Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

If you’re experiencing a blocked drain emergency, don’t panic. First, stop using all water outlets connected to the blocked drain to prevent overflow. Check if multiple drains are affected, as this indicates a main sewer blockage rather than a localised problem. For emergency drain unblocking in Barnet, Southgate, Enfield and surrounding North London areas, call Drain Catt immediately on 020 8440 6502. We offer 24/7 emergency drainage services with rapid response times, typically arriving within 1-2 hours. Our emergency flood response team is equipped to handle everything from simple toilet drain unblocking to complete sewer blockage clearance.
Need emergency help now? Call 07831 290 164 for immediate assistance.

Our emergency drain clearing service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across North London. For urgent blocked drain repair situations in our core service areas including Barnet, Hendon, and Muswell Hill, we typically arrive within 60-90 minutes. Our engineers carry all necessary equipment including high pressure water jetting machines, CCTV drain survey cameras, and drain clearing tools to resolve most emergencies on the first visit. This same day drain clearing service ensures minimal disruption to your home or business.

A drainage emergency includes any situation requiring immediate attention to prevent property damage or health risks. This encompasses sewage backing up into your property, complete drain blockages causing flooding, collapsed drain repair situations, burst pipes, and overflowing manholes. Storm drain cleaning becomes urgent during heavy rainfall to prevent flood water affecting your property. If you smell sewage, see standing water, or notice multiple blocked drains throughout your property, treat it as an emergency and contact our emergency flood response team immediately.

Several warning signs indicate a blocked drain requiring professional drain cleaning services. Water draining slowly from sinks, baths or showers is often the first indicator. Gurgling sounds when water drains suggest air trapped by a blockage. Unpleasant smells from drains indicate trapped debris decomposing in your pipes. Water backing up or overflowing when using appliances points to a main drain blockage. Outside, look for waterlogged areas near drain covers, raised manhole water levels, or vegetation growing faster near drain runs. Our drainage system inspection can identify exactly where blockages occur.

Blocked drains result from various causes depending on location. Kitchen drains typically block from grease, fat and food debris accumulation – our grease trap cleaning service prevents this. Bathroom drains block from hair, soap residue and toiletries. Toilet drain unblocking becomes necessary when inappropriate items are flushed. External drains block from leaves, debris, root intrusion from nearby trees, and soil ingress. Older properties in North London often suffer from pipe scale buildup requiring pipe descaling. Ground movement can cause pipe misalignment or collapse, requiring professional blocked drain repair. Understanding the cause helps us recommend the right drain maintenance programme.

Minor sink drain unclogging can sometimes be achieved with a plunger or proprietary drain cleaner for surface-level blockages. However, we strongly advise against using chemical cleaners regularly as they damage pipes and harm the environment. For deeper blockages, DIY methods often push debris further into your drainage system, creating worse problems and more expensive repairs. External drain blockages, blocked manholes, or recurring problems always require professional attention. Our drain jetting service safely clears blockages without damaging pipes, and we can provide a CCTV drain survey to identify underlying issues DIY methods miss.

Drain jetting, also called high pressure water jetting, uses specialised equipment to blast water at pressures up to 4000 PSI through your drains. This powerful jet scours pipe walls clean, cutting through blockages, grease buildup, and even tree roots. The high pressure water jetting process is far more effective than drain rods, clearing blockages completely rather than just creating a hole through them. It’s safe for all pipe materials and restores drains to near-new condition. We use drain jetting for everything from residential drain service clearances to commercial sewer cleaning. The process also prepares pipes for CCTV inspection by removing debris that obscures camera views.

Drain cleaning costs vary depending on blockage severity, location and access requirements. Simple internal blockages typically cost less than main sewer line clearances. We provide honest, upfront pricing with no hidden charges – and because we don’t charge VAT, you save 20% compared to VAT-registered competitors. For accurate pricing, we offer free assessments where our engineer inspects the problem and provides a fixed quote before any work begins. This transparent approach has earned us Which? Trusted Trader status and thousands of satisfied customers across Barnet, Enfield and surrounding areas.

