Drainage problems typical of Manchester homes
Long rows of terraced houses built in the late 1800s and early 1900s often share a single drain running behind the properties. When that shared run blocks, several neighbours can be affected at once, and sorting out where the fault sits is the first job. Many of these drains are original salt-glazed clay with mortar joints that have long since failed.
Manchester's wet climate puts extra pressure on drainage. Heavy, prolonged rain overwhelms gullies and combined systems, and any weakness in an old pipe quickly shows up as flooding in a back yard or a cellar.
Remedial drainage work in the city
Because so much of Manchester's housing stock relies on ageing clay pipework, remedial work is a large part of what we do here. Root ingress from mature street trees in areas like Chorlton and Whalley Range, cracked pipes under back alleys and displaced joints after nearby building work are all common finds on CCTV.
Tight back yards and terraced streets with limited parking make no-dig relining especially useful in Manchester, as it avoids digging up shared paths or yards.
Terraced and back-to-back properties
Shared drains, rear access and cellars all need careful planning.
Converted flats and HMOs
Heavy use from multiple households means blockages and wear are more frequent, and landlords need reliable fixes.
Shops and food premises
Fat and grease build-up in commercial kitchens around the city centre and Rusholme's Curry Mile is a regular cause of blockages.
Areas of Manchester we cover
We work across the city, including the city centre, Ancoats, Hulme, Moss Side, Fallowfield, Withington, Didsbury, Chorlton, Levenshulme and Wythenshawe, as well as neighbouring towns across Greater Manchester.
Shared drains and water company responsibility
Since 2011, most shared private drains and lateral drains in England transferred to the water companies. In Manchester that is usually United Utilities. Within your own boundary, though, a drain serving only your property remains your responsibility. We can help you work out who is responsible on site before any repair is carried out.
Book drainage work in Manchester
Call George on 07799 153198 or send the form with your Manchester postcode and a short description. Photos of the affected chamber or fitting help us prepare.
Our services in Manchester
Emergency Drain Unblocking
Blocked sinks, toilets, gullies and outside drains cleared with high-pressure jetting.
CCTV Drain Surveys
Camera inspections to find faults, plan repairs and check drains before you buy.
High-Pressure Water Jetting
Powerful, eco-friendly jetting that clears stubborn blockages and build-up and restores flow.
Drain Repairs and Remedial Work
Excavation, patch repairs and replacement of cracked, collapsed and leaking drains.
Drain Relining
No-dig relining that creates a new pipe inside the old one, without lifting your driveway.
Collapsed Drain Repair
Survey-led repair of partly or fully collapsed drains, by relining where possible and excavation where not.
No-Dig Patch Repair
Short resin patches that seal a single crack, open joint or root entry point from inside the pipe.
Pre-Purchase Drain Survey
A camera survey of the drains at a property you are buying, explained in plain English before you exchange.
Commercial Drainage
Drain cleaning, surveys and repairs for shops, food businesses, offices and managed property.
Frequently asked questions
Do you cover all of Manchester?
Yes, we cover the whole city and surrounding Greater Manchester towns.
My terrace shares a drain with neighbours. Who pays?
Shared drains are often the responsibility of the water company. We can check on site and advise.
Can you work in tight back yards?
Yes. No-dig methods such as relining are well suited to narrow yards and alleys.