We work constantly in warehouse conversions throughout the capital, and the faults repeat.
How warehouse conversions are drained
Former industrial buildings converted to flats or studios had drainage retro-fitted into structures never plumbed for domestic use, often connecting into old brick sewers.
What goes wrong
Long horizontal runs with limited fall, pipework routed through communal areas with restricted access, and connections into ageing below-ground systems.
Our approach
Access is usually the deciding factor on cost here, so it is worth agreeing entry to service risers and communal areas before the visit rather than on the day.
Signs worth reporting
- Water sitting in a drain outside when nothing is running
- More than one appliance backing up, not just one
- Gurgling from a toilet or sink when something else empties
- A sour smell near the gully that worsens after rain
Before we arrive
- Keep water use to nothing, particularly appliances on a timer
- Keep people and pets away from any standing waste water
- Make sure the chambers can be reached
- Note which fittings are affected for the call
Who pays for the repair
Before anyone invoices you, it is worth knowing where the fault sits. A private drain serving one building is the owner’s; past the boundary it is normally Thames Water. We put that in writing after the visit.
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.