Drain Repairs explained
A drain repair fixes a pipe that is cracked, displaced, root-hit or collapsed. The right method depends on how badly the pipe has failed. A camera survey shows the damage, since nobody can judge a buried pipe from the ground. Ask for one first.
Two main methods exist. Relining seals the pipe from the inside, while excavation digs out the damaged section and replaces it. Each suits different damage, so ask the engineer to explain why they chose one.
Relining or excavation: how to choose
Use this table as a guide. The camera footage matters more than any rule of thumb, since every pipe fails differently.
| Damage | Usual method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked pipe that holds its shape | Relining | A resin liner seals the crack without digging |
| Open or displaced joint letting roots in | Often relining | The liner can bridge the joint |
| Collapsed section or a pipe that lost its shape | Excavation | A collapsed pipe cannot take a liner |
| Damage under a drive, patio or extension | Relining where it fits | It avoids lifting hard surfaces |
| Short run with easy access | Either | Ask for both quotes and compare |
Read more on pipe relining and drain excavation. Each page explains the steps and the costs, since the two methods differ a lot.
Typical UK costs for drain repairs
The sources below disagree, because jobs differ so much. Treat them as typical UK ranges, not Essex quotes.
| Repair | Typical UK range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Relining, per metre | £80 to £150 | MyJobQuote |
| Relining, per metre | £70 to £250 | WP Drainage |
| Patch repair | £150 to £300 | MyJobQuote |
| Excavation, per metre | £250 to £650 | MyJobQuote |
| Collapsed drain repair, average | About £850 | MyJobQuote |
| Fully collapsed pipe needing partial or full replacement | £1,000 to £3,000 | MyJobQuote |
| Typical residential relining job | £1,500 to £4,000 | WP Drainage |
Ask for a written quote before work starts. Ask what it covers, including any surface repair, and ask what the work comes with in writing. A CCTV drain survey usually comes first, since the price depends on what the camera finds.
Rules and permissions
Approved Document H is the government guide to drainage and waste disposal under the Building Regulations. It covers pipe sizes, the protection of pipes and building over sewers. Ask the engineer whether your job needs any permission, since some drain work does.
If you plan to build over or near a public sewer, contact the sewerage company first. In the Chelmsford area, Chelmsford City Council says that is Anglian Water. Do this before work starts, since a build-over may need its agreement.
Roots in the pipe
Roots can enter a cracked or open joint while they search for water. Once inside, they trap waste and cause repeat blocks. Cutting the roots clears the pipe, but only a repair stops them returning.
Drain Repairs guides
Pipe Relining
Relining seals a damaged drain from the inside, yet it does not suit every pipe. This page explains how it works, when it fits and typical UK costs.
Drain Excavation
Digging out a failed drain is the answer when relining cannot work on a collapsed pipe. This page explains the process and typical UK costs.
Local pages for this service
Local pages explain drain repairs for each town. Start with drain repairs in Chelmsford, which is the main page. If you are further out, read repairing a damaged drain in Springfield or Witham drain repair guide. Each of those pages links back here.
Ask for help
Use the request form at the top of the page. Say what the problem is, where it sits and whether it is urgent, so the engineer can plan. Then ask for a written quote before work starts.
Go to the request formDrain Repairs questions answered
How much does drain relining cost?
WP Drainage gives about £70 to £250 per metre, and MyJobQuote gives £80 to £150. A typical home job runs from £1,500 to £4,000, according to WP Drainage. Ask for a written quote, since the length of pipe sets the price.
How long does drain relining last?
It depends on the liner and the job, because materials differ. Ask the installer what design life the liner has, and ask for that in writing. A survey after the work shows the finished lining.
Can tree roots damage drains?
Yes. Roots can enter cracks and open joints. They then grow inside the pipe and trap waste. A camera survey shows where they entered, and a repair closes the gap.
Do I need a build-over agreement for an extension?
You may, if the extension sits over or near a public sewer. Approved Document H covers building over sewers, and the sewerage company runs the agreement process. Ask before you build, since you may need an agreement first.