When drains go wrong
Underground drains carry foul water and rainwater away from your property. Clay pipes joined with rigid joints, common in older homes, can crack and shift as the ground moves. Tree roots can enter joints, pipes can collapse, and collapsed or blocked drains can leak water into the surrounding soil.
Signs of a problem
- Slow draining sinks, toilets and gullies
- Foul smells around the property or manholes
- Damp patches on walls or floors near drains
- Sunken areas in paths or lawns
- Cracks in walls near drain runs
- Recurring blockages
Investigation first
A CCTV drain survey is usually the best way to see what is wrong. A small camera is fed down the drain to show cracks, displaced joints, root entry or collapse. That allows the repair to be targeted at the actual fault, rather than digging more than is needed.
Repair methods
- Excavation and replacement of a damaged pipe section with new pipe on a prepared bed
- Relining, where suitable, to repair a pipe from the inside
- Adjusting or rebuilding inspection chambers and manholes
- Re-laying runs to the correct fall where pipes have settled
- Clearing roots and addressing the cause so they do not return
Careful backfilling and reinstatement matter too, as a poorly compacted trench settles over time. We reinstate paving, drives and gardens as agreed.
Responsibility for drains
Responsibility depends on whether the pipe is private or part of the public sewer. Many shared drains and lateral drains were transferred to the water company in 2011, so it is worth checking before work starts. Information is available from your water company, and general guidance is on GOV.UK.
Why it matters for the building
Leaking drains can wash soil from under foundations and add water to cellars and subfloor voids. They may be the underlying reason for cracking that needs crack stitching, damp in basements, or poor conditions beneath floors, see subfloor ventilation. Drain work can fall under Building Regulations, which you can read about on the Planning Portal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CCTV survey before drain repairs?
It is strongly recommended. It shows exactly where the fault is and what type of repair is needed, which avoids unnecessary digging.
Who is responsible for a damaged drain?
Drains within your boundary are normally your responsibility, while some shared and boundary drains belong to the water company. Check ownership before arranging a repair.
