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.
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.
Recommended
Drainage Repair via No-Dig Technology
Our preferred method wherever possible. Damaged or cracked drain
pipes need to be repaired to avoid further blockages or blocked toilets. 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
When needed
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 requiring drain unblocking and repair
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.
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.
Don't just take our word for it. Read what our customers have to say
★★★★★
Checkatrade
"Craig, Jamie and colleague were excellent. Proper blokes, polite, friendly, knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything in layman terms. Highly recommended."
B48 CustomerBirmingham B48
★★★★★
Checkatrade
"Communication was excellent by Craig before, during and after the work. They were friendly, knowledgeable and hard working. They tidied up really well afterwards, neater than before they arrived!"
B38 CustomerBirmingham B38
★★★★★
Google
"Can't praise these guys enough!! Were helpful in the extreme in sorting a drain blockage for me - and over the New Year period too, finishing on New Years Day!"
A selection of drainage jobs from across our service area.
Frequently 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.
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.
Tree roots are one of the most destructive forces your drains will face. Find out how roots enter pipes, the warning signs to watch for, and how we cut and reline without digging.
Fat, oil, and grease are the number one cause of kitchen drain blockages. Find out why FOG builds up inside your pipes, what fatbergs are, and how to stop grease killing your drains.
A CCTV drain survey is the most useful diagnostic tool in drainage work. Here is the full walkthrough of what happens on the day, from camera insertion to the written HD report.