Drain Repairs & Excavations in Stockport and Manchester
Collapsed, cracked or root-damaged drain? We find the fault on camera first, try no-dig patch repairs where they'll work, and only dig where we have to.
- 5.0 Google, 142 reviews
- 9.87/10 Checkatrade, 175 reviews
- Family run
- Open 24/7
- Fixed prices: £75 or £150 + VAT
- Fully insured, DBS checked
When a drain pipe is collapsed, cracked, displaced or badly damaged by roots, an excavation and repair is often the best long-term fix. We carry out drain repairs and excavations across Stockport, Manchester and the surrounding areas, using CCTV surveys and drain tracing to pinpoint the fault before any digging starts.
Our aim is always the least disruptive, most cost-effective repair for your property. If a no-dig patch repair will do the job, we'll tell you.
When Is a Drain Excavation Needed?
Not every damaged drain needs digging up. Where possible, we consider no-dig patch repairs first. Excavation is usually needed when the pipe has failed structurally or a patch repair isn't suitable.
- Collapsed drain pipes
- Severe root intrusion
- Cracked or fractured pipework along a length
- Badly displaced joints
- Failed historic repairs
- Damage from ground movement
- Sections that can't be repaired from inside
- Pipes that keep blocking because of a sag or break
Seen a big quote already? Read do you really need a drain excavation? and the signs of a collapsed drain.
Our Drain Excavation Process
We know digging is disruptive, especially on drives, patios and gardens. That's why we survey and trace first, keep you informed, and leave the site tidy.
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CCTV inspection
We inspect the drain with a CCTV camera to find the exact cause, severity and position of the defect.
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Locate and excavate
We pinpoint the damaged section and its depth, then dig only the area needed to expose the pipe.
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Repair and reinstate
We repair or replace the failed section with modern materials, backfill, and reinstate the area as neatly as we can.
From our recent jobs: a look at what we find and repair once we dig down.
Other Drain Repairs We Carry Out
No-dig patch repairs
A single crack, open joint or root entry point can often be sealed from inside the pipe, £450 + VAT for the first patch. See patch drain repairs. We offer patch repairs only, not full relining.
Soil stack replacement
Cracked or leaking cast iron soil pipes on older homes replaced with modern pipework, typically from £950 + VAT. See soil pipe and soil stack replacement.
Gully replacement
Cracked, leaking or constantly blocking gullies broken out and replaced with a new trapped gully. Read why gully replacements matter.
Manhole covers and chambers
Broken, rocking or missing manhole covers replaced, and damaged chambers repaired. Read manhole cover replacement explained.
Drain Repair and Excavation Costs
Every excavation is different, so we price it after we've seen the problem on camera. You'll get a clear price based on the actual defect and access, not a teaser price.
- Depth of the pipe
- Ease of access
- Ground conditions
- Length of pipe to repair
- Surface type and reinstatement
- Any jetting, root cutting or CCTV needed first
| Work | Price |
|---|---|
| CCTV look-see survey (no report) | £150 + VAT |
| CCTV survey of one drain, with written report | £220 + VAT |
| No-dig patch repair, 4" pipe (setup and first patch) | £450 + VAT |
| No-dig patch repair, 6" pipe (setup and first patch) | £550 + VAT |
| Excavation and pipe replacement | Quoted after inspection |
| Commercial repairs | Quote on request, from £220 + VAT |
Already have CCTV footage from someone else? We'll give you a free second opinion on it. See how we keep drain repair prices fair.
Drain Repairs Near You
We carry out drain repairs and excavations across Stockport borough, south and north Manchester, Trafford, the Wilmslow area and Bolton. We cover Greater Manchester outside the M1, M2 and M3 city-centre postcodes. Call 07375 521027 to check your postcode.
Drain Repair FAQs
How do I know if I need a drain excavation?
Signs include repeated blockages, slow drainage, foul smells, subsidence, a sinkhole, or a CCTV survey showing a collapsed or badly damaged drain. We only recommend excavation once no-dig patch repairs have been ruled out.
Can a collapsed drain always be repaired without digging?
No. A single crack or open joint can often be sealed with a no-dig patch repair, but collapses, large voids, displaced sections and badly broken pipework usually need excavating and replacing. We offer patch repairs only, not full relining.
How much does a drain excavation cost?
It depends on the depth of the pipe, access, ground conditions, the length to be replaced and the surface to reinstate. We'll give you a clear written price after a CCTV inspection, never a teaser price that grows once we start.
Do you carry out CCTV surveys before digging?
Yes. We confirm the problem with a CCTV survey first (a look-see survey is £150 + VAT, or £220 + VAT for one drain with a written report), and use locating equipment where needed, so we dig in the right place.
I've been quoted for a big repair. Can you give a second opinion?
Yes. Send us the CCTV footage you already have and we'll review it free of charge. If we need to carry out our own survey, that's chargeable.
Do you work for landlords and businesses?
Yes. We work for homeowners, landlords, letting agents, shops and commercial sites across Stockport and Greater Manchester. Commercial work is quoted on request, from £220 + VAT. Businesses can also ask about our drain maintenance agreements.
Need Help With a Collapsed Drain?
Repeated blockages, foul smells or suspected pipe damage? Call or WhatsApp us for honest advice and practical repair options.
The Drain Unblocking Company · 2 St Margaret's Road, Cheadle SK8 2HD · info@thedrainunblockingcompany.com