If there is a structural problem within the drain, then there are two main options of repairing it. The first is by excavating and the second is by using no-dig technology.
Here’s a brief description of when each method is required and what it means to you.
Excavation / Digging
Digging up the ground or excavating is usually the last resort when trying to solve a problem, however sometimes this is the only way to repair the drain or solve the problem. If a drain has collapsed then excavating is usually the only option, unless diverting the drain would be easier and more cost effective.
If a gully is damaged or broken (such as the one’s that kitchen sinks connect into) then these would be replaced as this is a relatively minor job.
When carrying out this type of work we use sonar tracing equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the problem to ensure that the excavation is being carried out in the correct place with the depth being known before putting a spade into the ground.
No-Dig Technology
More and more technology is being available on the market, which allows drains to be repaired without having to dig up and disturb the ground. Drain relining is the most common type of no dig technology.
Drain relining consists of impregnating a sock like material with resin and using air inversion to insert it in to the drain. These resins react together, eventually hardening and sealing the drain. This process covers holes, cracks and fractures within the pipe, as well as open, displaced joints and root intrusion. By repairing the drain this way, it seals the drain and also improves the structural integrity of the drain at the same time.
