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myCollapsed Drain Repair Cost
At a Glance
- Repairing a collapsed drain typically costs around £850.
- Most drain repair jobs take 1 to 2 days to complete.
- A full price breakdown for collapsed drain and drain pipe repairs by method.
- The main factors that affect drain repair costs.
- Guidance on finding and hiring a drainage contractor with MyJobQuote.
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Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Collapsed Drain?
Drain repair costs vary depending on the extent of the damage, from a small isolated crack to a full drain line breakage. A collapsed sewer or drain pipe on your own property is usually the most expensive scenario, as it often needs excavation rather than a quick patch.
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.
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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
| Job Description | Duration | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CCTV Drain Survey | 1 Day | £100–£250 |
| Local drain repair / patch repair | 1 Day | £150–£300 |
| Partial drain pipe replacement | 1 to 2 Days | £600–£1,100 |
| Drain relining (no-dig repair) | 1 Day | £80–£150 per metre |
| Excavation and drain pipe replacement | 1 to 2 Days | £250–£650 per metre |
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Drain relining and patch repairs are usually the cheapest professional options when the pipe is damaged but still structurally suitable for lining, while excavation is needed for fully collapsed sections.
Full replacement costs more because excavation, pipe removal and reinstatement all increase labour time.
Could relaying my drain line improve the way it drains? I'm always having problems with it but there's no visible damage.
"Depending on the age of your house relaying drains could be an option! A camera survey might be a better option as this way you will find out what condition your drains are in and might just need a section replacing rather than all of it!"
Factors That Impact Drain Repair Costs
The cost of repairing a collapsed or damaged drain depends on several factors, including how easy the pipe is to reach, how much of it is affected, and what it's made from.
- Accessibility — Repairs in open ground or a garden are quicker and cheaper. If the drain runs beneath a driveway, extension, or public pavement, excavation and reinstatement can add £500 to £2,000 to the overall cost.
- Extent of damage — Small cracks or localised leaks can often be repaired for £150 to £1,100. A fully collapsed drain or sewer pipe may need partial or full replacement, which typically costs £1,000 to £3,000.
- CCTV drain survey — A drain survey to locate and assess the damage usually costs £100 to £250, but it can save money by avoiding unnecessary excavation.
- Pipe length — Contractors often price relining or replacement by the metre, with relining typically costing £60 to £100 per metre.
- Depth of pipe — Deeper drains need more digging and shoring. Each additional metre of depth can add £200 to £500 to labour costs.
- Pipe material — Modern plastic pipes are usually easier and cheaper to patch, reline or replace than older clay or cast iron drains, which can be more brittle and harder to cut.
- Reinstatement — If repairs involve breaking through driveways, patios or landscaping, reinstating the surface adds £300 to £1,500 depending on the surface type and area.
How long does it generally take to unblock drains?
"It depends on a lot of factors - is the drain collapsed, where is it located (i.e., soft ground or in concrete), is it a single line or shared, and is it the pipe or the bends that's blocked. The first step would be to scan the drain with CCTV to establish what the issue is."
Additional Drain Repair Costs
A few extra costs don't always apply, but they're worth budgeting for.
- 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 to £250.
- Jetting and cleaning — A drain may need drain cleaning before repair work can begin, which usually costs £100 to £250.
- Root cutting or removal — Tree roots often cause or worsen drain damage. Tree root removal can add £100 to £250.
- Structural reinstatement — If excavation affects foundations, walls or retaining structures rather than a standard surface, this can add a further £500 to £2,000 on top of standard reinstatement.
- Post-repair CCTV inspection — Some contractors include a follow-up camera check to confirm the repair, while others charge £100 to £200 separately.
- Drain cover repairs — If the manhole cover or frame is damaged during excavation, replacement may add £100 to £300.
Is it possible to have professionals repair a drain without actually digging them up?
"Dig-ups tend to be a last resort, only used if trenchless methods can't be carried out.
With trenchless methods, you have patch repair (to repair an isolated defect) using impregnated fibreglass matting wrapped around a packer and pushed into the desired location before being inflated. You also have CIPP lining and inversion lining for longer lengths of defective pipe."
With trenchless methods, you have patch repair (to repair an isolated defect) using impregnated fibreglass matting wrapped around a packer and pushed into the desired location before being inflated. You also have CIPP lining and inversion lining for longer lengths of defective pipe."
Things to Consider When Repairing a Drain Line Breakage
A cracked or collapsed drain line is often a bigger problem than it first appears. Drain lines carry wastewater away from your property to the sewer network, so damage can lead to leaks that cause damp and mould in your home.
If left untreated, this can lead to rotting timber, damaged plastering, and, in severe cases, cracks appearing in floorboards or walls.
Signs You May Have a Collapsed or Damaged Drain
As drain lines run underground, damage isn't always obvious. Look out for the following:
- Damp patches or mould on internal walls or floors.
