Choosing a Drainage Company: What to Look For and Red Flags to Avoid

Finding a Drainage Company You Can Trust

When you need drainage work done, choosing the right company can mean the difference between a problem solved and a nightmare beginning. The drainage industry, like many home improvement sectors, unfortunately attracts some operators more interested in your money than fixing your problem.

This guide will help you identify trustworthy, competent drainage companies and avoid those who might overcharge, underperform, or disappear when things go wrong.

Essential Qualifications and Credentials

Insurance

A legitimate drainage company must have:

• Public liability insurance: Minimum £1 million, preferably £2-5 million. Protects you if they damage your property.
• Employer's liability insurance: Required by law if they have employees.
• Professional indemnity insurance: Important for survey and design work.

Ask for: A copy of their insurance certificate. Legitimate companies provide this readily.

Trade Association Membership

Look for membership of recognised bodies:

• NADC: National Association of Drainage Contractors
• WaterSafe: The UK water industry's approved contractor scheme
• Which? Trusted Traders: Vetted and reviewed by Which?
• Checkatrade: Background-checked with customer reviews
• TrustMark: Government-endorsed scheme

Membership indicates commitment to standards and provides recourse if things go wrong.

Technical Qualifications

While not legally required, look for:

• City & Guilds qualifications in plumbing or drainage
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in relevant trades
• CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) certification
• Confined spaces training (essential for manhole work)
• CCTV survey certification

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

About Their Business

1. How long have you been trading?
2. Are you insured? Can I see your certificate?
3. What trade associations do you belong to?
4. Can you provide references from recent customers?
5. Do you have a fixed business address?
6. Are your engineers employed or subcontracted?

About the Work

1. Will you provide a written quote before starting?
2. What exactly is included in the price?
3. What could cause the price to increase?
4. How long will the work take?
5. What guarantees do you offer?
6. Will you provide a written report or CCTV footage?

About Payment

1. What are your payment terms?
2. Do you require a deposit? (10-20% reasonable for larger jobs)
3. When is final payment due?
4. Do you accept credit cards? (Provides Section 75 protection)

Red Flags: Warning Signs to Watch For

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

• "This needs doing today or it will collapse"
• "This special price is only valid right now"
• Refusing to leave a written quote
• Demanding immediate decision
• Making you feel panicked or rushed

Reality: Genuine emergencies exist, but most drain problems allow time to get second opinions.

Vague or Verbal-Only Quotes

• Refusing to put the quote in writing
• "It'll be around £XXX, but we'll see when we get in there"
• No breakdown of costs
• Significant price increase after work starts

Reality: Professional companies provide detailed written quotes and explain potential variables.

Untraceable Business

• No fixed address (just a mobile number)
• Unmarked vehicles
• No website or online presence
• Cash-only payments
• No company registration details

Reality: Legitimate businesses are easy to trace and have established presence.

Too Good to Be True Pricing

• Prices significantly below other quotes
• "Free" callouts that result in high-pressure sales
• Bait-and-switch pricing

Reality: Very low prices often mean cutting corners, upselling, or disappearing without completing work.

Scare Tactics

• Finding "additional problems" that require expensive immediate work
• Showing CCTV footage that's not from your drains
• Exaggerating minor issues into major repairs
• Claiming imminent health hazards without evidence

Reality: Always get a second opinion on major unexpected findings.

Getting and Comparing Quotes

How Many Quotes?

• Simple unblocking: 1-2 quotes usually sufficient
• Repairs under £500: 2 quotes recommended
• Major repairs (£500+): 3+ quotes essential

What Should Be in a Quote?

• Company name, address, and contact details
• Date and validity period
• Detailed description of work
• Breakdown of costs (labour, materials, VAT)
• Estimated timescale
• Payment terms
• Guarantee or warranty details
• What's NOT included

Comparing Quotes

Don't just choose the cheapest. Consider:

• Is the scope of work the same?
• What guarantees are offered?
• Are materials specified and comparable?
• Does price include VAT?
• What aftercare is included?

Checking Reviews and References

Online Reviews

• Check multiple platforms (Google, Checkatrade, Trustpilot)
• Look for patterns in reviews, not just overall ratings
• Pay attention to how company responds to negative reviews
• Be wary of only 5-star reviews with generic language
• Recent reviews matter more than old ones

References

• Ask for 2-3 references from similar recent jobs
• Actually call the references
• Ask about communication, timekeeping, quality, and aftercare
• Would they use the company again?

During the Work

What to Expect from Professionals

• Arrive on time or communicate delays
• Present ID and explain who they are
• Protect your property (dust sheets, shoe covers)
• Explain what they're doing and why
• Show you CCTV footage if surveying
• Clean up after themselves
• Provide written report or invoice

Your Rights During Work

• You can ask for work to stop at any time
• You don't have to agree to additional work on the spot
• You can ask for explanation of any findings
• You should receive copies of survey footage/reports

After the Work

Documentation

You should receive:

• Itemised invoice matching the quote
• Written guarantee/warranty
• CCTV footage on USB/DVD if survey done
• Report on work completed
• Advice on future maintenance

If Something Goes Wrong

1. Contact the company first to resolve
2. Put complaint in writing
3. Contact their trade association if applicable
4. Consider credit card chargeback if paid by card
5. Trading Standards for serious issues
6. Small Claims Court for disputes under £10,000

Why Choose Aquaspeed

At Aquaspeed, we tick all the boxes:

• ✓ Over 30 years' experience in Lancashire and Greater Manchester
• ✓ Fully insured with £5 million public liability
• ✓ All engineers are employed, trained, and DBS checked
• ✓ Fixed-price quotes in writing
• ✓ No call-out fee for advice
• ✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• ✓ Comprehensive guarantees on all work
• ✓ CCTV footage provided as standard
• ✓ Thousands of satisfied customers

Need reliable drainage services? Call Aquaspeed on 0800 019 0073. We'll give you honest advice, fair pricing, and quality work—guaranteed.