoneware and are now 60 to 70 years old. Typical problems include: cracks in the pipes, subsidence due to soil compaction, and root intrusion through the joints. Clogs in these districts are often a symptom of a larger issue. A camera inspection can determine if renovation is needed.
Combined Sewer System
Many areas in Rotterdam still have a combined sewer system, where rainwater and wastewater flow through the same pipe. During heavy rainfall (which is not uncommon in Rotterdam), the system can become overloaded. The result: water flowing back through the toilet or shower. This isn't a blockage in the traditional sense, but it certainly feels like one. After the rain stops, the water usually drains away on its own, but if the problem is persistent, installing a backflow valve can help.
High-Rise and Apartment Buildings
Rotterdam has a relatively large number of high-rise and apartment buildings. Similar to Amsterdam, shared stack pipes here are a common source of problems. Grease, limescale, and soap build up in the vertical pipe, and residents on the lower floors are usually the first to experience issues. A professional sewer cleaning of the entire stack pipe is the solution in such cases. For Homeowners Associations (VvE's) in Rotterdam, we also offer maintenance contracts to prevent these kinds of problems.
Port-Related Commercial Properties
Rotterdam is a port city with many commercial properties and warehouses in and around the harbor area. The drainage systems in these buildings are often subjected to heavier use than in residential homes: more grease, more chemicals, more wear and tear. Blockages in commercial drainage systems usually require professional equipment and knowledge of the pipe type. RBNL also works for businesses and offers business contracts through our business page.
Solve it Yourself or Call a Specialist?
For a minor blockage, you can try a few things yourself before calling us:
- Use a plunger. A classic rubber plunger works well for a superficial blockage in the trap of your sink or washbasin.
- Empty the trap. Unscrew the trap (place a bucket underneath), remove any debris, and screw it back on. The problem is often located here.
- Boiling water. For a grease blockage, boiling water with dish soap can help loosen the grease.
Call a specialist if:
- The toilet gurgles or water comes back up through the shower
- Multiple drains are not flowing at the same time
- You smell a sewer odor in your home
- The blockage keeps returning
- You live in an apartment building and suspect the problem is in the stack pipe
In these cases, the blockage is likely deeper in the system, and you'll need a high-pressure jet or a camera inspection. Read more in our article on when to call a specialist.
Why RBNL in Rotterdam?
- Fixed prices starting from €165. No hourly rates and no call-out fees.
- Our own technicians. Employed by RBNL, not hired. They know Rotterdam and the typical drainage problems in the city.
- Available 24/7. Day, night, weekends, and holidays.
- 3-month warranty. If the blockage returns? We'll come back free of charge.
- No cure, no pay. If we can't solve it, you don't pay.
- 4.9/5 on Google, 9.6/10 on Trustoo. Consistently positive reviews from customers in and around Rotterdam.
Check out our page about drain unblocking in Rotterdam or call directly 085 303 9999. You can also book an appointment online via our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions about clogged drains in Rotterdam
What does it cost to have a drain unblocked in Rotterdam?
At RBNL, you pay a fixed rate starting from €165. There are no call-out fees or surcharges on top of that. For more complex situations, you will receive a fixed price upfront, so you always know what to expect.
How quickly can a technician arrive in Rotterdam?
Usually within one to two hours. We are available 24/7, and our technicians operate from the Rotterdam region.
My toilet gurgles during heavy rain. Is that a blockage?
Not necessarily. Many areas in Rotterdam have a combined sewer system. During heavy rainfall, the system can become overloaded, causing water to flow back. If this happens regularly, a non-return valve or an inspection of the connection to the municipal sewer system might help.
I live in an apartment building and have a problem with the drain. Who should I call?
If the problem is in the stack pipe (the shared vertical pipe), it's a matter for the Owners' Association (VvE). If it's in your own drain within the apartment, then it's your responsibility. A camera inspection can determine exactly where the blockage is located. Read more about this in our article on VvE sewer maintenance.
Does RBNL offer a guarantee on the unblocking service?
Yes, we provide a 3-month guarantee on all our work. If the blockage returns within that period, we will resolve it free of charge.
