Fault Finding
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Sometimes, a blocked drain is just a blocked drain. But if you find yourself clearing the same blockage every few months, or if you can smell sewage but can’t see a problem, you likely have a deeper issue.
Fault Finding is the detective work we do to find out exactly why your drainage system is acting up. We don’t just clear the symptom; we hunt down the cause.
In simple terms: We stop guessing and start diagnosing. We tell you exactly what is wrong, where it is, and how to fix it permanently.
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When Do You Need Fault Finding?
You typically need this service when a problem won’t go away or when the cause is a mystery. You should call us if:
- Recurring Blockage: You unblock a drain, but the issue returns a few weeks later.
- Bad Smells: You can smell drains inside or outside the house, but everything seems to be flowing.
- Gurgling: Your sinks or toilets make strange bubbling noises when water drains away.
- Damp Patches: You notice unexplained wet patches on walls or sinking ground in the garden.
- Rats: Rodents have appeared in your home (they often use broken pipes as a highway).
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How We Find the Fault: Our Process
We use a systematic, step-by-step process to peel back the layers and find the truth.
1. Initial Assessment – We start by looking at your manholes and access points to understand how your system is laid out and where the flow is struggling.
2. Water Jetting – You can’t inspect a pipe if it is full of sludge or debris. We usually flush the drain with high-pressure water jets first. This isn’t just to unblock it; it ensures our cameras can see the pipe walls clearly to spot small cracks or defects.
3. The Camera Inspection (CCTV) – We send a specialist camera down the line. This allows us to spot:
- Cracks and Fractures: Damage caused by age or ground movement.
- Tree Roots: Roots that have punched through the pipe wall.
- Displaced Joints: Pipes that have slipped, creating a “step” that catches waste.
- Bellies: A section of pipe that has sagged, holding water even when not in use.
4. Dye Testing – If we suspect a leak or a cross-connection (e.g., sewage going into a rainwater pipe), we use harmless coloured dye. By watching where the coloured water ends up, we can trace the exact path of the drain.
5. Sonde Tracing – Once we find the fault on the camera, we need to know where it is above ground. We use a “sonde” (a radio transmitter) attached to the camera. Using a locator tool, we can pinpoint the exact location and depth of the break in your garden or driveway.
6. The Report & Solution – We provide a clear explanation of what is wrong. We don’t just say “it’s broken”; we explain why it broke and recommend the best fix—whether that is a patch repair, drain lining, or a specific excavation.
Common Faults We Find
It is rarely just “bad luck.” The most common culprits we identify are:
- Collapsed Drains: Old clay pipes that have finally given up.
- Root Intrusion: Nature finding a way into your water source.
- Fatbergs: Solidified grease from kitchen sinks restricting the flow.
- Construction Damage: Pipes crushed by heavy machinery or building works.
- Poor Installation: Drains laid with the wrong slope (gradient), so water can’t flow away.
The Benefits to You
Why is Fault Finding a better investment than just unblocking?
- Stop the Cycle: We fix it once, properly, instead of you paying for endless callouts for the same blockage.
- Precision Repairs: In most cases, you can identify where the break is using CCTV and sonde tracing.
- Insurance Evidence: If the damage is due to subsidence or accidental damage, our professional report is exactly what you need for an insurance claim.
- Peace of Mind: You stop worrying about when the next blockage will happen because you know the underlying issue has been resolved.
Stop managing the problem and start solving it with ASL.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“I called at 08:10 hours to report a blocked drain. A little while later, Darren rang to tell me he’d arrive in half an hour. He arrived on time and resolved the problem quickly and without fuss. He was polite and friendly throughout. Within two hours of reporting the blockage, all was well. Thank you.” Customer, Surrey
“I unreservedly recommend ASL. All the glowing reviews of ASL are true. They had to lift paving slabs to fix my drains, and I was concerned there might be unavoidable damage. I should not have worried. Liam and Richard did a superb job. Thanks, ASL” Customer, Surrey
“Darren arrived very promptly and got to work quickly. He did an excellent job and explained what he was doing. We would have no hesitation in recommending ASL Services.” Customer, Surrey
“Very efficient to book them to sort out a sewer drain blockage, and the cost was exactly what they quoted. Called before they arrived with a clear ETA. Got on with the job and sorted it out within the hour. Darren was excellent – very courteous and helpful, did more than we expected to help sort the problem out and was a font of knowledge on all things sewer-related. Given the subject matter (eeew) the whole experience with ASL was an absolute pleasure.” Customer, Surrey
“ASL recently carried out a drain repair at our house. They responded quickly to the call for help, came out and soon diagnosed the problem – tree roots blocking the drain. The remedial work on site was carried out by Lester and George – they worked hard and were very thorough. This is a long-established company that seems to know what they are doing.” Customer, Surrey
Areas we cover
Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, West Sussex and South West London
The ASL Limited HQ is in Guildford, but our operating area is the whole of Surrey and parts of Berkshire, Hampshire, West Sussex and South West London.
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Contact Us
Get in touch today
You can call us on 0800 181 684, email info@asllimited.co.uk or use the form below:
