Mar 16, 2026
Signs of a Blocked Drain and What to Do About It
Strange smells, slow-draining water, or gurgling noises from your pipes? Here is how to spot a blocked drain early and what steps to take before calling a drainage engineer.
Read More →
WRc Approved Materials - Guaranteed Workmanship
Expert Drain
Repairs
From no-dig patch lining to full excavation replacements, our WRc certified engineers repair cracked, collapsed, and damaged drains using the most appropriate method for your property.
WRc
Approved Materials
No-Dig
Technology Available
CCTV
Diagnosed First
Fixed
Price Quotes
To Dig or Not to Dig? Two Repair Methods, One Goal
Our engineers are innovative when it comes to finding the correct method to repair your drainage system and return it to flowing order. We repair damaged drains across the West Midlands, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. Every repair starts with a CCTV survey so we know exactly what we are dealing with before quoting.
No repair or installation is too small or too big for us to tackle. Our team will also assist with any projects you may have to add further drainage systems to your current household or establishment.
Drainage Repair via No-Dig Technology
Our preferred method wherever possible. Damaged or cracked drain pipes need to be repaired to avoid further blockages. If our team detect any damage during a camera check, we can fix it with our patch re-lining equipment which requires no excavation of your groundwork, speeds up the repair process and provides a more cost-effective approach.
A resin-impregnated felt or fibreglass liner is inserted through an existing access point (manhole or rodding eye), positioned over the damaged section, and inflated against the pipe wall. The resin cures in place, typically within a few hours, forming a structural new pipe inside the old one.
The beauty is with no-dig repair patch re-lining, it does not spoil any groundwork in case you have a fancy patio or driveway to dig down from to repair the pipeline. No-dig is ideal for cracks, fractures, displaced joints, and root-damaged sections, which is why it is so popular with homeowners in areas like Solihull and Warwick where expensive landscaping or block-paved driveways would otherwise need lifting.
Our patch re-lining products are WRc approved and our engineers are trained and certified to use them to rectify the issues noticed.
- No excavation needed
- Single-day completion
- WRc approved materials
- Manufacturer-backed guarantee
- Minimal disruption
Repairs and Installations via Excavation
If our engineers identify there are defects in your underground drainpipes, and advise that it cannot be fixed by no-dig repairs, then excavation and replacement will be a last resort. When a drain has completely collapsed, or when multiple failure points make lining impractical, our team carefully exposes the damaged section, removes the failed pipe, and replaces it with high-quality PVC to current building regulation standards.
Whether it is caused by age, underground movement, displacement of seals or ruptures, our team can excavate and replace any required sections, ensuring your drainage becomes watertight, secure and will avoid further damage in years to come.
Excavation is more common in areas with very old infrastructure, the Victorian terraces of Birmingham, mining-subsidence areas around Nuneaton, and historic town centres like Stratford-upon-Avon where some drains are centuries old. We reinstate all surfaces after excavation.
Our team also takes on requirements to move or add to drainage systems when clients are completing home improvement projects to their properties. Our engineers will visit, investigate and then quote for repair works.
- Complete pipe replacement
- Building regulations compliant
- Full surface reinstatement
- High-quality PVC materials
- Workmanship guaranteed
What Causes Drain Damage Across Our Region
Ground Movement
Heavy Mercia Mudstone clay across the region shrinks and swells seasonally, cracking and displacing pipe joints.
Tree Root Damage
Roots force their way into pipe joints seeking moisture, widening cracks and eventually collapsing sections of pipework.
Age & Material Failure
Pitch-fibre pipes from the 1960s-70s (common in Redditch and Coventry estates) deform and collapse. Old clay pipes become brittle.
Subsidence & Mining
Former mining areas in Nuneaton, Bedworth, and parts of Dudley experience ongoing ground settlement damaging underground pipes.
Signs Your Drain Needs Repair
Damaged drains rarely fix themselves. If you notice any of these warning signs, a CCTV drain survey can confirm the issue before it worsens.
Recurring Blockages
Same drain blocking repeatedly despite being cleared, which points to structural damage
Slow Draining Fixtures
Sinks, baths, or toilets draining slowly across the property
Damp Patches or Sinkholes
Unexplained wet areas in your garden, or soil sinking near drain runs
Foul Smells
Persistent drainage odour inside or outside, even when drains are flowing
Rat or Pest Activity
Rats entering through broken drain sections, a common issue in older areas
Cracks in Walls
Subsidence caused by leaking drains washing away soil beneath foundations
No-Dig vs Excavation: How We Choose
One of the first questions homeowners ask is whether their drain repair will require digging up the garden or driveway. The honest answer is: it depends on what the CCTV survey shows. Here is how we decide:
No-dig is right when...
- The pipe is cracked but still structurally intact
- Joints are displaced but the pipe has not collapsed
- Root ingress has damaged a localised section
- The pipe diameter is large enough to accept a liner
- There are suitable access points (manholes or rodding eyes) at both ends
- Surface above is expensive or difficult to reinstate (patios, driveways, mature planting)
Excavation is needed when...
- The pipe has completely collapsed and lost its shape
- Multiple failure points make lining impractical
- The pipe run has severe bellying (sagging) that traps waste
- The pipe diameter is too small for relining (some older 75mm soil pipes)
- A new connection or route change is needed
- Pitch fibre pipes have deformed beyond what lining can correct
In practice, roughly 70% of the drain repairs we carry out across Birmingham and the West Midlands are completed using no-dig methods. We always recommend the least invasive option first. If excavation is genuinely required, we will explain exactly why and provide a detailed quote before any ground is broken.
Drain Repair Pricing Guide
Every drain repair is different, so all repairs are quoted after a CCTV survey. You will know the full cost before any work begins. No hidden charges, no surprises.
No-dig patch lining
Single localised repair to a cracked or damaged section. Completed in a single visit with WRc approved materials and a manufacturer-backed guarantee.
Full pipe relining (CIPP)
End-to-end relining of a complete drain run. Price depends on length, diameter, number of bends, and access. Quoted after survey.
Excavation and replacement
Full pipe replacement including excavation and surface reinstatement. Price depends on depth, access, surface material, and length of run.
Pre-repair CCTV survey
Full diagnostic survey to identify all damage and determine the best repair method. Required before any repair work begins.
We never pressure you into a repair on the spot. You will receive a written quote with a full explanation of the recommended work, the materials to be used, and an itemised cost breakdown. Take your time to decide, and if you want a second opinion, you are welcome to use our survey report with another contractor.
Contact Us for Pricing
Or call 0121 296 7829 for a quote
Our Repair Process
Every repair follows the same rigorous process to ensure a lasting result.
01
Survey
Full CCTV inspection to map the damage
02
Quote
Fixed price based on survey findings
03
Repair
No-dig lining or excavation as needed
04
Verify
Post-repair CCTV to confirm success
Find Drain Repair Services Near You
We repair drains across three counties. Select your area for local information and response times.
West Midlands
The West Midlands metropolitan county is our core service area, covering Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Dudley, Wolverh...
View West Midlands areasWarwickshire
Warwickshire stretches from the urban edges of Coventry through historic market towns like Warwick and Stratford-upon-Av...
View Warwickshire areasWorcestershire
Worcestershire covers our extended service area from Bromsgrove and Redditch through to Worcester, Kidderminster, Droitw...
View Worcestershire areasFrequently Asked Questions
How much do drain repairs cost?
Repair costs vary depending on the method, depth, and location of the damage. No-dig patch lining starts from £380 inc VAT, while excavation repairs depend on depth and surface type. We always provide a fixed quote after a CCTV survey with no hidden costs.
What is no-dig drain repair?
No-dig repair (also called patch lining or relining) involves inserting a resin-impregnated liner into the damaged pipe from an existing access point. The liner cures in place, creating a new pipe-within-a-pipe without any need to dig up your garden, driveway, or patio. We use WRc approved materials for all no-dig work.
How long do drain repairs take?
A no-dig patch repair can be completed in a single day. Excavation repairs typically take 1-3 days depending on the extent of damage, depth, and whether reinstatement of driveways or gardens is required. We will give you a clear timeline before starting.
Do I need a CCTV survey before a repair?
Yes, we always conduct a detailed CCTV drain survey before quoting for any repair work. This identifies the exact location, extent, and nature of the damage, allowing us to recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective repair method. The survey cost is included in the repair quotation.
Are your repair materials guaranteed?
Yes. All no-dig repairs use WRc (Water Research Centre) approved materials with a manufacturer-backed guarantee. Our workmanship is also guaranteed. For excavation repairs, we use only high-quality PVC pipes and fittings that meet current building regulations.
When is excavation necessary instead of no-dig?
Excavation is required when a pipe has completely collapsed, when there are multiple failure points close together, or when the pipe diameter or material makes lining impractical. Some very old stone or timber drains found in historic areas like Warwick and Stratford also require full replacement.
Related Services
Our engineers carry equipment for multiple drainage tasks, so we can often handle several issues in a single visit.
Drain Unblocking
Fast, fixed-price drain clearing using manual rodding or high-pressure jetting. Free CCTV camera check included with every job.
CCTV Drain Surveys
HD camera inspections with same-day written reports. Ideal for home buyers, build-over applications, and diagnosing recurring problems.
High Pressure Jetting
3,000 PSI water jetting to clear stubborn blockages and descale pipes. Ideal for fat build-up, root ingress, and drain maintenance.
Checkatrade Verified · 9.8/10 Rating · Fully Insured
Craig Argyle and Jamie Ruby founded Cofton DJS with over 10 years of drainage experience. All work uses WRc approved materials and comes with a written guarantee.
Latest from Our Blog
Mar 16, 2026
Build Over Agreements: What You Need to Know Before Extending Your Home
Planning a home extension near a public sewer? You will likely need a build over agreement. Here is what the process involves, what it costs, and how to avoid delays.
Read More →
Jan 15, 2024
Emergency Drainage Tips: What to Do Before the Engineer Arrives
Drainage emergencies can happen at any time. Here are the essential steps to take while you wait for a professional to arrive.
Read More →Need Help With Your Drains?
Call us now or request a callback. Available 24/7 for emergencies.