The best solutions for commercial drainage problems go beyond unblocking a pipe. Whether you manage an office, warehouse or hospitality venue, the right fix involves identifying the root cause, not just clearing the symptoms. From structural repairs to preventative maintenance, these five methods are used by experts to stop recurring blockages, prevent flooding and keep your business running smoothly.
High pressure water jetting is commonly used to clear commercial drains, but it’s often a temporary fix. It works well for removing soft blockages, grease build up or minor obstructions, but it doesn’t address structural issues like cracks, misaligned joints or tree root intrusion.
A bakery, for example, might have weekly blockages caused by underlying defects. Without addressing these, jetting simply clears the symptoms. For persistent problems, jetting should be paired with diagnostic methods.
Clearing soft build up like fat and soap
Emergency response to flooding
Removing loose debris in high use sites
Blockages return frequently
Root intrusion or pipe collapse
Structural faults undetected by surface checks
Jetting remains a valuable tool in business drainage cleaning, but it’s just one part of a complete drainage solution.
A CCTV drain survey shows exactly what is going on inside the pipework. Using a high definition camera, drainage contractors inspect your underground system and record faults such as cracks, blockages, root ingress or collapsed pipework.
This prevents costly guesswork. Instead of repeatedly paying for jetting or digging at random, the survey provides a visual diagnosis and lets you plan targeted repairs.
Pipe misalignment
Structural damage
Ingress from roots or debris
Location and depth of defects
Drain surveys are especially recommended for older sites, or businesses experiencing frequent drainage issues. A commercial CCTV scan ensures that any faults are clearly identified and documented. The cost of a survey is often recouped by avoiding unnecessary emergency callouts and long term damage.
Pro Tip: If your site has older pipes, always follow jetting with a CCTV scan. It prevents repeat blockages.
Book Your CCTV Drain Survey Today
Get clear answers fast. Identify hidden faults before they cause costly damage.
When underground pipes are damaged, you usually have two repair options: dig them up and replace them, or reline them from within using a cured in place pipe (CIPP) method.
Drain relining is less disruptive and faster, making it ideal for high traffic commercial premises. Excavation may still be needed if the pipe has collapsed, is heavily misaligned, or if planning restrictions prevent lining.
WRc certification is typically required for relining to ensure longevity and compliance. If excavation is needed, local authority drainage consent may be required before work can begin.
| Feature | Drain Relining | Excavation |
|---|---|---|
| Disruption | Low | High |
| Downtime | Short | Longer |
| Cost | Moderate (£60–£120/m) | Higher (£250+/m) |
| Lifespan | 50+ years | 50+ years |
| Suitability | Minor to moderate damage | Severe or collapsed pipe |
A drainage contractor will advise based on CCTV footage, location, pipe material and access restrictions. Choosing trenchless drain repair is often the least disruptive option for occupied commercial properties.
Fat, oil and grease (FOG) are major contributors to commercial drainage issues. In restaurants and food prep areas, these substances quickly solidify and block pipes if grease traps are not cleaned and maintained.
Over time, poorly managed traps can cause severe backups, odours and even health violations. Grease trap maintenance is a legal requirement under Building Regulations Part H and monitored by local authorities and the Food Standards Agency.
Foul smells near kitchen sinks
Water draining slowly
Increased callouts for blockages
Overflow or backups during service hours
Under UK regulations, commercial kitchens must manage grease waste to prevent sewer blockages and environmental harm. Failing to service grease traps can result in fines, closures or loss of hygiene certification. Proper FOG disposal is essential to maintaining compliance.
Traps should be emptied and serviced regularly, depending on kitchen output. A scheduled grease trap service helps avoid downtime, fines and costly drain repairs.
Pro Tip: Regular grease trap cleaning can save thousands in emergency callouts and health fines.
Waiting for a drain to fail costs more in the long run. Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) includes routine inspections, cleaning, grease trap servicing and condition monitoring. It helps identify risks early, keeps the system flowing and supports compliance with insurers and HSE standards.
CCTV inspections
High pressure jetting
Grease trap service
Drain condition reports
Pre winter checks
Lower risk of flooding or blockages
Evidence for compliance and insurance
Reduced long term repair costs
Gurgling sounds from sinks or toilets
Unpleasant odours from drains
Surface water pooling outside
Slow draining in multiple areas
Neglecting drain upkeep can invalidate insurance claims following a flood. Regular servicing provides evidence that your business took reasonable steps to prevent problems.
Protect Your Property with a Drainage Maintenance Plan
Avoid emergencies, stay compliant and keep everything flowing.
Drainage issues in commercial properties often return because the underlying problem is never properly addressed. Expert contractors combine diagnostic tools, structural repair options and planned servicing to provide lasting solutions.
If you’re unsure which fix is right for your building, start with a CCTV drain survey. It’s the most accurate way to diagnose the problem and plan cost effective, long term repairs.
For property managers, facilities teams and business owners, investing in the right drainage support protects your site, staff and bottom line.
Most relined pipes last over 50 years when installed to WRc standards and maintained correctly.
Yes. UK Building Regulations require food service businesses to install and maintain grease traps to manage FOG waste effectively.
It’s a video inspection using a remote controlled camera to identify hidden damage, blockages or pipe misalignment within a drainage system.
Need Commercial Drain Repairs?
We offer fast, non disruptive solutions tailored to business premises.
24hrs Drainage Limited
33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday : Open and available 24 hours per day
Drain Services
We provide Drainage Services across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, London, Oxfordshire, and the surrounding areas.
Contact Us
If You’re Dealing With Blocked Drains Or Require Drain Repairs, You’ve Come To The Right Destination. Contact Our Team Today At 0800 0209198 For Professional Guidance And A Complimentary, No-Obligation Quote!
We are the premier providers of comprehensive drainage solutions in Reading and throughout Berkshire. With years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, we are your trusted partners for all your domestic and commercial drainage needs.
By subscribing, I agree for my data to be stored and used to receive newsand offers from 24hrs Drainage.
