Oil drain pan setup in Exeter
Professional oil drain pan setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Oil drain system set up in your garage. Drain pan positioned, storage sorted, ramps placed safely - makes DIY oil changes cleaner and easier.
Get Your Garage Sorted for DIY Servicing
Want to save money on oil changes but don't fancy oil all over your garage floor? A proper drain setup makes DIY servicing much less of a nightmare. Pan in the right spot, safe ramp positioning, waste oil storage sorted.
💡 Pro tip: Most people's first DIY oil change is a disaster - drain pan overflows, oil everywhere, nowhere to put the waste. Set up properly first and it's actually quite straightforward.
Why Setup Matters
DIY oil changes go wrong when you haven't thought it through:
| ✅ Proper Setup | ❌ Wing It |
|---|---|
| Drain pan positioned before draining | Oil misses pan, all over floor |
| Ramps level and secure | Car rolls off ramps |
| Waste oil stored safely | Leaking containers in corner |
| Tools and parts ready | Halfway through, realize filter's wrong |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess your space | Check where car will sit, drainage access |
| Position equipment | Set up drain pan, ramps, work area |
| Storage solution | Sort waste oil containers, safe storage |
📦 You're Left With
- Safe working setup
- Drain pan properly positioned
- Waste oil storage organized
- Advice on what else you need
Pricing Guide
| Setup Type | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic drain setup | 30 mins | £60 |
| Full workshop setup | 45 mins | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Assumes you've already got the equipment - I'm just helping position and organize it.
Perfect For Your Garage If...
✅ DIY servicing - do your own oil changes
✅ Limited space - need efficient layout
✅ First time setup - not sure where to start
✅ Previous mess - had oil disasters before
Why Choose Us for Oil drain pan setup in Exeter?
Proper oil drain and storage system
Safe ramp positioning advice
Waste oil storage sorted
Makes DIY servicing cleaner
What to Expect
Step 1: Check Your Space
I'll look at your garage, where the car sits, how much clearance you've got, and work out the best position for everything.
Step 2: Position Equipment
Drain pan goes in the right spot (so oil actually lands in it), ramps positioned safely, work area organized for easy access.
Step 3: Storage & Disposal
Sort out containers for waste oil, put them somewhere they won't get knocked over or leak, explain disposal options.
🔧 DIY Tips
Setting up your own oil change station? Here's what you need:
🔧 Essential equipment
- Oil drain pan (10-15 litre capacity minimum)
- Car ramps or axle stands (never use jacks alone)
- Waste oil containers with lids
- Socket set and oil filter wrench
- Funnel and cleaning rags
📐 Safe ramp positioning
- Position ramps on level ground, never on a slope
- Approach slowly, front wheels centered
- Use wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Check car is stable before going under
- Never rely on handbrake alone
📐 Drain pan placement
- Position pan BEFORE removing drain plug
- Account for oil stream angle (not straight down)
- Make sure pan's big enough for your oil capacity
- Put cardboard under pan to catch spills
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not checking ramps are level before driving on
- Drain pan too small or in wrong position
- No wheel chocks (car rolls off ramps)
- Storing waste oil in containers that leak
- Trying to do it on gravel or uneven surface
💡 Pro trick: Put your drain pan inside a larger shallow tray or old baking tray. When oil inevitably splashes or you knock the pan, it's contained. Saves your garage floor and makes cleanup way easier.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚗 Never worked under a car before? Get a garage to do your first oil change and watch what they do. Then try it yourself with the setup sorted properly. Saves making expensive mistakes.
Waste oil disposal: Your local recycling center will take it for free - just needs to be in proper containers with lids. Some garages will take small amounts too. Never pour it down drains or chuck it in general waste.
Different car heights: If you've got a low car, ramps might not give enough clearance. You might need proper axle stands instead - I'll advise based on your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's involved in an oil drain setup?
It's about getting your garage sorted for DIY oil changes - setting up your drain pan properly, working out the best place for ramps, sorting storage for waste oil, and making sure you've got the right kit. Basically making it easier and less messy to do your own servicing.
Do I need special equipment for changing oil?
You need a drain pan (to catch the old oil), ramps or axle stands (to get under safely), somewhere to store waste oil until you can dispose of it, and basic tools. I can help position everything properly and advise on what else you might need.
How do I dispose of waste oil safely?
Never pour it down drains or in the bin. Most council recycling centers take waste oil for free - you just need proper containers with lids. I'll help you set up storage that's safe and won't leak all over your garage floor.
Is it worth doing my own oil changes?
Depends on your car and how confident you are. Oil and filter might cost £30-40, garage charges £60-100. So you save money, but you need the space, kit, and somewhere to dispose of the old oil. For some people it's worth it, for others it's a hassle.
Can you show me how to do it once it's set up?
I can show you the basics - where the drain plug is, how to get the filter off, roughly how long to leave it draining. But I'm not running a full oil change training session - YouTube's better for detailed how-tos.
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