Question 1

How do I know if a blocked drain is my responsibility or Northumbrian Water's?

Accepted Answer

Generally, any pipework located within your property boundary that serves only your home is your private responsibility. If the pipe is shared with a neighbour or is located outside your boundary in the street, it usually falls under the ownership of Northumbrian Water. We can help you determine the location of the blockage. If we find the fault is on a shared or lateral sewer, we will advise you so you can contact the statutory authority.

Question 2

What is no-dig drain relining and how does it save money?

Accepted Answer

No-dig relining is a way of repairing a pipe without excavating the ground. We insert a flexible liner coated in epoxy or silicate resin into the damaged pipe. Once it cures, it forms a new, structural pipe wall. This saves money by avoiding the costs of digging, skip hire, and reinstating expensive driveways or landscaping. It also completes the repair in hours rather than days.

Question 3

Can tree roots be removed from underground pipes without replacing them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use mechanical cutters and high-pressure water jetting to mill the roots back to the pipe wall. Once the flow is restored, we often recommend a structural resin patch repair over the area where the roots entered. This seals the pipe and prevents the roots from growing back into the line.

Question 4

Why is a CCTV drain survey recommended when buying a house in the North East?

Accepted Answer

Many properties in Sunderland, Durham, and Newcastle are affected by ground settlement or historic mining subsidence. This can cause clay pipes to crack or "backfall," where water pools in the line. A pre-purchase CCTV survey identifies these issues, along with hidden root damage or collapsed pitch fibre, before you sign a contract. It gives you the evidence needed to ask the seller for repairs or a price reduction.

Question 5

Can you remove set concrete or mortar dropped into drains by builders?

Accepted Answer

We have specialist high-pressure mechanical milling tools designed for this exact purpose. We can grind away set concrete, grout, or mortar and restore the full bore of the pipe without needing to dig up the floor or replace the pipework.

Question 6

How quickly can your emergency drainage team reach Newcastle or Middlesbrough?

Accepted Answer

Our 24/7 vans are mobilised directly from our Sunderland hub. Because we are located close to the A19 and A1(M), we can usually reach most areas in Newcastle, Gateshead, or Middlesbrough within an hour of your call, depending on traffic.

Question 7

What causes recurring blockages in Victorian Sunderland cottages?

Accepted Answer

Many of the older terraces in areas like Millfield and Ashbrooke have shared back-lane drainage systems made of salt-glazed clay. Over time, the joints can shift, creating "steps" that catch toilet paper and debris. These properties also often have old pitch fibre pipes that de-round under pressure. We can identify these specific issues with a camera and provide a permanent relining solution.

Question 8

What certifications do your drainage engineers hold?

Accepted Answer

Our engineers are fully trained and hold Water Jetting Association (WJA) and Confined Space certifications. APJ Drainage (Company No. 16335586) is a professional, independent firm with £1,000,000 Public Liability Insurance, ensuring all work is carried out safely and to a high standard.

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