Suffering from a swampy garden? Or worried that rainwater is pooling too close to your home? Don’t worry – an expert offering drain installation near you will be able to help direct water away from where it’s not wanted.
Here, we’ll explore everything to do with hiring exterior drainage contractors near you – from what they do to how much they tend to charge.
Want to get started on finding exterior drainage contractors near you?
We have two quick and easy ways to find the best exterior drainage contractors near you on Checkatrade:
- Request a quote. Just tell us about the job you need doing and we’ll reach out to drainage contractors who come recommended by your neighbours. Our members will contact you directly.
- Search your postcode. Simply enter your postcode below to see a list of our top members offering drain installation near you.
Your questions answered about drain installation near you
What does drain installation involve?
Drain installation is the process of installing a drain to direct rainwater or wastewater away from homes and buildings.
Usually, rainwater (also known as storm water) and wastewater are dealt with separately. Drains for storm water collect rainwater from roofs, driveways and roads. Most of the time, this is then carried to a public sewer and ultimately to a river or beach.
Meanwhile, drains for wastewater carry the foul water from your toilet, sinks, shower, dishwasher and more to a public sewer and then to a local wastewater treatment works.
What do storm water drainage contractors near me do?
A strom water drainage contractor will help you to direct storm water away from your property via a drain. They’ll usually be able to repair, replace and install new storm water drainage systems.
Most storm water drains connect to a public sewer, which will eventually carry the rainwater collected to a river or beach. However, this isn’t always the case. For example, some drains connect to a soakaway, which is essentially a pit in the ground where rainwater can be directed.
Similarly, groundwater can be drained away from a property using a French drain. This is a trench filled with gravel, which sometimes also includes a perforated pipe. It uses gravity to prevent water from pooling where it’s not wanted.
All of these scenarios fall under a storm water drainage contractor’s remit, although not every contractor will offer all of these services.
What does French drain installation involve?
The traditional way to install a French drain involves simply digging a trench and filling it with gravel. This discourages water from pooling on the surface of the ground, and instead encourages it to drain away naturally, with the help of gravity.
Nowadays, however, it’s commonplace to use landscape fabric and a perforated pipe in your French drain. The pipe helps to direct and control the flow of pooling water.
What do sewer connection contractors near me do?
Sewer connection contractors help you to connect your drains at home to a main sewer, so that your wastewater or storm water can be safely and effectively directed away from your property.
This might involve installing an oblique junction or Y-piece in the same material as the sewage system you’re connecting to, installing a saddle to fit onto an existing pipe, removing bricks from a sewer made from bricks or drilling into the structure.
When you’re connecting a drain to an existing system, there are laws in place to make sure it doesn’t get damaged. So, it’s really important to get the help of an expert who can ensure the job is carried out to a high standard.
Why hire exterior drainage contractors near me?
Although you might be able to install more simple drainage systems – such as a French drain – yourself, we’d always recommend hiring an exterior drainage contractor. Here are the main reasons.
- Safety: A professional will be able to ensure that water is effectively chanelled away from your property, which is crucial for safety. The last thing you want is for your property to flood thanks to pooling groundwater or overflowing drains!
- Laws: There are strict laws in place when it comes to drainage, especially if you’re connecting to a main sewer. A professional will be able to ensure you’re meeting all rules and regulations.
- Expertise: An expert in drain installation near you will have all the tools, knowledge and experience to make sure that your job is carried out to a high standard that will stand the test of time.
- Time: Getting a professional to meet your drainage needs will be much quicker and easier than attempting to carry out the job yourself, especially if you’re limited on DIY experience.
- Cost: A professional will be able to help ensure your job is completed right first time. This will save you from expensive repair or replacement costs in the future.
How much does drain installation near me cost?
The cost of drain installation near you will depend on a number of factors, including the type of drain you’re looking to install; whether you want to connect to a mains sewer or run your foul waste to a septic tank; and your area’s existing infrastructure (if you choose to connect to mains drainage).
Garden drainage costs
When it comes to garden drainage costs, you’re looking at around £875 to install a soakaway. Meanwhile, it costs just £35 per foot to install a French drain.
What do sewer contractors near me charge?
You can expect to pay in the region of £2,100 to connect a drain at home to a main sewer, providing all mains services are within easy reach.
Meanwhile, you’re looking at around £1,800 in labour costs to move a drain from a main sewage supply for an extension. Plus, expect around £2,700 in materials and plant rental. Our guide to main sewer line repair costs goes into more detail.
How do I find reputable exterior drainage contractors near me?
Ready to find an exterior drainage contractor for drain installation near you? Just heed these simple tips to find one you can trust.
- Read reviews. Find out what other homeowners have to say about any contractors you’re considering before you make a decision. Read what they say about a contractor’s conduct as well as the standard of the work.
- Check their experience. Make sure a contractor has experience carrying out work similar to the work you’re looking to complete on your property. Ask if you can see photos to confirm it.
- Ask when they take payment. Reputable contractors shouldn’t take full payment for a job upfront. Rather, at least some of the payment should be reserved for after the work is complete.
- Use Checkatrade! At Checkatrade, our members have to pass up to 12 checks. Plus, they’re regularly reviewed by homeowners on things like punctuality, professionalism and more. So, you can feel confident you’re hiring someone you can trust.