Drain Installation in Greater London (43)

Is surface rainwater pooling too close to your home? Or perhaps you need a drainage channel built for a new build? A drain installation specialist can help.

Read on for all the ins and outs of drain installation in London, including costs, what’s involved and who you need to hire.

Keen to crack on with hiring right away? Try our quick request a quote feature and we’ll put you in touch with drain installers covering your local area.

How much does drain installation cost in London?

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To find out more about prices, why not give our job estimate calculator a whirl?

What’s the difference between a channel drain and a French drain?

A channel (or trench) drain sits at surface level, with a grate, collecting water from hard landscaping and directing it to a discharge point.

A French drain is below ground. It uses a perforated pipe and gravel to drain and carry away groundwater.

Tip: Want to learn more about how your property deals with drainage? Take a look at our guide to drainage layouts and systems.

Do I need planning permission or building regulations for drain installation?

For most homeowners, you don’t need full planning permission. That said, you must comply with building regulations if you’re altering a building’s drainage.

Need to connect to a public sewer? Then you need to check with your local authority first.

An experienced drain installation contractor will make sure everything is done above board.

How long does a typical installation take?

For a simple surface channel drain (for instance, along a patio edge), the job might take a day or less.

For a French drain or more complex systems, it might take several days. This is because it involves excavation of the ground, installation, connection and relaying the surface to make good again.

Do plumbers install drains?

Plumbers install internal drains for sinks, toilets, baths, and wastewater pipes.

However, when it comes to external or underground drainage – like connecting to a main sewer or installing channel or French drains – you’ll want to hire a specialist drainage contractor.

Is hiring a specialist drain installer worth it?

Hire an experienced drain installation contractor covering London and you can be confident that your drain is:

• Positioned and sized correctly – Vital if your drain needs a slight fall
• Meets building regulations – This is especially important if the drain ties into a sewer
• Installed by a professional with the right knowledge – Hire locally and your tradesperson will be familiar with the sub-soil conditions in your area and know of any current local drainage issues

Why use Checkatrade?

• Fully checked contractors covering your local area
• Insurance always listed
• Easy to compare multiple profiles
• Handy reviews from local customers
• Covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee (T&Cs apply)

To find an experienced drain installation contractor in your area, just search your postcode or request a quote. It’s that simple.