Drain repair near me

Your drains play a vital role in your home, directing wastewater and rainwater away from your property. But what happens when they get damaged?

You need to find a drain repair expert near you!

Keep reading for more on what's involved in drain repair and how much drain repairs cost.

Want to get started on finding an expert in drain repair near you?

We have two quick and easy ways to find the best professionals for drain repair near you on Checkatrade:

1. Request a quote. Tell us about your problem and we’ll reach out to experts in drain repair near you on your behalf. Our members will contact you directly.

2. Search your postcode. Enter your postcode below to browse a selection of the best professionals offering drain repair in your area.

Answers to your questions about drain repair

What’s the difference between drain and sewer repair?

A drain is a pipe that carries wastewater or rainwater (also known as storm water) away from your property. While some properties have drains that connect to solutions like septic tanks or cesspools, most properties are connected to mains sewers.

Sewers are networks of underground pipes that carry wastewater or rainwater from your property’s drains to treatment facilities or disposal points. Usually, a property’s wastewater will flow through a private sewer owned by your property or shared with your neighbours, before joining a public sewer which is looked after by a local water company.

Generally speaking, if your drain or private sewer is damaged, you’ll be responsible for arranging the repair and covering the costs (although these should be shared with your neighbours if you jointly own the drain or sewer). On the other hand, if a public drain is damaged, your local water sewerage company should arrange the repair for you.

What are the most popular drain repairs near me?

There are a number of things that can go wrong with your drains. Some of the most common issues that require drain repairs include:

• Slow drains

• Clogged drains

• Cracked pipes

• Open joints between pipes

• Root intrusion

What is drain relining near me?

Drain relining is a method of repairing a broken drain that doesn’t involve digging. Instead, a new pipe or lining is installed inside the damage pipe, and fitted tightly against its wall using a process known as inversion.

Drain relining enables drains to be repaired quickly, cost-effectively and with minimal disruption.

What does storm drain repair near me involve?

In most properties, storm water and wastewater are dealt with separately. A storm drain, also known as a surface water drain, is a drain that directs storm water away from your property – whether it’s been collected on the roof, driveway or in your garden. Most storm drains connect to a public sewer which eventually carries the water to a river or beach.

Just like wastewater drains, storm drains can easily get cracked, clogged or damaged. A storm drain repair will involve inspecting the system, locating the damage and using the right tools and equipment to fix the problem.

Should I be looking for drainage contractors or sewer plumbers near me?

Since both drainage contractors and plumbers work with water in your property, it can be tricky to understand which you need.

As a general rule, if the issue you have is related to water coming into your property, then a plumber should be your first port of call. Meanwhile, if the problem is to do with wastewater or sewage leaving your property then a drainage contractor will be the best trade for the job.

Another way of looking at it is to do with whether the problem is located inside or outside your house. A plumber will mostly be able to deal with issues that are located indoors – this will often include some drainage issues such as dealing with a blocked bathtub drain. However, if the blockage is located outdoors, for instance in the sewer pipes, this will be beyond their remit and will need to be dealt with by a drainage contractor.

Why hire a professional for drain repair near me?

While you may be able to handle some minor drain repairs yourself, it’s always safest to leave the job to the experts. Here’s why.

• Save time. A professional will be able to repair your drain much more quickly and efficiently than you would be able to using DIY methods.

• Safety. Ensuring that water is effectively chanelled away from your property is important for safety. The last thing you want is to make the problem worse, for instance contributing to an overflowing drain.

• Rules and regulations. There are lots of laws to do with drainage in the UK. An expert in drain repair will be able to ensure you’re meeting all relevant rules and regulations.

• High standard. A drainage contractor will have all the tools, knowledge and expertise needed to complete your job to a high standard.

• Save money. Leaving the experts to carry out the work will mean you can be confident the issue will be fixed first time. This will help you to avoid expensive repair or replacement costs in the future.

How much does drain repair near me cost?

The cost of drain repair near you will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The problem with your drain

• The extent of the damage

• Whether the issue is with a wastewater or stormwater drain

• Your location

• Whether any excavation work is required

• If your buildings insurance covers drain repair

The cost will also depend on whether a CCTV survey is recommended. These surveys can help contractors to accurately assess the damage and work required, potentially saving labour costs. However, a CCTV survey typically costs around £275.

How much does drain clearance cost?

If you’e dealing with a clogged drain that needs to be cleared, you can expect to pay a callout fee of around £60 (or £180 if it’s an emergency callout). You’ll then need to fork out in the region of £75 to £185 for the repair itself, depending on the method used.

Our guide to drain unblocking costs goes into more detail.

How much does drain pipe repair near me cost?

The cost of repairing a drain pipe will depend on the kind of damage it’s suffered. To repair a collapsed drain pipe, you’re looking at around £200 per metre. Meanwhile, a cracked drain pipe will eventually need replacing, which is likely to come to around £535 per metre.

Although a public sewer won’t be your responsibility to repair, there will be a series of pipes that lead to it from your property, which will be your responsibility. These form your main sewer line and drainage run. If one of these drain pipes breaks, you’ll likely need to pay around £500 in materials and plant rental, as well as £300 in labour. However, you may be able to split this cost if the pipe in question is also used by your neighbours.

To get an accurate quote, speak to drain repair professionals near you.

How do I find a reputable professional for drain repair near me?

If you’re ready to get your drain repaired, you might be wondering how to make sure you pick the right professional. Here are our top tips.

• Read reviews. Check what other homeowners have to say about a contractor before hiring them. As well as the quality of their work, find out what homeowners have said about their conduct and professionalism.

• Check their experience. Make sure that the contractor has undertaken similar jobs for other homeowners. You can always ask for pictures if you’re not sure.

• Ask when they take payment. Reputable contractors shouldn’t take full payment in advance. Instead, at least some of the fee should be paid after the job is complete.

• Use Checkatrade! At Checkatrade, our Approved members have to pass up to 12 checks. They also regularly receive reviews on everything from their punctuality to their professionalism, so you can rest assured you’re hiring someone who’s going to do a good job.