Frequently Asked Questions

A CCTV drainage survey involves passing a small, high-definition camera through your drainage system. It records video footage of the inside of your pipes, allowing our engineers to identify blockages, cracks, root ingress, collapses, or other structural issues without needing to dig up your property.

A standard domestic CCTV survey usually takes between 1 to 2 hours. However, the exact time depends on the size of the property, the complexity of the drainage system, and whether we need to clear any blockages before we can get a clear view with the camera.

We highly recommend it. A standard RICS homebuyer's survey does not inspect the underground drainage. A pre-purchase CCTV drainage survey can uncover hidden, expensive problems (like collapsed pipes or severe root ingress) before you exchange contracts, potentially saving you thousands of pounds.

Yes. CleverWorks is fully WRC (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved and we use LWA (Local Water Authority) approved software. This guarantees that our survey reports meet the strict national standards required by all major UK water boards, insurance companies, and mortgage lenders.

If your planned extension or new building is within 3 metres of a public sewer, yes. It is a legal requirement. If you build without one, the water authority has the right to tear down the structure to access their pipes.

Building without an agreement can cause major issues when trying to sell your property, as the buyer's solicitor will request the documentation. You may also be liable for any damage caused to the public sewer.

A standard pre-build CCTV drainage survey for a residential property usually takes between 1 to 2 hours. We provide the reports and footage shortly after completion so you can submit your application without delay.

While we cannot guarantee approval (as that depends on your architectural plans), we guarantee that our CCTV drainage survey reports meet the strict WRC standards required by all UK water authorities, including Thames Water.

Our primary method is High-Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ). Our engineers are WJA (Water Jetting Association) trained to safely use powerful jets of water to break down and flush away blockages caused by fat, grease, wet wipes, and silt. For minor blockages, we may use professional drain rodding.

We carry both, but we heavily prioritise high-pressure water jetting. Why? Because cheap, aggressive rodding from a "£30 cowboy" unblock can shatter fragile clay pipes, turning a simple blockage into a £5,000 excavation nightmare. We use expensive, state-of-the-art jetting equipment because it is a necessary investment in protecting your property. It safely slices through blockages and cleans the pipe walls without the blunt-force trauma of rodding.

Yes, absolutely—if you hire the wrong company. Cheap, aggressive rodding from a "£30 cowboy" unblock can easily shatter fragile clay pipes, turning a simple blockage into a £5,000 excavation nightmare. This is exactly why we use expensive high-pressure water jetting equipment. It represents an investment in protecting your property, ensuring your drains are cleared safely and effectively without risking catastrophic structural damage.

The most common causes of blocked drains are wet wipes, sanitary products, and fat, oil, and grease (FOG) poured down the sink. Tree root ingress and collapsed pipes can also cause severe, recurring blockages.

We offer a 24/7 emergency response service and aim to be with you within 2 hours for emergencies. Our vans are fully equipped with high-pressure water jetting equipment to resolve the issue on the first visit.

When performed by trained professionals, water jetting is completely safe. Our engineers adjust the water pressure and select specific nozzles based on the age, material, and condition of your pipes to ensure they are cleaned without causing any damage.

Yes, in almost all cases. Rodding only pokes a hole through a blockage, which often leads to the drain blocking again shortly after. Jetting completely cleans the inside of the pipe, removing the grease and scale that caused the blockage in the first place.

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency drain unblocking and jetting services across London and the surrounding areas. If you have an overflowing drain, we can dispatch an engineer immediately.

Drain relining (or CIPP - Cured-In-Place Pipe) is a 'no-dig' repair method. We insert a resin-impregnated liner into the damaged pipe and inflate it. Once it cures and hardens, it creates a new, seamless pipe within the old one, sealing cracks and preventing root ingress.

In most cases, no. We specialize in trenchless, no-dig repair technologies like patch repairs and full pipe relining. Excavation is only required as a last resort if the pipe has completely collapsed and lost its structural integrity.

A standard patch repair or relining job can usually be completed within a few hours on the same day. Traditional excavation can take several days depending on the depth and surface material.

A BRE365 percolation test (also known as an infiltration test) is the standard method used to determine the permeability of soil. This data is critical for designing soakaways and other infiltration-based Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

The cost of a BRE365 percolation test depends on the site location, access, and the number of trial pits required. Contact us on 01932 544 095 for a precise, no-obligation quote tailored to your project.

The testing process usually takes 1 to 2 days. The exact duration depends heavily on the permeability of your soil. Clay soils drain much slower than sandy soils and will require more time for the water levels to drop.

While the concept is simple, building control and local authorities usually require the test to be carried out and certified by a competent professional to ensure the calculations are accurate and comply strictly with BRE Digest 365.

If the soil is too impermeable (like heavy clay) and water does not drain fast enough, a standard soakaway will not work. In these cases, we can advise on alternative surface water drainage solutions, such as attenuation tanks or discharging to a watercourse.

PPM is a scheduled program of drainage cleaning and inspection tailored to your business. It prevents unexpected blockages, flooding, and costly downtime by maintaining your drains before emergencies happen.

Yes, we provide regular grease trap emptying and cleaning for restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and prevent fatbergs.

Generally, you are responsible for the drains within your property boundary that serve only your home. If the drain is shared with a neighbour or sits outside your property boundary, it is usually the responsibility of your local water authority (e.g., Thames Water or Southern Water). We can help determine ownership during a survey.

No, we never charge a call-out fee. We provide fixed, transparent pricing. You will know exactly what the job will cost before we begin any work, with no hidden surprises.

We cover Surrey, Hampshire, and parts of Berkshire. Our key service areas include Farnham, Guildford, Aldershot, Farnborough, Camberley, Fleet, Basingstoke, Woking, Haslemere, Godalming, and Alton.

Yes, we understand that drainage emergencies don't stick to office hours. We offer rapid response emergency callouts for severe blockages and flooding to protect your property from damage.

We offer fixed-price drain unblocking with no hidden fees and no call-out charges. The exact price depends on the location and severity of the blockage, but we will always agree on the price before starting work.