A CCTV drain survey involves inserting a specialist waterproof camera into your drainage system to visually inspect pipe condition. The camera transmits real-time footage to a monitor, allowing our engineers to identify blockages, cracks, root intrusion, displaced joints, corrosion, and collapsed sections without excavation. Modern CCTV cameras include location transmitters for precise drain mapping and drain tracing, identifying exactly where problems lie. This drainage system inspection provides crucial information for planning repairs and is essential for property purchases, insurance claims, and diagnosing recurring drainage problems.

We recommend CCTV drain surveys in several situations. Before buying a property, a survey reveals hidden drainage issues that could cost thousands to repair. Recurring blockages suggest structural problems requiring investigation. After removing blockages, surveys confirm drains are fully clear and identify why blockages occurred. For insurance claims involving drain damage, survey footage provides essential evidence. Planning building work near drains requires surveys to map existing drainage. Our manhole inspection service combined with CCTV provides complete drainage assessment. Homebuyers in North London particularly benefit from pre-purchase surveys given the area’s mix of Victorian, Edwardian and modern properties with varying drainage conditions.

Our CCTV surveys detect numerous problems invisible from the surface. These include root intrusion from trees penetrating pipe joints, cracked or fractured pipes, displaced or misaligned joints, scale and deposit buildup requiring pipe descaling, bellied sections where pipes have sagged creating pooling areas, collapsed drain sections, illegal connections, and corrosion damage. We also identify drain odor detection sources, locate connections to the main sewer, and provide drain mapping showing your complete drainage layout. Survey reports include footage, photographs, and detailed recommendations – invaluable for drainage consultancy and planning repairs.

CCTV drain survey costs depend on property size and drainage complexity. A standard domestic survey covering main drains typically takes 1-2 hours. Larger properties or commercial drainage solutions require more comprehensive surveys. All our surveys include a detailed written report with colour photographs, video footage on USB, and expert recommendations. Given we don’t charge VAT, our surveys offer exceptional value. For property purchases, survey costs are minimal compared to potential repair bills discovered after purchase. Contact us for a competitive quote tailored to your requirements.

Drain relining is a trenchless drain repair method that creates a new pipe inside your existing damaged one without excavation. A flexible liner saturated with resin is inserted into the damaged pipe and inflated to press against the pipe walls. Once cured, this creates a seamless, jointless new pipe within the old one. Drain relining suits pipes with cracks, root damage, joint displacement, and minor structural issues. It’s faster, less disruptive and often cheaper than traditional drain excavation. Our engineers assess whether relining or replacement best suits your situation after CCTV inspection.

Collapsed drain repair methods depend on collapse severity and location. Minor collapses sometimes suit patch repairs or localised relining. Significant collapses typically require drain excavation to remove damaged sections and install new pipes. Our drain tracing locates the exact collapse point to minimise excavation extent. For collapses under patios, driveways or buildings, we employ careful excavation techniques to protect existing structures. Following drain pipe replacement, we restore surfaces and ensure proper drainage fall. All repairs include CCTV verification that the new section functions correctly. We handle collapsed drain repair across Barnet, Enfield and throughout North London.

Several factors cause drain collapse. Age deterioration affects older clay and cast iron pipes common in North London properties. Root intrusion removal might reveal root damage has compromised pipe structure. Ground movement from construction, heavy traffic, or subsidence stresses pipes beyond breaking point. Incorrectly installed drains with inadequate support eventually fail. Chemical damage from inappropriate drain cleaners weakens pipes over time. Our drainage system inspection identifies collapse risks before failure occurs. Properties over 30 years old particularly benefit from CCTV surveys to assess drain condition and plan preventative maintenance.

Yes, we specialise in trenchless drain repair methods that avoid disruptive excavation wherever possible. These include drain relining for cracked or damaged pipes, patch repairs for localised damage, and pipe bursting to install new pipes along existing routes. Trenchless techniques preserve gardens, driveways, patios and flooring. They’re typically faster than excavation, often completed in a single day. However, some situations require traditional excavation – we always recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective solution after CCTV assessment. Our honest approach means we’ll never recommend trenchless repairs where excavation provides better long-term results.

Absolutely. Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of drainage problems in North London. Roots seek moisture and nutrients, and your drains provide both. Even small cracks or joint gaps allow hair-thin roots to enter, which then grow and expand inside pipes. Popular garden trees like willows, poplars, oaks and ashes have particularly aggressive root systems. Roots block water flow, catch debris causing blockages, and physically break pipes apart. Properties with mature trees within 10 metres of drains face highest risk. Our root removal from drains service clears existing intrusion while CCTV identifies entry points for permanent repair.

