Drain Repairs in London
Sometimes clearing a blockage reveals a bigger problem: cracked pipes, collapsed sections, or root damage that needs proper repair. We fix drainage faults properly, with minimal disruption to your property. Whether the solution is traditional excavation or modern trenchless methods, we'll explain your options honestly.
Common Drain Problems Requiring Repair
- Cracked or fractured pipes allowing ground water infiltration
- Collapsed drain sections causing complete blockages
- Root intrusion through joints damaging pipe integrity
- Displaced or misaligned pipes from ground movement
- Corroded cast iron drains in older properties
- Failed joints allowing soil ingress
Our Repair Methods
Depending on the damage, we offer several repair approaches. We'll explain the options honestly—sometimes traditional repair is better value than trenchless methods, and vice versa.
Traditional Excavation and Replacement
For severely damaged sections or where access is straightforward, excavating and replacing the damaged pipe is often the most cost-effective solution. We minimise disruption by working efficiently and reinstating surfaces properly.
Patch Lining
For localised damage—a single crack or joint failure—we can install a patch liner from inside the pipe. No excavation required. The liner is positioned at the damage point and cured in place to create a watertight seal.
Full Relining
For pipes with multiple defects or general deterioration, full relining creates a new pipe within the old one. A flexible liner is inserted and cured, creating a smooth, jointless pipe that will last decades.
Pipe Bursting
Where an old pipe needs complete replacement but excavation is difficult, pipe bursting breaks up the old pipe while pulling in a new one. Minimal surface disruption for complete renewal.
London-Specific Repair Considerations
London's Victorian clay pipes are approaching 150 years old in some areas. Tree-lined streets mean roots are everywhere. Subsidence from clay soil shifts pipes out of alignment. We see these problems daily and have extensive experience with the repair methods that work best in different situations.
Access can be challenging in London properties—basements, narrow passages, and shared gardens all require careful planning. We assess each situation individually to determine the best approach with minimum disruption.
The Repair Process
- CCTV survey to identify and locate the damage precisely
- Assessment of repair options with explanation of pros and cons
- Clear quote for chosen repair method
- Repair work completed with minimum disruption
- Post-repair CCTV to verify the work
- Surface reinstatement and cleanup