In the older parts, mature trees and original drainage are the main pairing. Root intrusion into clay sewer joints is the most common cause of repeat blockages, and the question worth answering is whether the pipe is otherwise sound enough for periodic maintenance jetting or has genuinely failed. Larger older homes here also tend to have higher simultaneous hot water demand than the original system was sized for, which is worth correcting at replacement rather than repeating.

The newer estates sit on the same reactive clay that runs through the south-east corridor, so seasonal ground movement stressing underground drainage is a real factor. Recurring blockages without an obvious cause are worth putting a camera through.

We also do a steady amount of renovation and extension work through Berwick - kitchens, bathrooms and second living areas - where the existing drainage and gas services need assessing for the additional load before the design is locked in rather than after.