Real jobs

Drainage case studies across Northamptonshire

Genuine jobs from live sites and residential streets — how we diagnosed the problem, what we did about it, and the evidence we left behind.

Northampton

Drainage blockage clearance

Attended a full blockage in the drainage run caused by heavy black material poured into the system, likely grout or construction material. Not a standard first-hour clearance — the material was extremely stubborn and took serious effort to break down and remove. All affected manholes and drainage lines were fully cleaned, followed by a CCTV survey confirming the lines were clear with no further defects. Full evidence (photos, video, CCTV footage) and a drainage report were completed for insurance purposes.

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Market Harborough

Emergency drainage works

Attended an emergency call following a full main sewer blockage backing up through multiple manholes. To keep costs down and speed up the works, overpumping was set up instead of tankering until the surcharge was released and the blockage could be safely worked on. A large lump of tarmac was removed from the system, relieving the full run. All manholes were cleaned using a tanker and jetting van, followed by a full CCTV survey confirming the main was clear with no further defects. A full diary of works — including photographic and video evidence — was issued to the developer to review the cause and recover costs where required. All works completed within 1 day.

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Northampton

Drainage blockage cleared (new build site)

Attended a new build site in Northampton after a drainage run became blocked by what appeared to be resin, grout or similar construction material that had entered the system. The affected manhole and line were cleared, with the hardened material removed and collected as evidence. The system was then cleaned through to restore flow and prevent further backing up. Dealt with quickly and completed within the first hour, avoiding further disruption on site. Photos taken throughout to evidence the cause for the developer's records.

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Northamptonshire

Concrete blockage removal from drainage manhole

Called to a housing development in Northamptonshire to investigate and clear a drainage manhole that had become completely obstructed. During construction activity a significant quantity of concrete and construction material had entered the drainage system, accumulating within the manhole and drainage channel and restricting the pipework to the point the system could no longer function correctly. Inspection identified a substantial build-up of hardened concrete, sediment and construction debris around the drainage channel and pipe connections. Because of the quantity and position of the material, conventional drain jetting alone wasn't suitable — access into the chamber was required to tackle the blockage directly. The RCH Drainage team carried out controlled man-entry works to access the affected area. The concrete and compacted material were progressively broken down and physically removed from around the drainage channel and pipework, exposing and clearing the affected drainage route.

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Northampton

Blocked drain investigation — collapsed manhole lintel

Called to a residential property in Northampton after the homeowner experienced a serious blockage affecting their private drainage. What appeared to be a straightforward blocked drain required further investigation when the problem was traced to a downstream manhole, where a damaged or collapsed internal lintel had fallen into the chamber and contributed to a substantial build-up of waste and debris. Investigation followed the drainage route from the private system to the downstream chamber, identifying a significant accumulation of waste and debris around a damaged internal section of the manhole, including what appeared to be a collapsed lintel, restricting the system. RCH Drainage cleared the accumulated blockage and used high-pressure drain jetting to thoroughly clean the connected drainage lines, restoring flow. A CCTV drain survey was then carried out to check for additional defects and provide recorded evidence of the post-clearance condition. A full drainage evidence pack — CCTV footage and findings — was supplied to the homeowner, since the defect appeared to sit downstream of their private drainage, giving them documentation for contacting the relevant sewer authority (e.g. Anglian Water) to establish responsibility.

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Northamptonshire

Drainage dye testing — no crossed connections

Carried out drainage dye testing in Northamptonshire on behalf of a housebuilder, working alongside the local authority to verify drainage connections and establish whether any crossed connections were present. No jetting or CCTV survey was needed — a controlled dye test provided the evidence required. Uncertainty over exactly where individual drainage connections discharged, with the possibility of foul and surface water systems being crossed, meant a tracing dye was introduced at a selected drainage point and the downstream network monitored to establish where the coloured water appeared, confirming the drainage routes. No crossed connections were identified — all parties were satisfied, and no further jetting or CCTV work was required.

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