Collapsed Drain Repair Cost

Does your drain need repairing? Want to know how much it'll cost?

In this cost guide, we look at all the costs and fees included in drainage pipe repairs and how to deal with a collapsed drain.

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A collapsed drain repair job is likely to cost you around £850, on average.

If you suspect drain damage or a leak, it's always best to call a professional.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Collapsed Drain?

The cost to repair a collapsed drain usually ranges from around £150 for a localised patch repair to £1,200 or more for partial pipe replacement. More extensive excavation or replacement work can increase costs further, especially if the pipe is deep, difficult to access, or runs beneath a driveway or extension.

Smaller problems such as minor cracks or isolated damage may sometimes be repaired quickly, while more serious drain collapses usually require a drainage specialist to locate the breakage, excavate around the damaged section, and repair or replace the pipe.

In some cases, no-dig drain relining may be possible, which is often quicker and less disruptive than excavation if the existing pipe is still suitable for lining.

A cracked sewer pipe repair in the UK may cost similar amounts if the damaged section is localised and accessible, but deeper or shared sewer pipes can increase labour and excavation costs.

Collapsed Drain Repair Prices

Drain relining is usually the cheapest professional option when the pipe is damaged but still structurally suitable for lining, while excavation is needed for fully collapsed sections.

Likewise, patch repairs are usually the cheapest option, while full replacement costs more because excavation, pipe removal and reinstatement all increase labour time.

Factors That Impact Drain Repair Costs

The cost of repairing a collapsed or damaged drain can vary significantly depending on several key factors.

Drain Accessibility

Outside drain pipe repairs are usually cheaper when the damaged section is easy to reach in open ground, but costs rise when excavation affects driveways, patios, or walls.

If the drain is easily reached in a garden or open ground, repairs are quicker and cheaper. Some properties have a manhole cover which offers easy access to the drainage system.

If however, a drain line is beneath a driveway, extension or public pavement, excavation and reinstatement can add £500 to £2,000 to the overall cost.

CCTV Drain Inspection

A drain survey is often carried out before repair to assess the problem. This usually costs £100 to £250 but it can save money by avoiding unnecessary excavation.

Extent of Damage

Small cracks, drain patching, or localised leaks can often be repaired for £150 to £1,100, depending on whether a simple patch repair or relining is suitable. However, if the pipe has collapsed fully, partial or full drain replacement may be required, pushing costs to £1,000 to £3,000.

Pipe Length

Many contractors price lining or replacement by the metre. Typical relining costs are around £60 to £100 per metre

Depth of Pipe

Deeper drains require more digging and shoring. Each additional metre of depth can add £200 to £500 to labour costs.

Pipe Material

The material of the pipe affects how easy it is to repair. Modern plastic pipes are often easier and cheaper to patch, reline or replace than older clay or cast iron drains. Older materials can be more brittle, harder to cut, and more likely to require a larger section to be replaced.

Reinstatement Costs

If repairs involve breaking through driveways, patios or landscaping, reinstatement adds further expense. Expect £300 to £1,500 depending on surface type and area.

Additional Drain Repair Costs

Beyond the obvious factors such as accessibility, CCTV investigations and reinstatement costs, there are a few extra costs that sometimes catch homeowners by surprise.

These don't always apply, but they're worth noting when budgeting for drain line repair.

• Emergency call-out fees: If the repair is urgent, such as flooding or sewage backing up, a 24/7 emergency plumber may charge an extra £100–£250.
• Jetting and cleaning: A drain may need clearing before repair work can begin, which usually costs £100–£250.
• Root cutting or removal: Tree roots often cause or worsen drain damage and can add £100–£250.
• Structural reinstatement: If excavation affects foundations, walls or retaining structures, extra repairs may add £500–£2,000.
• Post-repair CCTV inspection: Some contractors include this, while others charge £100–£200 separately.
• Drain cover repairs: If the manhole cover or frame is damaged during excavation, replacement may add £100–£300.

Things to Consider When Repairing a Drain Line Breakage

Cracked or damaged drain lines can be a much more serious problem than most homeowners initially realise.

Drain lines transport the wastewater from your property to sewer pipes that run beneath the ground, which is then transported to a water treatment plant. If there's a problem with the drain line, it can lead to damp and mould on your property.

