DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I have a serious problem with a blocked drain, which is being dealt with by a specialist company via my home insurance. They have used CCTV and say the drain is 90% blocked due to tree roots from the beech tree directly above it.

Their proposed solution is to use a mechanical root cutter to clear all the tree roots. Then use a polyester 100mm liner to cover the root damage. Then use a polyester 100mm patch liner to seal the drain. They can achieve all this without the need to dig down to the drain.

Has anybody heard of this type of relining of a blocked drain and how effective is it in preventing a re-occurrence as the roots grow back? I have been assured that this lining will prevent the roots entering the drain again and they are providing a 10 year guarantee. Sounds too good to be true. Any comments from similar experiences would be welcomed.

My neighbour has been re-lining drains for the past 20 years using this method.
Once the camera is in the drain, he can take a video of the drains condition from start to finish. The equipment he has can insert a collapsed liner sleeve, and then inflate it when it is in place. The resin in the liner hardens quite quickly and there is no joints for the roots to gain access.

I don't personally have any hands on experience of this procedure other than knowing utility companies employ it all the time.

Over the years, I have seen all services replaced in this way. Most recently was re-lining of our town centre gas main. Saved digging up the road.

The roots will of course first have to be removed until they are not causing any obstruction to the drain. This can either be done with a mechanical auger type of device or by high pressure water jetting, or a combination of the two. Providing the structure of the drain is still in tact and there are no massive breaks or voids, then the drain can either be lined or patched in-situ, depending on the size of the defect you are repairing. If there are numerous defects along the length of the drain then it is best to line it. A liner can be cut to any length and can cover the complete length of the drain if necessary. Patches are only 600mm long and used for small localised defects. If there are numerous small defects you would normally just line it rather than installing numerous patches as not only would this be a quicker method of repair, it is also more cost affective. You would not normally line AND patch the same length of drain and definitely NOT in the same place!