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Drain Alterations & Diversions
Need a drain moved, altered or diverted for building work? We plan and carry out the work properly, start to finish.
Building Work in the Way of a Drain? Here's How We Help
If a drain sits in the path of an extension, new structure, or change to your building's layout, it needs to be properly moved or diverted, not just worked around. Get it wrong and you risk a drain that no longer falls correctly or can't be accessed for maintenance.
Our engineers will survey the existing drain's route and condition, plan a new path with the correct fall and connections, then excavate, install and test the new section before reinstating the surface. We're used to coordinating this work alongside architects and contractors on wider building projects.
Contact our friendly team by calling 0203 870 1067 or sending an email to contactus@icedrainage.co.uk to learn more about our drain alteration and diversion services.
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Our pipework alterations & diversions treatment process
Step 1 Contact
Contact our drainage team with the site postcode, the reason the existing pipework needs altering or diverting, and any plans, photographs or known drainage information. We establish whether the change is driven by an extension, redevelopment, access issue, clash with new foundations or another site requirement, then arrange the right level of survey.
Step 2 Quote
We assess the existing drainage layout, connection points, pipe depths, falls and access requirements. Where required, CCTV surveying or drain tracing helps confirm the route below ground. We then set out a practical alteration or diversion proposal with the intended new route, scope of excavation or connections, reinstatement requirements and a clear quotation.
Step 3 Works
Our engineers isolate the relevant section, excavate only where required and form the new drainage route to the correct line and fall. New fittings and connections are installed, existing flows are transferred safely, redundant sections are dealt with as agreed, and the system is checked before excavated areas are backfilled and reinstated.
Step 4 After care
Once the diversion is live, we check that wastewater is travelling freely through the altered route and that connections are performing as intended. The work area is left tidy and we explain any relevant maintenance or access considerations. Where appropriate, we can also recommend a post-installation CCTV survey or future planned maintenance.
Emergency Hotline
0203 870 1067
Helpline open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
When calling please have
the following ready:
- Your Name
- Company Name (if applicable)
- Site Postcode
- The problem you're having
- Email Address
Get a Quote
Drain Alterations & Diversions FAQs
The basics
Can existing drains be rerouted instead of completely replaced?
Often, yes. If the retained sections are sound and the proposed route can achieve suitable falls and connections, only the affected section may need altering. The survey determines which parts can remain and where new pipework should connect.
When would a drain alteration or diversion be needed?
A diversion is usually considered when an existing drain conflicts with an extension, redevelopment, new foundation or revised site layout. The existing route is assessed first so a new alignment can be planned without compromising flow or access.
Technologies used
How is the existing drainage route located before alteration work?
The route can be established using CCTV surveying, sonde tracing, drainage plans and physical inspection of chambers. These checks help identify pipe depth, direction and connection points before excavation or new pipe installation begins.
Estimates and charges
Could the cost change if unexpected pipework is found?
Hidden connections or undocumented drainage can affect the planned route. If site conditions reveal work outside the agreed scope, the additional requirement should be explained and priced before the alteration proceeds further.
What affects the price of altering or diverting a drain?
The quotation is influenced by the length of the new route, pipe depth and diameter, ground conditions, access, number of new connections and the amount of excavation and reinstatement required. A site-specific assessment is therefore more reliable than a fixed rate.
Booking the Service
What information is useful when booking a drainage diversion?
Send the site address, proposed building or landscaping plans, any drainage drawings and details of the change you need to make. Existing CCTV footage or survey information can also help the team understand the current layout before attending.
On the day
What happens while the pipework is being diverted?
The engineer confirms the agreed route, exposes the necessary connection points, installs the new pipework to the required gradient and reconnects the system. Flow is checked before excavated areas are backfilled and reinstated as agreed.
Customer care
What do I receive once the diversion work is complete?
The completed route and connections can be explained at handover, together with any relevant photographs or service records included in the job. If further drainage issues are noticed during the works, these can be highlighted separately for future action.
Why choose us?
- Cater to a wide variety of drainage situations
- Nationwide coverage, available 24/7
- Cater to commercial and domestic clients
- Free survey provided prior to quotation
- Emergency response team
- Offer a bespoke service designed to suit all your needs
- All technicians hold professional health and safety qualifications