Our frequently asked questions

 

What drainage problems can you help with?

We can help with any drainage problem you may be experiencing. Some of the common issues we work on include:

  • Blocked drains
  • Slow draining sinks or showers
  • Overflowing toilets
  • Foul odours from drains
  • Gurgling sounds in pipes
  • Water pooling or flooding
  • Tree root intrusion in drains
  • Cracked or collapsed drains

What are signs I have a blocked drain?

There are several signs that you may have a blocked drain:

  • Water draining slowly or not at all
  • Unpleasant odours coming from drains
  • Gurgling sounds in pipes or drains
  • Water backing up in sinks, showers, or toilets
  • Overflowing toilets or drains
  • Wet patches or pooling water

What is drain relining?

Drain relining is a technique that can repair damaged drains without the need for excavation. It involves inserting a flexible liner that is coated with a special resin into the existing pipe. The liner is inflated to form to the existing pipe surface and left to cure. This creates a new, strong pipe within the old one.

What is a CCTV drain survey?

A CCTV drain survey involves inserting a small camera attached to a flexible cable into the drain system. The camera provides a real-time video feed, allowing the condition of the drains to be inspected. This can identify any blockages, cracks, or other issues, and allows our team to determine the best course of action for repair or maintenance. Learn more about our drainage inspection services in Bromley.

Can’t I just use a chemical cleaner?

While chemical cleaners can sometimes help in clearing minor blockages, they are not always effective and can have negative consequences. Harsh chemicals may damage pipes, harm the environment, and pose health risks. It’s best to use them sparingly and consider professional assistance for persistent or severe blockages.

Why would I get a drainage survey on a house that I want to buy?

Getting a drainage survey on a house you want to buy can reveal any underlying issues or potential problems with the drainage system. It provides you with a clear understanding of the condition of the drains, the presence of any blockages or damage, and allows you to make an informed decision about the property and negotiate based on any future repairs that may be necessary.

What causes a blocked drain?

Several factors can cause a blocked drain, including:

  • Accumulation of grease, fat, or food particles
  • Foreign objects, such as sanitary products or wipes, being flushed down the toilet
  • Tree root intrusion into the pipes
  • Build-up of hair, soap scum, or debris in bathroom drains
  • Structural damage to the pipes, such as cracks or collapses

Can you repair a drain without having to excavate and reinstall them?

Yes, it is often possible to repair drains without excavating and reinstalling them. Techniques like drain relining, allow for repairs to be made from within the existing pipe. Other methods, such as high pressure water jetting can also clear blockages and restore proper flow without the need for excavation.

What is causing bad smells in my drains?

Bad smells in drains can have a wide range of causes. These include:

  • Build-up of organic matter like food particles, grease, or hair
  • Blockages leading to stagnant water in the pipes
  • Bacterial growth in the drains
  • Damaged or cracked pipes allowing sewer smells to escape
  • Insufficient ventilation in the plumbing system

Professional drain inspection can help to identify the specific cause and follow an appropriate solution.

Can vermin get into my property through my drains?

It is possible for vermin, such as rats or mice, to enter properties through drains. If there are openings or gaps in the drainage system, vermin can navigate their way into the property seeking food or shelter. Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and sealing any entry points can help prevent this. We can also install rat gates within the pipework. These are one-way systems that allow rats to leave the property via the drains but prevents them from entering.

Do you offer emergency drain servicing?

Yes, we can offer emergency drain servicing. Our team understands that blocked drains or other drainage issues can cause significant inconvenience and potential damage to your property. We will be available to address urgent problems outside of regular business hours.

Do you work on the weekends?

Yes. Drainage problems can occur at any time, so we are available 24/7 to respond. This makes us the right choice to respond in an emergency, or to carry out work outside of your regular working hours so that disruption can be avoided.

How long will it take you to unblock my drain?

The time it takes to unblock a drain can vary depending on the severity of the blockage, the complexity of the drainage system, and the specific techniques used for clearing it. Simple blockages can often be resolved within an hour, while more complex cases may require additional time or specialised equipment. Our team will assess the situation and provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.

How often should I get my drains serviced?

This will depend on the age of the drainage system, the way it is used, and the surrounding environment. As a general guideline, it is recommended to have a professional drain inspection and maintenance performed every 1-2 years to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate. However, if you notice recurring problems or signs of drainage issues, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance promptly, regardless of the regular servicing schedule.

