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FAQs: Get the Answers You Need to Know
01My kitchen drain blocks every few months, even though I'm careful. What could be the underlying cause that basic unblocking isn't fixing?
This is a common and frustrating problem, often pointing to an issue beyond a simple clog. While a standard blockage is caused by recent build-up, recurring blockages suggest a more deep-seated problem. This could be a significant accumulation of hardened fat and grease (known as a fatberg) further down the pipe, a partial pipe collapse, poor pipe installation causing a "backfall" (where waste doesn't flow away properly), or even tree root intrusion. A standard unblocking service might clear the immediate stoppage, but it won't solve the root cause. For a recurring issue like this, we would recommend a CCTV drain survey to visually inspect the pipework and give you a definitive diagnosis and a permanent solution.
02I live in a Victorian terrace house. Are there specific drain problems I should be aware of?
Absolutely. Victorian and Edwardian properties are beautiful but often come with their original clay pipework. Over a century, this pipework can suffer from specific issues. The most common problems we find are displaced joints, where ground movement has caused sections of pipe to shift, creating gaps where waste gets caught and tree roots can enter. The clay pipes can also become brittle and prone to cracks or fractures, leading to leaks and blockages. If you're experiencing issues, it's crucial to use a company experienced with older properties, as modern techniques like "no-dig" drain relining are often the perfect solution to repair these pipes without major excavation.
03Is there a difference between a quick "look-and-see" survey and a full CCTV drain survey report?
Yes, there's a significant difference, and it's vital you know what you're paying for. A "look-and-see" is a quick visual check, often used to confirm the location of a blockage. It's useful for immediate diagnosis but provides no formal documentation. A full CCTV drain survey is a comprehensive health check of your drainage system. You'll receive high-definition video footage, a detailed written report identifying any defects (cracks, root ingress, collapses), a schematic map of the drainage system, and our professional recommendations for any necessary repairs. This full report is essential for insurance claims, pre-purchase homebuyer reports, or for planning effective, long-term repairs.
04 My mortgage lender has requested a drain survey. What specific information will they be looking for in the report?
A mortgage lender or surveyor requests a drain survey to identify any hidden structural problems that could be costly to fix after purchase. They will be looking for confirmation that the drainage system is structurally sound and free-flowing. Our reports will clearly identify any major defects such as pipe collapses, severe cracks, or significant root intrusion that could impact the property's value or require immediate, expensive work. We provide a clear summary and recommendations, giving the lender confidence that the property's underground assets have been professionally assessed.
05What is "no-dig" drain relining and how does it compare to a traditional excavation repair?
No-dig" drain relining is a revolutionary method for repairing damaged pipes without having to dig up your garden, driveway, or patio. We insert a flexible liner coated with a special resin into the damaged pipe. This liner is then inflated, pressing the resin against the pipe wall. Once the resin cures, it creates a new, super-strong, and seamless pipe within the old one. Compared to a traditional excavation, it's significantly faster (often completed in one day), less disruptive, and usually more cost-effective as it eliminates the need for expensive reinstatement of ground surfaces. It's the ideal solution for repairing pipes that run under buildings or landscaped gardens.
06My drain needs repairing. Will my building's insurance cover the cost of the work?
In many cases, yes. Most building insurance policies provide cover for accidental damage to your underground drains. However, they won't typically cover damage caused by gradual wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or pre-existing faults. This is why a professional CCTV survey report is so important. We can provide your insurer with the high-quality video evidence and a detailed technical report they need to validate your claim and prove the damage is accidental (e.g., caused by a tree root or ground movement). We are experienced in working with insurers and can manage the process on your behalf to make it as smooth as possible.
07I manage a restaurant. How often should our grease trap be emptied and what are the risks if we don't?
For a busy commercial kitchen, we recommend emptying your grease trap every 3 to 6 months, though this can vary depending on its size and your usage levels. The risks of not maintaining it are significant. A full grease trap will stop trapping fat, oil, and grease (FOG), allowing it to enter the main sewer system. This can lead to major blockages, foul odours, and flash flooding in your kitchen. Crucially, it can also result in prosecution and heavy fines from the local water authority, as FOG is a major contributor to "fatbergs" in the public sewers. Our scheduled tanker service ensures you remain compliant and operational.
08My septic tank is starting to smell. Does this mean it just needs emptying?
While an unpleasant odour can certainly mean your septic tank is full and due for an empty, it can also be a warning sign of a more serious problem. The smell could indicate a blockage in the inlet or outlet pipes, or more critically, a failure in the soakaway system. A failed soakaway means the wastewater isn't dispersing into the ground correctly, causing it to back up. When our tanker operative visits to empty your tank, they are also trained to spot these tell-tale signs. We can advise you if a simple empty will suffice or if a CCTV survey of the connecting pipework is needed to diagnose a bigger issue.
09We have a flooded basement after heavy rain. Can a tanker help with this and is the water considered contaminated?
Yes, our vacuum tankers are the perfect solution for rapid floodwater extraction from basements, car parks, and cellars. It's crucial to treat all floodwater as contaminated. It can be mixed with foul water from overflowing drains, as well as silt, debris, and other pollutants. Our professional service ensures the water is removed quickly and, importantly, disposed of safely and legally at a licensed treatment facility. Attempting to pump it into the surface water drain yourself could be illegal and create a health hazard.
10What is a 'Waste Transfer Note' and why do I need one for liquid waste removal?
A Waste Transfer Note is a legal document that details the transfer of waste from one person to another. As the waste producer, you have a legal 'Duty of Care' to ensure your waste is handled and disposed of correctly. When we empty your septic tank, grease trap, or remove any other liquid waste, we will issue you with a Waste Transfer Note. This document proves you have complied with the law by using a registered waste carrier. It protects you from potential fines and is your guarantee that the waste has been taken to a licensed disposal site, not illegally dumped.
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