When your sink is blocked or your drains start to smell, it’s easy to panic and call the first person you find who promises you a quick fix. But being in a hurry can be expensive. Here are our top tips to avoid rogue traders.
How to Recognize the Warning Signs
Rogue traders will often sound professional and friendly at first. Warning signs include:
- No fixed business address.
- Only accepts cash – refuses bank transfers or card payments.
- Asks for full payment upfront.
- Vague about details and avoids explaining what work is needed or how long it will take.
- Too-good-to-be-true prices. Offers unrealistically cheap deals with “extra charges” later.
Check Credentials
If you’ve been looking for a CCTV drain survey Leicester, use a reliable company such as wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/leicester/. Ask for a full name, company address and phone number. A genuine drainage specialist should be insured and ideally belong to a trade association. If someone avoids giving their details or pressures you to decide quickly, that’s a red flag
Read Reviews
Check reviews and social media pages. Look for consistent comments about how reliable they are.
Get a Written Quote
Before work begins, request a written quote that explains all the costs clearly. Avoid anyone who insists on cash or refuses to provide you with paperwork.
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, walk away. It’s always better to wait a day and find someone trustworthy than to deal with the cost and stress of a rogue trader.