Root intrusion removal uses several methods depending on severity. High pressure water jetting with specialist cutting heads slices through roots, clearing the pipe interior. Mechanical cutting tools physically remove stubborn root masses. However, removing roots addresses symptoms not causes – roots regrow through the same entry points. For lasting results, we recommend drain relining or pipe replacement after clearance to seal entry points permanently. Root removal from drains combined with CCTV survey identifies all entry points. We then discuss options including drain relining, localised repairs, or pipe replacement to prevent recurrence.

Preventing root intrusion starts with understanding your drainage layout. Our drain mapping service identifies drain locations relative to existing trees. When planting new trees, maintain at least 3-4 metres distance from drain runs – more for water-hungry species. Regular drain maintenance including annual CCTV inspection catches early intrusion before significant damage occurs. Physical root barriers installed near drains deflect root growth. Where root intrusion has occurred, drain relining creates an impenetrable barrier against regrowth. Some chemical root inhibitors exist but require professional application to avoid environmental harm.

Yes, toilet drain unblocking is one of our most requested services. Blocked toilets result from excess paper, sanitary products, wet wipes (even those labelled flushable), children’s toys, and other items that shouldn’t enter drainage systems. We clear blockages using professional equipment that won’t damage your toilet or pipes. Sometimes toilet blockages indicate deeper problems in your drainage system rather than just the toilet itself. Our engineers assess whether the blockage is localised or symptomatic of wider sewer blockage clearance needs. We restore your toilet to full working order quickly and hygienically.

Sink drain unclogging services cover kitchen sinks, bathroom basins, and utility room sinks. Kitchen sink blockages typically result from grease, fat and food debris accumulation – we recommend grease trap cleaning for commercial kitchens to prevent this. Bathroom sinks block with hair, soap residue and toothpaste. Our engineers clear blockages and inspect trap assemblies, waste pipes and connections to identify why blockages occurred. Where grease accumulation is severe, we recommend drain maintenance programmes including periodic high pressure water jetting to prevent recurrence.

Yes, our gutter cleaning and downpipe cleaning services maintain your property’s rainwater drainage system. Blocked gutters cause overflow damaging walls, fascias and foundations. Blocked downpipes prevent rainwater reaching ground drains, causing similar problems. We clear leaves, moss, debris and bird nesting materials, then flush systems to ensure free flow. For properties with persistent gutter problems, we advise on gutter guards and maintenance schedules. Our service connects to our broader rainwater drainage system expertise – we can trace where your downpipes connect to ground drains and clear any blockages in the complete system.

A gully is the drain collection point typically found outside kitchen doors, in yards, or at the base of downpipes. It includes a grated cover and a trap designed to prevent smells and pests entering your property. Gully cleaning involves removing the grate, clearing accumulated debris from the trap chamber, and jetting the outlet pipe to ensure clear flow to the main drain. Blocked gullies cause localised flooding and smells. Regular gully cleaning as part of drain maintenance prevents blockages. We service domestic and commercial gullies throughout North London.

Yes, kitchens and bathrooms can share the same drain – and in most properties they do. Both connect to the same soil stack or underground drainage system that carries wastewater to the public sewer. However, each fixture requires its own trap (the U-bend) to prevent smells travelling between rooms. Building Regulations specify minimum pipe sizes and gradients for shared drainage to handle combined flows. Problems arise when undersized pipes serve multiple fixtures, causing slow drainage or backups when several are used simultaneously. If you’re planning a new bathroom or kitchen, our drainage consultancy ensures connections meet regulations and function correctly.

Yes, our drain installation services cover all domestic and commercial requirements. This includes connecting new extensions and outbuildings to existing drainage, installing complete drainage systems for new builds, adding additional soil stacks, and creating new drainage runs. All installations comply with Building Regulations and receive appropriate sign-off. Our drainage consultancy advises on optimal drainage design for your project. We handle necessary permissions and water authority connections. Whether you’re adding a new bathroom, building an extension, or developing new premises, our installation team delivers professional results.

