What services are available?

Drain unblocking

If you have a simple blockage, a specialist will be able to clear it relatively quickly using a set of drain rods, which screw together to make a long length which can be inserted into the drain or sewerage pipe. A second method is jet vacuumation, also known as High Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ). This technique has the advantage of being less intrusive, and is a very effective way of clearing pipes. Material is removed by adjusting the pressure and flow of water, sometimes with the addition of chemical solvents where a build of fat or insoluble material has caused the blockage.

Drain cleaning

As well as being appropriate for drain "emergencies", HPWJ can be used to regularly clean drains and help prevent the build up of material which could cause a future blockage. Many providers now offer a drain maintenance programme, and most suggest the cleaning is carried out twice a year to minimise the need for emergency unblocking and renovation in the future. Advice can also be offered on how to prevent unnecessary blockages, for example by fitting drain grilles and not flushing "disposable" items down the toilet.

CCTV

Closed Circuit Television survey is an increasingly popular method of drain inspection, and a useful tool for assessing the need for drain repair. Portable endoscopic cameras are used, or alternatively the camera is mounted on a remote controlled tractor unit, which is placed in the pipe or sewer. Pipe joints, cracks, blockages and the overall condition of the pipe can be established.

Drain repair

Repairs are traditionally repaired by excavating the drain, and carrying out remedial work in situ. This often involves removing and replacing sections of pipe which are deformed, cracked or otherwise damaged.

A more recently developed technique involves drain relining, also known as Cured-in-place Pipe (CIPP). CIPP uses a resin impregnated sleeve which has no joints or seams, and forms a pipe within the existing drain when "inflated" with air or water. The structural strength of the original pipe is retained and thus CIPP is an effective way to rehabilitate pipes where excavating an access trench would be impractical or undesirable.

Septic tank management

If your property is not connected to a main sewer, you will need to employ a specialist to empty your septic tank or cesspit. Some drain and sewer clearance firms can offer this service.

Drain survey

If you are considering buying or selling a property, you should determine the potential for subsidence on the site of the property. Leaking and damaged drains are a major cause of subsidence. A drain survey can establish the state of the existing drain and sewerage system, and includes visual inspection, mapping and often a CCTV survey.