Drain Repairs

The clearest signs you need a drain repair are recurring blockages, foul smells around the property, slow-draining sinks or toilets, damp patches on walls or driveways, sinkholes in the garden, and unusual gurgling noises. If two or more of these appear together, book a professional drain inspection before the damage worsens.

Yes. Most modern drain repairs in Birmingham are now no-dig (trenchless). Patch repairs target small cracks or fractures, while CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) relining creates a new pipe inside the old one. Both methods avoid excavation, finish faster than traditional repairs, and protect lawns, paving and driveways.

A localised patch repair usually takes between 1 and 3 hours, while a full drain reline is typically completed within a single day. Repairs that require partial excavation – for example, where a section of pipe has fully collapsed – may run over 1 to 2 working days depending on access and depth.

Costs depend on the type of damage, the depth and length of pipe affected, and whether excavation is needed. Domestic drain unblocking is £96 inc. VAT during standard hours (Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30) and £132 inc. VAT outside those hours. Repair work above that – patch repairs, CIPP relining or full replacement – is quoted in writing after a CCTV survey so you only pay for the work actually required. View full pricing.

In most cases, yes. A CCTV survey gives a clear visual diagnosis – the exact location, cause and extent of the damage – so the right repair method is chosen first time. It also produces a recorded video report that can be shared with insurers, landlords or buyers if the issue affects a property sale. Learn more about CCTV drain surveys.

All drain repairs carried out by our Birmingham engineers are backed by a workmanship guarantee. Materials used in CIPP relining are independently rated for long-term performance. Specific guarantee terms are confirmed in writing on your quote so you know exactly what is covered and for how long. View our service guarantee.

The most common causes of drain damage in the West Midlands are tree-root intrusion, ground movement, freeze-thaw cracking, corrosion in older clay or pitch-fibre pipes, and structural damage from heavy traffic above shallow pipework. Misaligned joints and incorrectly fitted connections also cause progressive damage over time.

A cracked drain pipe can usually be repaired without full replacement. Hairline cracks and small fractures are sealed with patch repairs, while longer cracks or multiple defects across one pipe are corrected with CIPP relining. Replacement is only needed where the pipe has fully collapsed or the structural integrity is gone.

Yes. Our Birmingham drainage team offers rapid-response emergency repairs for collapsed drains, severe leaks, sewage flooding and storm damage. We aim to be on-site within 1 hour of your call across Birmingham and the West Midlands, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Emergency call-outs are prioritised over routine work to limit property damage.

We use no-dig repair methods wherever possible, specifically to avoid disturbing gardens, paving, driveways and patios. Where excavation is unavoidable, we agree the dig area with you in advance, protect surrounding surfaces, and reinstate the ground after the work is complete.

Drain repairs and pipe relining are both used to fix damaged pipework, but they suit different problems. A repair targets a specific fracture, crack or joint failure – often with a patch or, where necessary, partial excavation. Pipe relining (CIPP) creates a new pipe inside the old one and is used where damage is more extensive or spread across a longer section of pipe. A CCTV survey is needed first to confirm which method is appropriate.