A soakaway is an underground structure that collects surface water and allows it to gradually disperse into surrounding soil. Modern soakaway installation typically uses plastic crate systems wrapped in geotextile membrane, filled with gravel. You might need soakaway installation if extending your property (Building Regulations often require surface water drainage separate from foul drains), creating new driveways or patios generating runoff, experiencing waterlogged garden areas, or having flooding problems from surface water drainage issues. Our engineers assess soil permeability and design soakaways sized correctly for your property and local conditions.

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench containing a perforated pipe that collects and redirects groundwater away from problem areas. French drain installation suits properties suffering waterlogged gardens, damp basement walls, or surface water pooling. The perforated pipe at the trench base collects water seeping through the gravel fill and channels it to a soakaway, storm drain, or suitable discharge point. French drains work with gravity, so proper fall during installation is crucial. We design French drain systems to address your specific land drainage installation needs, often combining them with other subsoil drainage solutions.

Yes, sump pump installation forms part of our basement drainage solutions. Sump pumps sit in a pit below floor level, automatically activating when water enters the pit and pumping it away to a suitable discharge point. They’re essential for basements below the water table, properties prone to flooding, and areas where gravity drainage isn’t possible. We install submersible and pedestal pump types depending on your requirements. All installations include appropriate alarms and backup systems. Combined with waterproofing measures, sump pumps protect basement conversions and provide flood prevention for vulnerable properties.

Yes, installing drainage in your driveway is often essential and sometimes legally required. Since 2008, planning regulations require new impermeable driveways over 5 square metres to include drainage preventing surface water runoff onto public highways. Options include linear channel drains across the driveway entrance, permeable paving that allows water to soak through, or traditional gullies connecting to soakaways. For existing driveways causing flooding or pooling problems, we retrofit drainage solutions. Our drain installation team handles everything from design through to completion, ensuring your driveway drainage meets regulations and functions effectively in North London’s variable weather.

Yes, drains in your garden can usually be moved, but there are important considerations. If the drain serves only your property and lies within your boundary, you typically have the right to relocate it. However, if it’s a shared drain serving neighbours or a public sewer, you’ll need consent from affected parties or Thames Water. Moving drains requires maintaining proper gradients for flow, adequate depth for frost protection, and compliance with Building Regulations. Work within 3 metres of a public sewer requires a Build Over Agreement. Our drainage consultancy assesses your situation, handles necessary permissions, and ensures relocated drains function correctly.

Moving a manhole depends on what drainage it provides access to. Manholes on private drains serving only your property can generally be relocated, though this involves significant pipework alterations. Manholes on shared drains require agreement from all connected properties. Manholes providing access to public sewers require Thames Water permission and typically cannot be moved without their involvement. Any relocation must maintain proper access for future maintenance and inspections. Moving a manhole is often more complex and expensive than anticipated – our CCTV drain survey and drain mapping services determine exactly what the manhole connects to before we advise on feasibility and costs.

Building Regulations don’t specify a minimum distance between drains and buildings, but practical considerations apply. Underground drainage typically runs at least 450mm from external walls to avoid undermining foundations during installation or future repairs. Deeper drains can run closer to buildings. Drains passing under buildings require special construction including concrete surrounds and flexible joints to accommodate building movement. When installing new drainage near existing buildings, we calculate safe distances based on drain depth, foundation type, and soil conditions. Our drain installation service ensures all work complies with Building Regulations Part H and protects your property’s structural integrity.

Drain ownership in your garden depends on what the drain serves. Drains serving only your property are your responsibility – you own them and must maintain them. Since 2011, drains serving multiple properties (shared drains) and public sewers became Thames Water’s responsibility, even if they run through your garden. The key distinction is whether the drain crosses your property boundary to serve others. Our drain mapping and CCTV drain survey services identify exactly which drains are yours and which belong to the water company. This matters significantly when problems occur – if Thames Water owns the drain, they must repair it at no cost to you.

Since October 2011, most sewers serving more than one property transferred to Thames Water ownership, regardless of their location. This means sewers running through your garden are likely now public (Thames Water’s responsibility) if they serve any neighbouring properties. Private sewers remain your responsibility only if they serve solely your property before connecting to the public system. You can check ownership through Thames Water’s sewer records or by requesting our drain mapping service. Understanding whether your sewer is public or private determines who pays for repairs – potentially saving thousands of pounds when problems occur.

