Drain repair specification and remedial works
A repair specification for defective drains found by a CCTV survey, with the remedial works organised and signed off where required.
About this service
A CCTV survey has shown cracked, displaced or root-damaged drains, and now you need them fixed properly. The quotes you receive can vary widely, from a few patch repairs to digging up the garden. Our drain repair specification sets out exactly what work is needed, pipe run by pipe run, so contractors price the same scope and you pay for the right repair. We then coordinate the work and record its completion.
Drain repairs matter most when they are linked to building movement. Leaking drains can wash out or soften the ground beneath foundations, and insurers often want drains repaired and proven sound before they will deal with cracking. Building Control may need a record of the work, particularly where drains run under or close to an extension. A clear specification and completion record keeps everyone satisfied and avoids arguments later.
We specify the full range of repairs: localised patch lining for isolated cracks, full relining of longer runs, root cutting, re-forming of joints and excavation and replacement where pipes have collapsed or lost their shape. If cracking in your home may be related, a subsidence report for insurers can run alongside, and our guide to house cracks explains what different patterns usually mean.
When you need it
- A CCTV survey has found cracked, displaced or root-damaged drains
- Leaking drains may be causing movement or subsidence
- Your insurer or Building Control needs the drains repaired and recorded
What's included
- Review of the CCTV survey findings
- Repair specification such as patch lining, relining or replacement
- Coordination of the remedial works
- Post-repair CCTV check where needed
How it works
- Review the CCTV findingsWe review the survey footage and report, confirm the defects that need action and check which pipes are private and which are the sewerage company's responsibility.
- Write the repair specificationWe specify the repair for each defect, such as patch lining, full relining or replacement, with locations, lengths, materials and any access or reinstatement requirements.
- Coordinate the worksWe help obtain and compare contractor prices against the specification, agree the programme and answer queries if the contractor finds something unexpected once work starts.
- Check and record completionWhere needed, a post-repair CCTV survey confirms the work. We review it and issue a completion record for your insurer, Building Control or future buyers.
What you receive
Lining or digging: choosing the right repair
No-dig lining is often the best option in London, where drains run under patios, extensions and shared passageways. A resin liner cured inside the old pipe seals cracks and joints without excavation. It does not work everywhere. Pipes that have collapsed, are badly deformed or have lost their fall usually need replacing, and severe root ingress may need cutting before lining. Our specification states which approach suits each length and why.
Trees near drains are a common cause of repeat damage. Roots exploit tiny leaks at joints and can return after cutting if the pipe is not sealed. Where a tree also influences foundations, the repair may need to be part of a wider plan, possibly including a root barrier. Remember that our fee covers the specification and coordination. Excavation and reinstatement are priced and charged by the contractor.
Not included
- Excavation and reinstatement costs by the contractor
Frequently asked questions
Is drain relining better than replacement?
For cracked, leaking or root-damaged pipes that are still broadly round and laid to a fall, relining is usually quicker, less disruptive and cheaper than digging up. Replacement is better where pipes have collapsed, are badly deformed, have sunk or need re-routing. Many repairs combine both. A specification based on the CCTV footage tells you which method each section actually needs.
Will my insurer pay for drain repairs?
Some buildings insurance policies cover accidental damage to underground pipes, and drain repairs are often part of a subsidence claim where leaking drains contributed to movement. Cover varies widely, so check your policy wording and speak to your insurer before work starts. A clear repair specification and completion record make it easier for an insurer to assess and accept the claim.
Do drain repairs need Building Control approval?
Like-for-like repairs and lining of existing drains often do not need an application, but new or re-routed drains, new connections and work near or under buildings may do. Building Control will confirm what applies to your project. Where they are involved, we send them the specification and completion record, and liaise with them so the work can be signed off.
How much does a drain repair specification cost?
Our drain repair specification and remedial works service starts from £350 + VAT. The fee depends on the number of defects, the length of drain involved and how much coordination is needed. It does not include the contractor's excavation, lining and reinstatement costs, which they price separately against our specification. We confirm our fixed fee in writing before starting.