Structural Lining: A Permanent No-Dig Solution for Damaged Drains
Has your blocked drain man told you that you’ve got pitch fibre pipes instead of glazed clay or modern plastic?
If so, you’re not alone. Thousands of homes built between the 1950s and 1970s were fitted with pitch fibre drains - a material that hasn’t stood the test of time.
Pitch fibre pipework was once popular because it was cheap and easy to handle, but over the years it’s been found to:
- Blister and flake on the inside.
- Weaken and squash into an oval shape.
- Eventually collapse, often leading to repeated blockages.
Because insurers usually class this as “wear and tear”, most won’t cover the repair unless accidental damage (like tree roots) is proven.
✅ The Good News: Structural Lining
Structural lining is a no-dig method that restores the strength of your drain without the need for costly excavation.
How it works:
- We carry out a CCTV drain survey to assess the pipe condition.
- If the pipe is pitch fibre, we may first use a re-rounding machine to restore its shape.
- A resin-impregnated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe.
- The liner is inflated with air or water until hardened.
- The inner tube is removed, leaving a permanent repair.
💡 Why Choose Lining Instead of Digging?
- No disruption – no digging up drives or patios.
- Faster – often completed the same day.
- Cost-effective – no reinstatement costs for paving, landscaping, or waste removal.
- Stronger than before – creates a smooth, joint-free pipe run that roots can’t penetrate.
📊 Typical Costs
- Structural lining: From £90 per metre (minimum charge applies).
- CCTV survey + high-pressure jetting: £400 + VAT (includes labour, plant, and a full written report).
⚠️ Price depends on risk and access — e.g., if the drain runs under a building or has severe deformation, more preparation is required.
⚠️ Why Fix It Now?
When drains crack or joints open:
- Wastewater escapes into the soil.
- Supporting ground gets washed away.
- The pipe “drops” into the void, worsening the crack.
- This undermining effect can spread damage downstream and even threaten foundations.
Ready for a Permanent Repair?
Don’t wait for another blockage or worse damage. Book a CCTV drain survey today and we’ll give you a clear report, video evidence, and an upfront estimate.
📞 Call ASL Limited: 01483 880111
