Katy meets...Northwich Drain Unblocking

by

Katy O’Regan

Meet Richard and Rachael Jones, husband and wife team of local business: Northwich Drain Unblocking. The couple live in Northwich and set up the business shortly before their son was born, ten years ago.

Richard got into the trade when he was in his late twenties, seeking a career change. He started working voluntarily with a local friend and builder, originally planning to learn plastering. This is also a skill he obtained, which comes in handy at their house! The team were plastering a primary school in Crewe, when they were asked if they could clean out the gullies. His friend enthusiastically replied saying they could and set Richard to work.

Living on his wits and following his nose (excuse the pun), Richard hobbled together tools and machinery they’d need for this job. This became the start of his foray into the drainage trade.

It was a slow process at first, learning and figuring things out; sometimes jobs went wrong but there were often successes. They received many great reviews and local people were encouraging and pleased with his work.

Then began the real clincher: buying more machines and cameras (much to Rachael’s exasperation, as they took over the living room and then the yard). Richard sought help and advice from other contractors over the years, who generously shared their knowledge and expertise. He is keen to pass this on to the next generation, despite not many seeming too keen on the industry; goodness knows why!

This brings us up to date with diggers in the garden: a huge plus for their son. He’ll sometimes accompany Richard on a job, but mostly will be distracted with pet dogs, which at least keeps the animals out of the manhole covers.

They cover drain unblocks, dig ups and patches as well as CCTV surveys. This is an expanding area, as changes to property surveying now recommend drain surveys as a default, so there’s been a demand for those recently, for both buyers and sellers.

The couple like to work together and behind the scenes, Rachael’s role is very different. Running the day to day “paperwork” keeps the cogs turning and the diary in check. Rachael deals with the accounts, as Richard will sometimes forget who has paid and who hasn’t! Unfortunately for the clients, Rachael never does.

Trained originally as an actor, this role suits her, as she is still free to whizz off to auditions, whilst ensuring the business is running smoothly. She freelances as a writer and editor, too.

Being outdoors is a beneficial part of Richard’s role, even if the conditions are sometimes less than pleasant. One great part of the job is that customers are always happy to see Richard turn up in his bright orange garb, and even happier to have their drains flowing again.

Richard and Rachael continue to be thankful for people supporting local businesses and keeping them busy.

All information correct as of September 2026.