In many North London properties, especially terraced and semi-detached houses, drains are shared between neighbours. Foul drains often run along rear boundaries serving multiple properties before connecting to public sewers. Surface water drains may share routes or soakaways. Shared drainage means neighbours’ activities can affect your system – and blockages may not originate from your property. Our CCTV drain survey and drain tracing services map your complete drainage network, showing connections to neighbouring properties. This information proves invaluable when investigating recurring problems, planning building work, or establishing responsibility for repairs.

Most domestic drainage work doesn’t require planning permission but must comply with Building Regulations Part H. This includes new drain installations, alterations to existing drainage, and connecting to public sewers. You’ll need Building Control approval or use a competent persons scheme for notifiable work. Planning permission may be needed if drainage affects neighbouring land, crosses boundaries, or forms part of larger development projects. Connecting to public sewers requires a Section 106 agreement with Thames Water. Our drainage consultancy navigates these requirements, ensuring your project proceeds legally and receives necessary approvals.

Responsibility for rats in drains depends on drain ownership. If rats are entering through private drains serving only your property, addressing this is your responsibility. Rats accessing the drainage system through public sewers or shared drains are Thames Water’s concern. However, rats often exploit defects in private drains – broken pipes, displaced joints, or missing manhole covers – to move between sewer systems and properties. Our CCTV drain survey identifies entry points where rats access your drainage. We repair defective drains, install rat blockers and non-return valves, and seal access points. For properties in North London experiencing rat problems, drainage inspection is essential to identify and eliminate entry routes.

Yes, our commercial drainage solutions serve businesses throughout North London including restaurants, hotels, offices, retail premises, schools, care homes, and industrial facilities. Commercial drainage demands differ significantly from residential – higher usage, larger pipe systems, grease trap cleaning requirements, and stricter compliance obligations. Our commercial sewer cleaning services include planned maintenance contracts ensuring your business never faces drainage emergencies during trading hours. We understand commercial downtime costs and prioritise rapid response for business clients.

Interceptor cleaning services commercial premises where oily or chemical-laden water requires treatment before entering drainage systems. Petrol stations, vehicle workshops, car washes, and industrial sites need interceptors to separate oils and contaminants from wastewater. Like grease traps, interceptors require regular emptying and cleaning to function correctly and meet environmental regulations. Our interceptor cleaning service removes accumulated oils and sludge, disposing of waste responsibly. Neglected interceptors risk environmental prosecution, drainage contamination, and expensive remediation. Scheduled maintenance prevents these costly problems.

Yes, our cesspit emptying service covers properties not connected to mains sewerage. Cesspits are sealed tanks requiring regular emptying – typically every 6-12 weeks depending on household size and tank capacity. We provide scheduled emptying services ensuring you never face overflows, and emergency callouts when needed. Our tanker vehicles access most locations, and we dispose of waste at licensed facilities. For properties with older cesspits, we advise on upgrade options including septic tanks and treatment plants that require less frequent maintenance.

Our emergency flood response and flood water removal services help property owners during and after flooding events. During floods, we provide emergency pumping to remove water and minimise damage. After flooding, we assess and repair damaged drainage, clear blocked systems causing flooding, and advise on flood prevention measures. Long-term flood solutions include improving surface water drainage, soakaway installation, French drain installation, sump pump installation for basements, and ensuring your drainage system capacity matches your property’s needs. We also provide drainage consultancy for flood-prone properties wanting comprehensive protection.

Drain mapping creates accurate records of your underground drainage network including pipe locations, depths, directions, connections, and manhole positions. Using CCTV cameras with location transmitters and GPS technology, we trace drain routes precisely. Drain mapping proves invaluable before construction or landscaping projects, when buying property, for planning applications, and resolving boundary disputes about drainage responsibility. Maps show connection points to public sewers, separate surface water and foul systems, and identify shared drains with neighbours. Our comprehensive mapping supports insurance claims, building warrant applications, and drainage consultancy recommendations.

Drain leak detection uses several techniques to locate leaks without excavation. CCTV drain surveys visually identify cracks, holes and joint failures. Smoke testing reveals leaks by introducing non-toxic smoke that escapes through defects. Dye testing traces water flow to confirm leak locations. For water main repairs, we use acoustic detection equipment that locates underground leaks by sound. Unexplained damp, sudden changes in water bills, or areas of unusually lush vegetation often indicate leaks requiring investigation. Early leak detection prevents escalating damage – small leaks become collapsed drains if ignored.

