Drainage problems in a edwardian semi are their own case. Here is what actually causes the problem and how we deal with it.
How Edwardian semi-detached houses are drained
Edwardian semis usually have more generous plots than terraces, with side access and their own drain run rather than a shared one. The pipework is still typically original clay.
What goes wrong
Mature garden planting, soakaways that have been paved over during driveway work, and gullies overwhelmed by rainwater from newly hard surfaces.
Our approach
Side access makes these among the most straightforward properties to work on, so jetting and camera work rarely involve going through the house.
Signs worth reporting
- Water sitting in a drain outside hours after the last discharge
- Two or more fittings affected together, not just one
- Bubbling in the pan when the bath is let out
- A drain smell outside that is stronger in warm weather
Before we arrive
- Hold off on taps, showers and appliances, including the washing machine and dishwasher
- Keep people and pets away from any standing waste water
- Clear access to the drain covers if you can
- Jot down what is draining and what is not when you ring
Who pays for the repair
Not every blockage is yours to pay for. Since 2011, most shared drains and lateral drains in England belong to the water company, which means a fault beyond your boundary is theirs to fix. We identify the location and are straight with you about it, including when the answer is that you should call Thames Water instead.
What we charge
Every price is fixed before work starts and there is never a call-out charge, at any hour:
- Blocked Drains – Outside drain clearance is a fixed £144 plus VAT.
- Blocked Toilets – A blocked toilet is normally cleared at the fixed £120 plus VAT rate.
- Blocked Sinks – Clearing a blocked sink is a fixed £120 plus VAT.
- Drain Unblocking – Drain unblocking starts at a fixed £120 plus VAT, with no call-out charge at any hour.
- CCTV Drain Surveys – A CCTV drain survey is a fixed £300 plus VAT, footage and written summary included.
- Trenchless Drain Repairs – Trenchless repairs are quoted after a survey, because the length and condition set the price.
- Drainage Installation – Installation work typically runs from £600 to £2,500, fixed after a site visit.
- French Drains – French drain installations are quoted after a site visit.