If this problem is left to fester, then it can cause rotting of any timber in your home, damage to plastering, and cracks in your floors or walls appearing.

It's always best to call a drain specialist if you suspect there may be a problem. As the drain line runs beneath the ground, it won't be that easy to tell if there's a problem. There are a few things to look out for that will help you spot any damage before it has a chance to cause some serious damage to your home.

First of all, is to look out for any damp spots or mould growth on your walls or your floors – if a drain is cracked or damaged in some way, it is obviously going to leak water which will be the cause of any dampness in your home. In extreme cases, you may experience some cracks in your walls or flooring.

However, as I have said, this is in the most extreme cases where the problem hasn’t been dealt with for a good number of years. You may also notice a patch of ground outside your home is sunken or quite damp, this is a sign of leakage from a drain pipe. Smells of foul odours such as sewage or rotting food may also be present in and around your home.

If you suspect you have drain damage, then your options are to inspect it yourself or to hire a drainage company or emergency plumber to take a look at the drain pipe itself.

If you are confident enough in your DIY skills, then all you will need to do is dig around the area of the drain pipe and inspect it for yourself. If not, then you can hire a drainage company or plumber to come out and carry out an inspection.

They will carry out what is known as a CCTV drainage inspection, which makes the use of state of the art camera technology to inspect your drains and detect any damage or other problems.

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Can You Repair a Collapsed Drain Yourself?

Repairing drain damage can be done by most DIY enthusiasts, especially if the damage is minimal and easily accessible. If the damage does seem to be more than you can handle, or if you do not possess the necessary knowledge or skills to repair the damage, then it is always best to hire a specialist to carry out the job.

You don’t want to cause more damage than what is already there, and thus ending up with more costly repairs to tackle. Another option is to go through your building insurance if the policy covers drainage damage.

Fortunately, you should not need to gain any permission to carry out any repairs on drains that are within your property. However, if you are unsure, it is always advised to go to your local authority for confirmation.

Step 1: Locate the Damaged Drain

First of all, you will need to locate the damaged drain pipe and dig around the area to access it. You will likely be able to identify a rough area by looking for any wet patches or sunken ground, as these are the areas where water is likely to leak, leading to these effects.

Step 2: Drain Excavations

Once you have found a suitable patch of ground, start digging carefully, so you don't damage the pipes even more. Dig enough earth from around the pipe and underneath, so that the whole pipe is accessible to carry out a full and effective repair.

Step 3: Drain Damage Assessment

Once you have unearthed the pipe and located the damage, you will need to cut through the pipe on either side of the crack. Ideally, this should be about two inches either side, but the overall aim is to go for a clean cut on both ends so there aren’t any cracks on the remaining pipe.

Step 4: Drain Pipe Replacement

You will need suitable cutting instruments depending on the material of the pipe, for example for a clay pipe you may need to use a hacksaw. For an iron pipe, you will need to use a saw with a metal blade, as a hacksaw will be far too time-consuming.

You will then need to measure and cut out a piece of PVC pipe to replace the part you have cut out. Attach the piece of PVC pipe to the drain pipe by using flexible rubber couplings on either side of the existing pipe.

Thankfully, the diameter of the replacement and the original piping doesn’t have to be spot on, as you can purchase couplings that have different diameters at both ends. Couplings are inexpensive, typically £20 to £30 for for a decent pair.

Step 5: Landscape Restoration

After repairing the pipe, it is time to fill the hole back in. It is best advised to first fill in the area around the drain pipe with fine gravel, as this will add support, and then fill in the rest with soil and earth.

Checklist: Repairing a Drain Line Breakage in the UK

• Look for common warning signs such as damp patches, mould, foul smells, slow-draining fixtures, or wet and sunken ground outside.
• Act quickly if you suspect a collapsed or cracked drain, as delays can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.
• Ask whether a CCTV drain survey is needed to confirm the exact location and extent of the damage before repair work begins.
• Check what repair method is being recommended, such as patch repair, relining or full excavation and replacement.
• Make sure the quote is detailed and includes labour, materials, excavation, reinstatement, and any follow-up inspection costs.
• Compare at least 3 quotes from drainage specialists so you can check both price and proposed repair method.
• Ask whether the contractor is insured and whether they have experience with drain repairs, CCTV surveys and excavation work.
• Check whether the drain is your responsibility or the water company’s, especially if it may be a shared drain.

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