Waste pipe repair in Exeter
Professional waste pipe repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
0.5-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Waste pipe leaking or blocked? I'll find the problem, clear blockages, replace damaged sections, get your drainage flowing properly again.
When Waste Water Isn't Going Where It Should
Leak under the sink? Water draining slowly? Smell of drains? Your waste pipes need attention.
Waste pipes take a battering - hot water, chemicals, grease, hair, all flowing through constantly. Eventually joints fail, pipes crack, or stuff builds up and blocks them. I fix waste pipe problems regularly - I know where to look and what works.
💡 Pro tip: If your sink drains slowly, it's often not a blockage - it's the trap under the sink full of gunk. Quick clean-out sorts it. But if it keeps coming back, there's a bigger problem downstream.
Common Waste Pipe Problems
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slow drainage | Buildup in trap or pipe | Clear blockage, descale if needed |
| Leak at joint | Failed seal or loose connection | Reseal or replace fitting |
| Split pipe | Age, impact, or freezing | Replace damaged section |
| Bad smell | Dry trap or damaged seal | Top up trap or reseal connections |
What You Get
🔧 The Repair
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Diagnose | Find exactly where problem is |
| Clear/Fix | Unblock OR replace damaged section |
| Test | Run water, check it drains properly |
📦 You're Left With
- Waste pipe working properly
- No leaks or drips
- Good flow, no slow drainage
- Problem fixed at source
Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple blockage clearance | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Replace accessible pipe section | 1 hr | £60 |
| Complex repair or awkward access | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Leak under sink - water dripping from waste pipes
✅ Slow drainage - taking ages to empty
✅ Bad smell - drains smell coming through
✅ Visible damage - cracked or split pipe
Why Choose Us for Waste pipe repair in Exeter?
Leaks fixed properly
Blockages cleared
Damaged sections replaced
Drains flowing freely again
What to Expect
Step 1: Find the Problem
Work out where the blockage or leak is. Sometimes it's obvious, sometimes I need to test different sections to isolate it.
Step 2: Fix It Properly
If it's blocked, I clear it. If it's leaking, I replace the damaged section or reseal the joint. Proper fix, not a bodge.
Step 3: Test Thoroughly
Run water through, make sure it drains fast and doesn't leak anywhere. Check the repair holds under pressure.
🔧 DIY Tips
Some waste pipe issues you can sort yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Bucket and towels
- Adjustable grips
- Replacement pipe sections (same diameter)
- Plumber's tape or sealant
- Wire coat hanger (for clearing blockages)
🚰 Clearing a blocked waste trap
- Put bucket under trap
- Unscrew trap (usually hand-tight plastic nuts)
- Empty trap into bucket
- Clear out all gunk, hair, soap scum
- Check waste pipe beyond trap isn't blocked
- Reassemble trap with fresh washers if needed
- Run water, check for leaks
🔧 Replacing a leaking waste pipe section
- Turn off water
- Put bucket under leak
- Unscrew compression fittings each end
- Remove damaged section
- Measure and cut replacement to exact length
- Fit new section with compression fittings
- Hand-tighten, then quarter-turn with grips
- Test with water running
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Overtightening plastic fittings (cracks them)
- Wrong diameter replacement pipe
- Not cleaning pipe ends before reassembly (causes leaks)
- Pouring chemical unblockers into already-blocked pipes (doesn't work, creates caustic puddle)
💡 Pro trick: For stubborn blockages in waste pipes, a good old-fashioned plunger often works better than chemical unblockers. Cover the overflow with a wet cloth, fill sink with water, plunge hard and fast. The pressure shift usually clears it.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Old lead or iron waste pipes: Some older Exeter houses still have original lead or cast iron waste pipes. These don't last forever - if yours are failing regularly, worth considering replacing the whole lot with modern plastic. Lasts for decades and solves ongoing problems.
Smell from drains: Often it's not a leak - it's a trap that's dried out (guest bathroom basin that never gets used, for instance). Run some water down it to refill the trap and the smell should go. If it doesn't, there's a leak letting sewer gases through.
Shared waste pipes: In flats and some terraced houses, waste pipes are shared between properties. If there's a blockage affecting multiple properties, it might be a shared section - that's usually a freeholder/management company issue, not yours to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a waste pipe and a drain?
Waste pipes are inside - they carry water from sinks, basins, baths, etc to the main drain. Drains are outside - they take waste water away from your property. Both can leak or block, but waste pipes are easier to access and cheaper to fix.
Can you fix a crack in a waste pipe or does the whole section need replacing?
Small cracks or splits can sometimes be patched with specialist tape or sealant as a temporary fix, but proper repair means cutting out the damaged section and replacing it. Patches don't last - replacement does.
Why does my waste pipe keep blocking?
Usually buildup of soap scum, hair, grease, or other gunk narrowing the pipe over time. Sometimes it's poor fall (pipe doesn't slope enough), or a dodgy joint where stuff catches. I'll work out the cause and sort it properly.
Is it urgent if my waste pipe is leaking?
Yes - even a small leak damages ceilings, walls, and floors over time. Plus constant moisture causes mould. Get it fixed soon before water damage gets expensive.
Can you access waste pipes under floors or behind walls?
Yes, but it's messier and takes longer. Most waste pipes are accessible under sinks or in cupboards, but sometimes I need to lift floorboards or cut access hatches. I'll work out the least destructive way to get to the problem.
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