Drain pipe replacement involves excavating down to the defective pipe, removing the failed section and laying new PVC-U, vitrified clay or, in older systems, ductile iron pipe to current standards. New pipework must be bedded and surrounded with granular fill, laid to the correct gradient and tested in accordance with BS EN 1610 before backfilling. The method is appropriate where pipes have collapsed, suffered repeated structural failures or where lining is not viable due to deformation. On Victorian London terraces, this often means working in tight rear access alleys or under reinstated paving. Timelines range from one day for a metre-long section under a footpath to a week for longer runs requiring traffic management and Section 50 highways permits.
Drain pipe replacement
Removal and renewal of a damaged section of drain by open-cut excavation.