Schedule a trustworthy service

If your drains are blocked, you need assistance from the experts. We will respond quickly on the day you contact us to discuss any work. Call us on 0800 999 1769 or 0203 337 0349 or email info@bndrainageltd.com and we’ll get back to you soon to discuss your requirements.

CSRA Accredited

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Michael Buchanan profile picture
Michael Buchanan
3 November 2026
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Great service. Definitely recommend
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Ravinder Lidder profile picture
Ravinder Lidder
17 October 2026
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I would highly recommend BN Drainage. I called them out to fix a blocked drain, and they arrived within the hour. They quickly identified and fixed the problem, providing a fast, efficient and professional service. They also sent over a job sheet detailing the work they had carried out, which was really helpful and kept me fully informed throughout. Their prices were reasonable, and they were friendly and approachable from start to finish. Overall, a great experience with a reliable company that I wouldn’t hesitate to use again. Highly recommended!
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Danny profile picture
Danny
13 October 2026
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Highly recommended BN Drainage sorted out a drain fly problem in my bathroom caused by a damaged drain. They were knowledgeable and professional. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommended.
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Akash Pithia profile picture
Akash Pithia
7 October 2026
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We'd had a blocked manhole and a toilet that wouldn't clear properly for about two weeks, so I was glad to get someone out. A contractor from BN Drainage attended, explained clearly what the problem was, and got stuck in straight away. He was friendly, straightforward and didn't oversell anything. The engineer came out in the morning to finish the job. All sorted.
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Ana Zaidi profile picture
Ana Zaidi
2 October 2026
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BN Drainage were incredibly helpful with our pre-purchase CCTV survey. Dan and Barry explained the findings clearly over several phone calls and kindly reviewed repairs carried out by another contractor following their survey. Great communication and support throughout a stressful house purchase. Highly recommend!
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Marie “Chanelle” D profile picture
Marie “Chanelle” D
29 September 2026
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I’ve had a fantastic experience with Dan and the team at BN Drainage. From start to finish they were professional, knowledgeable, efficient and reliable. The work was carried out quickly and accurately and their pricing was extremely competitive without compromising on the quality of the service. Dan clearly knows his trade and took the time to explain everything clearly, which gave me complete confidence in the work being carried out. If you’re looking for a drainage company that combines knowledge, professionalism, efficiency and great value for money, I would highly recommend BN Drainage. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again! Thank you all for your help :) Marie
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Nigel Colgan profile picture
Nigel Colgan
21 September 2026
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Extremely happy with BN Drainage who surveyed our drains before the purchase of our house , came following purchase and repaired our drains and unblocked our sink. Every interaction was easy, every appointment was confirmed the day before and they turned up on time and did a first class job. I highly recommend!!!!
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Olufunmilayo funke Dejahang
17 September 2026
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This is a bona fide feed back review about BN Drainage Ltd, written with integrity and honesty. We recently discovered the horror of broken gulley drains and leaking water into our basements (i.e. our neighbour and ourselves because the gulley grains were connected) and were introduced to this drain specialist by our local Whatsapp group. From the beginning to the end of the job they have been an excellent company. Courteous and respectful (for us an important part of the relationship with any company); They inspected the drains and we received a detailed breakdown & invoice of the work that had to be done. The cost was very reasonable and much cheaper than we anticipated. It was a big job because our neighbour's drain being connected to ours, meant that they had to do the 2 jobs together. They set a date for the repairs and came on time as planned. We were expecting a big messy job with mud everywhere, but they were respectful of our house and living space and curtailed the mess and mud and cleared away the old drains and debris and left the site clean ready for us to do our home cleaning-up. They removed the old drains, pipes & debris etc from our house altogether. We anticipated that our conservatory tiles would have to be broken during the work (and replicas hard to find since they had been down for many ears), but the engineers found they did not have to do this and preserved our tiles. We received an excellent professionally produced report about their findings (before and after the job) and details of the work they had carried out. They really do deserve a big 'thank you' for a job well done, for a very good cost and deserve a 5 star rating.
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Lukasz Kwiatkowski profile picture
Lukasz Kwiatkowski
10 September 2026
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It was an absolute pleasure to be serviced by BN Drainage. Great communication and responsiveness from Karen and Dan throughout, and really helpful and proactive Teon on-site. Thank you ever so much! Indeed number 1 for any number 2s;)
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Matt Taylor Films profile picture
Matt Taylor Films
8 September 2026
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Fantastic service from BN Drainage, really responsive and accommodating. The engineer had really great attention to detail and completed the work to a very high standard. Will 100% be coming back in the future.
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