FAQs | 1st Response Drainage

Question 1

Do you offer emergency drainage callouts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide rapid response drainage support for urgent issues such as blocked drains, overflows and backups. If you're dealing with a drainage emergency, contact our team and we'll respond as quickly as possible.

Question 2

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We operate across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, covering towns, villages and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, just get in touch and we'll confirm availability.

Question 3

Do you work with both homes and businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide drainage services for homeowners, landlords, letting agents and commercial clients, including shops, offices, hospitality venues and industrial sites.

Question 4

Are your drainage engineers qualified and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our engineers are fully trained, experienced and insured, using professional equipment to carry out all work safely and effectively.

Question 5

How do I book a drainage service?

Accepted Answer

You can call us directly, email our team or complete the contact form on our website. We'll discuss the issue, confirm availability and arrange a visit.

Question 6

What causes drains to become blocked?

Accepted Answer

Blocked drains are commonly caused by grease, food waste, wipes, hair, soap residue, scale build-up or tree roots entering the pipework.

Question 7

Can you clear recurring drain blockages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a blockage keeps returning, we can investigate the underlying cause using CCTV inspection and recommend a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.

Question 8

How quickly can a blocked drain be cleared?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, blockages can be cleared during the first visit. More complex issues may require inspection or additional work, which we'll explain clearly.

Question 9

Is drain unblocking messy or disruptive?

Accepted Answer

We use professional equipment and methods designed to minimise mess and disruption. Our engineers always work cleanly and respectfully at your property.

Question 10

Should I try to unblock the drain myself?

Accepted Answer

Simple blockages can sometimes be resolved, but repeated or severe issues are best handled professionally to avoid pipe damage or incomplete clearance.

Question 11

What is a CCTV drainage survey?

Accepted Answer

A CCTV drainage survey uses a specialist camera to inspect the inside of your drains, identifying issues such as blockages, cracks, root intrusion or pipe collapse.

Question 12

When should I have a CCTV drain survey?

Accepted Answer

CCTV surveys are recommended for recurring blockages, unexplained drainage issues, or before purchasing a property to identify hidden problems.

Question 13

Do CCTV surveys cause disruption?

Accepted Answer

No. CCTV inspections are non-invasive and carried out through existing access points, with no digging required.

Question 14

Will I receive a report after the survey?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide recorded footage and a clear report outlining any issues found, along with recommendations for repair if needed.

Question 15

Can a CCTV survey help prevent future problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Identifying issues early can help prevent costly repairs and reduce the risk of repeat blockages or damage.

Question 16

What is high pressure water jetting?

Accepted Answer

High pressure water jetting uses powerful water jets to remove stubborn blockages, grease, scale and debris from inside drainage pipes.

Question 17

Is water jetting safe for drains?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When carried out by trained professionals, jetting is a safe and effective method suitable for most drainage systems.

Question 18

When is jetting better than rodding?

Accepted Answer

Jetting is often more effective for heavy build-up, grease, scale and recurring blockages where rodding alone may not fully clear the pipe.

Question 19

Can jetting prevent future blockages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. By thoroughly cleaning the pipe interior, jetting reduces the chance of debris building up again quickly.

Question 20

Do you use jetting for commercial drainage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. High pressure jetting is commonly used for commercial sites where drains experience higher usage and heavier build-up.

Question 21

What is a patch liner repair?

Accepted Answer

A patch liner is an internal repair method that seals cracks or damaged sections of pipe without excavation.

Question 22

When is no-dig repair suitable?

Accepted Answer

No-dig repairs are suitable for localised damage such as cracks, small fractures or joint defects where the rest of the pipe is in good condition.

Question 23

Is patch lining permanent?

Accepted Answer

Patch lining provides a long-lasting repair, extending the life of the pipe and preventing leaks or root ingress.

Question 24

Does patch lining require digging?

Accepted Answer

No. Repairs are carried out internally through existing access points, avoiding disruption to floors, gardens or driveways.

Question 25

How do I know if patch lining is right for my drain?

Accepted Answer

A CCTV drainage survey is used to assess the condition of the pipe and determine whether patch lining is the most effective solution.

Question 26

How do tree roots get into drains?

Accepted Answer

Roots can enter through small cracks or joints in drainage pipes, attracted by moisture and nutrients.

Question 27

What problems do roots cause in drains?

Accepted Answer

Root intrusion can cause blockages, slow drainage, cracks and structural damage to pipework if left untreated.

Question 28

Can roots be removed without replacing the pipe?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Roots can be removed and the pipe repaired internally using patch lining or no-dig methods.

Question 29

Will roots grow back after removal?

Accepted Answer

If the pipe is properly repaired after removal, the risk of regrowth is significantly reduced.

Question 30

How can I tell if roots are causing my drainage issue?

Accepted Answer

Recurring blockages or slow drainage are common signs. A CCTV survey can confirm whether roots are present.

Question 31

Do you provide drainage services for businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support a wide range of commercial clients, including offices, retail units, hospitality venues and industrial sites.

Question 32

Can you work outside business hours?

Accepted Answer

Where possible, we can arrange visits to minimise disruption to your operations.

Question 33

Do you offer planned maintenance for commercial drains?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Regular inspections and cleaning can help prevent unexpected blockages and downtime.

Question 34

Can you handle high-use drainage systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use professional equipment suitable for heavy-use commercial drainage systems.

Question 35

Do you provide reports for commercial clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CCTV surveys and inspections can include written reports and footage for records, compliance or insurance purposes.

Question 36

What is a sonde in drainage?

Accepted Answer

A sonde is a small electronic transmitter that is inserted into a drain or pipe. It sends a signal that can be detected above ground using specialist equipment, allowing engineers to accurately trace the route and depth of underground pipework without digging.

Question 37

When would I need drain tracing?

Accepted Answer

Drain tracing is commonly needed when planning building work, investigating persistent drainage problems, locating damaged pipework, or identifying shared or boundary drains. It helps confirm exactly where underground pipes run before excavation or repairs.

Question 38

Can you locate underground drains without digging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Using sonde and tracing equipment, we can detect the route and depth of underground drains from the surface. This minimises disruption and avoids unnecessary excavation.

Question 39

How accurate is sonde and drain tracing?

Accepted Answer

Sonde tracing is highly accurate when carried out by experienced engineers. It allows us to pinpoint the direction and depth of pipework so repairs or construction work can be planned with confidence.

Question 40

Do I need drain tracing before an extension or renovation?

Accepted Answer

If you are building an extension, installing foundations, or making structural changes, knowing the exact location of underground drains is essential. Drain tracing helps avoid accidental damage and ensures compliance with building regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Drainage Services

General Drainage Questions, Answered

Blocked Drain Questions, Answered

CCTV Drainage Survey Questions, Answered

High Pressure Water Jetting Questions, Answered

Patch Liner / No-Dig Repair Questions, Answered

Root Intrusion Removal Questions, Answered

Commercial Drainage Questions, Answered

Sonde and Trace Questions, Answered

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