Cost of Fixing Drains
When using appliances such as sinks, baths or washing machines we don’t really think or worry about where that water goes as most of the time our drains are in perfect working order. However, if you begin to notice any damp, mould, blockages, or flooding in your home then there may be a problem with your drains.
Whilst some drainage issues fall under the responsibility of your local authority or water company, if you have faulty drains on your property, it is more than likely down to you to resolve the issue. But how much does it cost to fix your drains?
How much does it cost to fix drains?
There are many reasons why your drains need repairing, with each problem requiring a different job to resolve the issue. Depending on your location, severity of the problem and drainage issue the costs to fix a drain can vary. Below is a guide on the average costs, for each individual job, when fixing a drain:
| TYPE OF JOB | AVERAGE COST |
| CCTV Drain Survey | £100 to £400 |
| Drainline Cracks | £400 |
| Clogged Drain Repair | £240 |
| Drainpipe Breakage Repair- Leak | £500 to £1000 |
| Replacement Pipework | £530 |
| Relocating Drain | £3000 to £3500 (including labour + material costs) |
Labour costs and Timescales
Although most drain repairs take a couple of hours to resolve, timescales can vary due to the severity of the problem, the size of the drain or the type of repair itself. Drain jetting, which aims to get rid of any blockages or debris, can take between one to 2 hours to complete. If your drain requires a CCTV drain survey, then this could take between a couple of hours to a day to finish.
For drain repairs, basic repairs such as a crack in the drain line can take only a couple of hours to a day to fix, however more complex drain repairs such as repairing a drain leak can take up to two days. One of the more complex and time-consuming drain repair jobs is relocating a drain from the main sewage supply. Due to its difficulty, this type of drain repair can take up to a week to finish.
Like timescales, the labour costs associated with fixing a drain mainly depend on the type of repair is needed. The average cost of hiring a drain specialist to unclog and clean a drain can range between £50 to £80. Small cracks in a drain line costs around £160 to fix whereas large drain leaks can cost up to £500. The most expensive drain repair job is relocating a drain which can cost up the £1800 for labour costs alone. If a CCTV drain survey is needed, then this can cost between £100 to £250 to complete.
Location plays a big factor in the how much drain specialists charge per hour. For example, those in the North of England are likely to charge around £30 per hour or roughly £200 per day for drain repairs, on the other hand hourly rates in and around London are significantly higher at around £50 per hour with an average daily rate of around £280.
Additional Cost Factors
The costs of repairing a drain can vary depending on a number of factors. These include?
Type of Repair
There are many reasons why your drain may need repairing. Whether it as simple as a blockage caused by debris, a small crack in the drain line due to everyday wear and tear, or a full drain relocation, the type of job can affect how long and how much work it will take to fix the drain. The general rule is the easier the job, the faster it is to repair which can save money in labour costs.
Accessibility
The cost of repairing your drainage system will depend on how easy it is to get to the issue. So, before you hire a drainage specialist, it is best to make sure your drain isn’t blocked as it can extend the time it takes to complete the job. Similarly, if excavation is required, such as when pipework needs to be replaced, this can add more to the overall cost.
Insurance
You may be able to cover part of the cost of fixing your drain if you have buildings insurance. Therefore, it is best to speak to your insurer before you begin any drain repairs.
Extent of repair
The severity of damage, whether they should be repaired or replaced, and what parts of the drains need to be repaired, will all impact the cost of repairing your drains.
Types of Drain Repairs
Collapsed Drainpipe
One of the biggest indicators of a collapsed drain are damp patches. If you notice any damp patches around the outside of your home, where other parts of the ground are relatively dry, then you may have a collapsed drain. It is best to get your drain checked as soon as possible to prevent any further damage and to save on costs, as it is easier to repair a collapsed drain than fixing the problems it can cause if left unrepaired for a long time.
Tree roots, frozen pipes, unstable joints, and nearby construction can all cause collapsed drainpipes. A CCTV survey is the best option to help determine what caused the collapse. To repair a collapsed drainpipe, you will be looking to spend around £100 per metre which also includes the cost of drain relining. If the drainpipe is unable to be repaired, then a drainpipe replacement will cost around £530 per metre.
Cracked Drainpipe
Cracked drainpipe repair costs vary depending on the severity of the crack. A temporary solution to a cracked drainpipe is to cover the hole with waterproof tape. As this is a temporary fix until you repair the crack, the tape will only last a short amount of time before it will become worn and will no longer be able to cover the crack. The permanent solution to a cracked drainpipe is to fit a completely new one as it less hassle and will cost less than repeatedly fixing the issue for short periods of time. A drainpipe replacement costs around £530.
Clogged Drain
Leaving drain issues unrepaired can cause serious problems to both your drain and home. If you have a clogged drain, then it must be repaired immediately as it can cause your drain to collapse which may cost you more money in the long run. There are various degrees of blockages that can cause a blocked drain, from minor blockages caused by hair and waste which can easily be resolved by using a supermarket drain unblocker to a larger blockage which will require the services of a professional. Drain specialists can get rid of large blockages using drain jetting alongside specialist unblockers to fix this issue and clear the blockage. The average cost of repairing a clogged drain is around £250.
Drain Relocation
If your drain needs to be relocated due to an issue or to make space for an extension, then you will need planning permission for this. Before you consider relocating your drain, you should submit an application to your local council to ensure you have approval to relocate the drain. You will also have to contact your local water company to ensure the changes comply to their standards.
There will be a lot of work involved in removing the old drains and installing a completely new system in their place, so it is quite an expensive and time-consuming job. The average cost of relocating a drain is roughly £1800.
Can I repair a drain myself?
Although you can attempt to repair a drain yourself using drain unblockers from supermarkets as a quick fix, it may mean you miss the underlying problem causing the blockage. Additionally, pipes may be hard to reach, or damage to pipes may require extensive repairs that can only be performed by professionals. By performing regular inspections and leak monitoring, professionals are able not just to fix the problem but to prevent it from reoccurring in the future.
