Domestic Drain Services
For domestic customers we undertake the following services:
- Blocked drain clearance and drain cleaning
- Emptying and cleaning of cesspools, septic tanks and sewage treatment systems
- CCTV inspection surveys & drain tests
- Maintenance, repair and installation of drainage systems
We hope the following information may answer some of your questions regarding the services we provide.
Domestic Blocked Drains
- Is there a call out charge?
- No. Our charges start from when the engineer arrives on site.
- How much will it cost to clear the blocked drain?
- Costs depend on the method used to clear the blocked drain. As a guide, most domestic blockages can be cleared within 2 hours however this cannot be guaranteed as it depends on the severity of the problem. Our engineers can advise roughly how long they think the blockage will take to clear once they have appraised the situation.
- What method will be used?
- Our engineer will advise on site, although jetting is often requested to ensure most satisfactory and effective results. Jetting unblocks as well as cleans the pipework
- How quickly can you get here?
- We aim to cover blocked drains the same day however this cannot be guaranteed and does depend on our work load at the time. We do offer a 24 hour service and therefore crews are available to attend outside of normal working hours.
- What areas do you cover?
- For domestic blocked drains we cover Rochester, Chatham, Strood, Gillingham, the Hoo Peninsula, Gravesend, Dartford, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Maidstone and the surrounding villages. If your area is not mentioned please feel free to contact us.
- What are your payment terms?
- You can either pay our driver on site by cash or cheque or you can call our office to make payment by debit card. 21 day's credit may be allowed in certain circumstances. Alternatively our banking details are on our invoices to allow payment by internet banking. If you use this method please ensure you use your company name or surname and the invoice number(s).
Cesspools, Septic Tanks and Bio-systems
- What areas do you cover?
- Our normal areas are the Medway Towns, Gravesend, Dartford, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Maidstone and the surrounding villages. If your area is not mentioned please feel free to contact us.
- What do you charge?
- Our charges vary depending on your location. Our standard charge allows for up to 45 minutes on site, and collection and disposal of up to 2000 gallons (9000 litres). There is no VAT on domestic waste collection and disposal.
- What are your payment terms?
- We prefer cash or cheque payment on site however for regular customers we are willing to offer 7 days credit. Our invoices show our bank details if you wish to pay us using online banking. Unfortunately we cannot accept card payments.
- How quickly can you get here?
- We are usually able to cover work within 3 working days and in urgent situations may be able to attend the same day.
- Do you offer regular emptying services
- Yes, we offer service agreements where we attend regularly without the need for you to call and book each time. These can be set up for however often you would prefer.
- How often will my cesspit need emptying?
- Cesspits vary in size and can hold up to or exceeding 10,000 gallons. The length of time between emptying depends on the amount of water used. Waste is usually taken from showers, baths, toilets, sinks, washing machines, dishwashers etc.
- What is the difference between a cesspool / cesspit and a septic tank?
- A cesspit / cesspool is a holding tank in the ground that collects all foul waste and water from the property. Once full the tank needs to be emptied. Whilst collecting waste from the property a septic tank also filters out the liquid waste into the surrounding ground through a soakaway or water course. The remaining solid waste within the tank is then broken down by bacteria into a sludge. The remaining sludge then needs to be collected regularly (minimum twice a year) with a small amount of waste retained in the tank to allow the bacteria to work efficiently.
- When will my cesspit need cleaning?
- The heavy build up of sludge sometimes affects the efficient collection of waste and cleaning is required to remove this sludge, restoring the full holding capacity of the tank.
- Why is my cesspit filling quicker than usual?
- It could simply be a change in use or that a tap has been left dripping. Alternatively it is possible that water is ingressing into the system or there may be another problem. As a result we usually suggest that tanks are cleaned and then inspected.
CCTV Survey Inspection & Drain Tests
- What is a CCTV survey?
- A CCTV survey is when a small camera is placed into the drain and propelled along the pipework. Usually a recording is made onto video or DVD. They are often recommended or required if there is a suspected problem or defect or during a house purchase. A CCTV survey is undertaken to establish the condition and integrity of the pipework. It will be able to reveal the cause of any blockages and the location and extent of any problems within the drain.
- What information do we get from the CCTV survey?
- We will provide you with a video or DVD showing the recording made of the internal condition of the drain, a sketch of your drainage layout and a written report explaining the condition and integrity of the pipework. The CCTV survey report also details the size, material and duty of the pipework surveyed. Any defects found will be described along with recommendations on how they can be fixed. If problems are found we are happy to provide a free estimate for the remedial works. We hold backup copies of DVD recordings for up to 1 year. We do not hold backup copies of VHS video tapes.
- What size & lengths of pipework are you able to survey?
- We can inspect foul and surface water pipework from a diameter of 2" (50mm) up to 12" (300mm). Although not guaranteed, the pipework serving most domestic properties is 4" or 6" diameter. We can survey lengths up to 200m.
Installation, Repair & Maintenance of Drains
- Do you offer free estimates?
- Yes. We may call when we will be in the area to see if it is convenient to visit and inspect your drainage problem. Otherwise we try to make mutually convenient appointments.
- How long will it take to receive my estimate?
- We aim to send out estimates within 10 days of the initial visit. Depending on the nature of the problem this could be much quicker.
- Can you make connections onto the mains drainage?
- We have considerable experience in making connections onto mains drainage and liaising with local water companies and building control etc.
- Can you dig in the road?
- We have qualified NRSWA operatives who can undertake excavations in the road and are familiar with liaising with the local highways authorities.