Yes, drain cover replacement is a straightforward but important service. Damaged, rusted or missing manhole and drain covers create safety hazards, allow debris into drains causing blockages, and let smells escape. We supply and fit replacement covers in various materials and load ratings – from lightweight plastic inspection covers to heavy-duty steel covers rated for vehicular traffic. Recessed covers that accept block paving or turfing maintain aesthetic surfaces. Correct cover selection matters – using light-duty covers where vehicles pass causes failures. We advise on appropriate specifications and ensure proper installation.

A soil stack is the vertical pipe connecting toilets, bathrooms and kitchens to underground drains, typically running up the exterior or through the interior of buildings with a vent pipe extending above roof level. Soil stack cleaning becomes necessary when waste buildup causes slow drainage or blockages affecting multiple fittings. Using drain jetting equipment, we clear deposits from stack interiors without damaging pipes. Problems with soil stacks often indicate issues elsewhere in your drainage system – our drainage system inspection determines whether cleaning alone resolves problems or if repairs are needed.

Drain Catt brings over 25 years of drainage expertise to every job. We’re Which? Trusted Traders approved with a 5-star rating, demonstrating our commitment to quality service. Because we’re not VAT registered, you save 20% compared to VAT-charging competitors – that’s significant savings on larger jobs. We’re Checkatrade approved and have featured on BBC television for our expertise. Family-run and locally based at Friars Walk, N14, we understand North London’s unique drainage challenges from Victorian clay pipes to modern plastic systems. Our owner Ken has over 30 years’ hands-on experience solving every drainage problem imaginable.

Our residential drain service and commercial drainage solutions cover North London and into Hertfordshire. Core service areas include Barnet, Southgate, Enfield, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Whetstone, Edgware, Mill Hill, Winchmore Hill, Hendon, and Hornsey. We also serve Borehamwood and Potters Bar in Hertfordshire. Our base in N14 allows rapid response across these areas. For emergency drainage services, we prioritise jobs enabling fastest arrival times. If your area isn’t listed, contact us – we may still be able to help or recommend trusted colleagues.

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation assessments and quotes. Our engineer visits your property, inspects the problem, and provides a fixed price quote before any work begins. You’ll never face surprise charges or hidden costs. For straightforward jobs, we can often provide telephone estimates. We explain exactly what work is needed and why, empowering you to make informed decisions. This transparent approach builds the trust that has made Drain Catt North London’s preferred drainage specialists. Contact us on 020 8440 6502 or 07831 290 164 to arrange your free assessment.

We keep our pricing straightforward and transparent. For emergency callouts, a nominal callout fee applies which covers our engineer’s travel to your property and initial assessment of the problem. This fee is then deducted from the cost of any work carried out – so if you proceed with repairs or clearance, you effectively pay no callout fee. The assessment includes diagnosing the problem, explaining what’s needed, and providing a fixed quote before any chargeable work begins. You’re never obligated to proceed, and there are no hidden charges. For scheduled appointments and quotes, there’s no callout fee at all. Contact us for current pricing – remember, we don’t charge VAT, saving you 20% compared to VAT-registered competitors.

Yes, our 24/7 emergency drainage services operate every day including weekends and bank holidays. Drainage emergencies don’t wait for convenient times, so neither do we. Weekend and bank holiday callouts for genuine emergencies incur no premium charges – fair pricing regardless of when problems occur. For non-urgent work, we offer flexible appointment scheduling including weekend slots for customers who can’t take time off work. Our commitment to availability when you need us most is why North London homes and businesses trust Drain Catt.

All our work carries appropriate guarantees depending on service type. Drain cleaning and clearance work is guaranteed clear at completion and we’ll return free if blockages recur shortly after. Drain repairs, drain relining and drain installation work carries longer guarantees covering materials and workmanship. CCTV surveys include satisfaction guarantees on report quality. Specific guarantee terms are detailed in writing before work begins. Our long-standing reputation depends on getting work right first time – guarantees provide peace of mind, but our aim is that you’ll never need to use them.