Full drain excavation and replacement for severely damaged pipes in London properties.
Free, no-obligation — we'll call you back fast.
Where pipe relining is not suitable — due to pipe collapse, severe displacement, or access requirements — we provide full drain excavation and replacement for London properties. Drain excavation is the definitive solution for severely damaged pipes, with the replaced section lasting the design life of the new pipe material. Furthermore, excavation gives us the opportunity to upgrade pipe materials, improve pipe falls, and add inspection chambers in optimal locations — improvements that simply cannot be made through relining. We minimise disruption by planning excavation routes carefully, restoring all surfaces to match the original finish, and working within any relevant planning and highway requirements. In addition to the technical work, our excavation projects always include site protection, dust and noise management, and a single named project manager from start to finish. Therefore, residents and neighbours know exactly who to speak to and what to expect on every day of the works, including any temporary access arrangements. As a result, our excavation customers report consistently low stress levels even on multi-day projects in central London terraces. That said, public-highway excavations require a Section 50 street works licence and notice periods that can add several weeks to a project — we manage that paperwork for you and book in works to coincide with permit windows. Every excavation concludes with as-built drawings, full surface reinstatement, and a post-works CCTV survey of the new pipe.
CCTV survey to confirm collapse location and length
Traffic management / road closure applied for if public highway affected
Excavation to drain depth
Collapsed section removed and replaced with new vitrified clay or uPVC pipe
New pipe tested by camera and flow test
Excavation backfilled and surface reinstated to original standard
As-built survey provided on completion
Drain excavation in London varies significantly depending on depth, location, and surface finish. Typical residential garden or driveway excavation and replacement costs £2,500-£8,000. Highway excavations requiring road closures are higher and require specific permits.
For works within the curtilage of your property, planning permission is not normally required for drain excavation. However, if you need to excavate on a public pavement or road, a Section 50 street works licence from the local authority is required. In Conservation Areas, permitted development rights may be more restricted for surface reinstatement works.