Drain Excavation Specialist
Across The North East

Let's be honest, nobody wants their drain dug up, but sometimes it's the only way to fix a really serious problem. We usually need to excavate and repair a drain when it's suffered major structural damage that trenchless methods (like relining) simply can't fix. This could be because the pipe has completely collapsed, is badly crushed, has severe root ingress that's impossible to clear, or has significant breaks and displaced joints along a substantial section. A clear CCTV drain survey helps us understand the exact problem and determine if excavation is necessary for a lasting repair.

While we always prefer trenchless solutions like drain relining to minimise disruption, they aren't suitable for every situation. If your drainpipe has completely collapsed, if there's a significant offset or break in the pipe (where the parts no longer line up), or if the damage is too extensive over a long length, relining won't be effective. In these cases, excavation allows us to access the damaged section, remove the faulty pipework, and replace it with new, robust drainage. Our 15+ years of experience helps us assess your specific problem correctly and recommend the best course of action.

The process starts with accurately locating the damaged section, often using detailed information from a CCTV drain survey. We then carefully excavate the area above the pipe using appropriate equipment. Once the drain is exposed, we remove the old, damaged sections and replace them with new pipework, ensuring correct gradients and connections. We backfill the trench carefully, layer by layer, compacting as we go. Finally, we reinstate the surface – whether that's soil and turf, block paving, or tarmac – aiming to leave the area as neat as possible. We work efficiently to complete the necessary groundworks and get your drainage system functioning properly again.

The time it takes varies depending on several factors: the depth of the drain, the type of ground, the length of the section being replaced, and the complexity of the reinstatement. A straightforward repair on a shallow drain might take a few hours, while a deeper, more complex excavation involving significant reinstatement could take a day or even slightly longer. We aim to work as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to your property in Hebburn, Newcastle, Sunderland, or wherever you are in Tyne & Wear, without ever compromising on the quality of the work.

Let's be honest, any excavation involves some level of disruption. However, our experienced team at INSTADRAIN works diligently to keep mess and disruption to a minimum. We plan the work carefully, pinpointing the exact area needed using CCTV surveys and our knowledge. We protect surrounding areas where possible and ensure thorough clean-up afterwards. Our goal is to carry out the necessary drain repairs effectively and reinstate your property to a high standard, helping you get back to normal as soon as possible.

The cost of drain excavation varies significantly. Factors that influence the price include:

• The depth of the drain.
• The length of the section needing replacement.
• The type of surface being excavated (garden, driveway, path, road).
• Access to the site.
• The complexity of the problem.
• The reinstatement requirements.
  We provide a clear quotation after assessing the problem, often following a CCTV survey, so you understand the costs involved upfront. While it can be more expensive than relining, it's a necessary fix for severe problems and provides a long-term solution.

Absolutely, yes. Reinstatement is a crucial part of our drain excavation service. Once the drain repair is complete and tested, we backfill the excavation carefully and reinstate the surface that was disturbed. Whether it's soil, turf, gravel, block paving, or tarmac, our aim is to return the area to a condition as close as possible to how it was before we started. This is part of providing a complete drainage solution.

Our process for locating the precise spot for excavation typically involves a detailed CCTV drain survey. The camera allows us to see the exact location and nature of the damage (e.g., a collapsed section, a specific break, point of root ingress). Using our specialist camera equipment and knowledge, we can pinpoint the area above ground, meaning we only dig up where absolutely necessary, significantly reducing unnecessary disruption.

INSTADRAIN provides expert drain excavation and repair services for a wide range of customers across Tyne & Wear, including homeowners, businesses, contractors, and housing associations. We have the experience and equipment to tackle drainage problems on various types of properties, from residential homes to commercial sites, offering the same high standards of service regardless of the client.