Drain replacement becomes necessary when the structural condition of the pipe is too compromised for repair or relining. Your drain may need replacing if:

• The pipe has fully collapsed — Sections of pipe have caved in, creating a void underground that traps waste and prevents any flow.
• Multiple sections are damaged — Where cracks, fractures, and displacement are present across a significant length of pipe, individual repairs become less cost-effective than a full replacement.
• The pipe material has failed — Pitch fibre, early asbestos cement, and some aged clay pipes deteriorate to the point where no liner or patch can bond to the remaining material.
• Repeated repairs have been ineffective — If the same section of drain has been repaired multiple times and continues to fail, replacement removes the underlying cause permanently.
• The pipe diameter is inadequate — Older properties sometimes have undersized drainage that cannot handle modern usage levels, particularly after extensions or loft conversions with additional bathrooms.

Complete excavation and removal of the existing drainage run, followed by installation of a new pipe system from the property to the connection point. DrainsCo uses 110mm or 160mm PVCu pipework (or vitrified clay where specified) laid at the correct gradient with new inspection chambers at every change of direction or junction. Full replacements include reinstatement of all disturbed surfaces be it gardens, driveways, pathways, and internal floors where applicable.

When damage is confined to a specific section of an otherwise sound drainage run, partial replacement targets only the failed portion. We excavate the damaged section, remove the defective pipe, install new pipework with mechanical couplings to the existing system, and carry out watertight testing before backfilling. Sectional replacement is faster, less disruptive, and more cost-effective than full replacement when the rest of the system is in serviceable condition.

Replacing drains that run beneath a property’s footprint requires careful planning to minimise structural disruption. DrainsCo’s approach combines localised internal excavation with external access where possible, maintaining the building’s structural integrity while replacing the compromised pipework. For some under-building situations, we may recommend CIPP relining as a less invasive alternative as we’ll always present both options with a clear comparison.

Shared drains serving multiple properties require coordination between neighbours and, in many cases, involvement from the local water authority. DrainsCo manages the full process: from CCTV diagnosis and neighbour communication to Section 106 applications, excavation, replacement, and Building Control sign-off. Where the shared drain is the responsibility of the water company, we’ll advise you on the correct reporting process.