- Cracks in walls or flooring, which usually only appear once a leak has gone unaddressed for some time.
- Sunken or unusually damp patches of ground outside your property.
- Foul odours, such as sewage or rotting food, in or around your home.
- Slow-draining sinks, baths or toilets, which can point to a blockage or collapse further down the line.
If you notice any of these signs, it's best to call a drainage specialist. They'll typically carry out a CCTV drain survey, using camera equipment to inspect the pipe and pinpoint any damage without needing to dig first.
What's Involved in Repairing a Collapsed Drain?
Repairing a collapsed drain usually involves excavation and precise pipework, so it isn't typically a DIY-friendly job.
Because of this, most homeowners choose to hire a tradesperson for a collapsed drain repair. MyJobQuote can connect you with local drainage contractors, fast, free, and with no obligation to go ahead.
Let's go over the typical steps a specialist may take during a collapsed drain repair:
Before the Job
- Survey and Excavation — The damaged section is located, often confirmed with a CCTV drain survey, and the ground above it is excavated to expose the pipe.
During the Job
- Damage Removal — The damaged section of pipe is cut out cleanly on both sides, leaving sound pipe on either end.
- New Pipe Installation — A replacement section, usually PVC, is measured, cut and connected using flexible rubber couplings, or a new lining is installed instead if relining is being used.
After the Job
- Final Checks and Reinstatement — The specialist checks the joints and flow before backfilling the excavation and reinstating any surface, such as a driveway or patio.
Checklist: Hiring a Drainage Contractor in the UK
Ready to get started on your drain repair project? Use MyJobQuote to get 3 free, no obligation quotes from local drainage contractors near you. It's fast, easy, and connects you with local tradespeople.
Before agreeing to work with a drainage specialist, here's what you need to consider to find the best professional for the job:
- Is the drainage specialist familiar with your project? Make sure the contractor has experience with your type of repair, as not every specialist offers both no-dig relining and full excavation work.
- Is the contractor qualified and insured? Check their credentials, as membership of a body such as the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC) is a good sign of professionalism, and confirm they're insured before work starts.
- Does the specialist offer written quotes? Always request written, itemised quotes covering labour, materials, excavation and reinstatement, so you can check for any hidden charges.
- Are you able to look over their past jobs? Take a look at their past projects via their MyJobQuote profile, including customer reviews and photos/videos of previous work. Does their work look high-quality?
- Do they offer a warranty/guarantee on the work? Ask whether the repair is covered for both parts and labour, and for how long.
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FAQs
How Can I Tell If I Have a Damaged Drain Pipe?
Look out for damp patches or mould on your walls or floors, sunken or damp patches of ground outside, and foul smells around your property. If you're still unsure, a drainage specialist can carry out a CCTV inspection, using camera technology to check for damage without digging.
Can a Collapsed Drain Be Repaired Without Digging It Up?
In some cases, yes. Drain relining is a no-dig repair method that inserts a new lining inside the existing pipe, and it's often quicker and less disruptive than excavation. It's only suitable if the existing pipe is still structurally sound enough to line, which a CCTV survey can confirm.
Do I Need Permission to Repair a Drain Line Breakage?
You won't usually need permission to repair drains on your own property. However, shared pipes or sewage pipes may require agreement from your neighbour or water company. If you're unsure, it's best to contact your local authority before starting work.
What Causes Damage to Drain Pipes?
Common causes include blockages, tree roots growing through pipework, ground movement, and general wear from ageing pipes. Older clay or cast iron pipes are more prone to cracking than modern plastic ones.
Will My Home Insurance Cover Drain Repairs?
In many cases, buildings insurance covers damage to underground drains that serve only your property, though policies vary and may exclude wear and tear or damage to shared drains. Check your policy and speak to your insurer before starting work, and contact your water supplier to confirm who's responsible for the drain.
Whose Responsibility Is a Collapsed Drain?
If the damaged drain serves only your property and lies within your boundary, it's usually your responsibility. Shared drains and sewers are often the water company's responsibility. If you're unsure, contact your water supplier before arranging repair work.
Is a Collapsed Drain an Emergency?
A collapsed drain can become an emergency if it's causing flooding, sewage backing up, strong odours, or damage to your home. If wastewater is escaping or the collapse is affecting toilets and sinks, it's best to call a drainage specialist as soon as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Fix a Collapsed Drain?
Most drain repair jobs take 1 to 2 days, depending on the method used. Relining or a patch repair is usually completed within a day, while excavation and replacement can take 1 to 2 days, and longer for deep pipes, difficult access or extensive reinstatement.
Can I Repair a Collapsed Drain Myself?
Minor, easily accessible damage can sometimes be repaired by a confident DIYer, but a collapsed or fully broken drain usually calls for a specialist, especially where excavation is involved. Getting it wrong can lead to further damage and higher repair costs, so if you're at all unsure, it's worth getting a professional opinion first.
