🚨 Blocked Drain in Bournemouth? Here’s What Happens Next
A blocked drain in Bournemouth can start as a small inconvenience — a gurgling sound, a bad smell, or a slow-draining sink. But if left untreated, it can quickly escalate into a major problem requiring structural repair.
At Bournemouth Drains24, once we’ve carried out drain unblocking using jetting or rodding, we often recommend a CCTV drain survey to assess the condition of the pipework. If there’s damage, you’ll likely face a choice:
👉 CIPP Lining (No-Dig Technology)
or
👉 Traditional Excavation & Pipe Replacement
But which is the right method for your property — and your budget?
🧰 What Is CIPP Lining?
CIPP stands for Cured-In-Place Pipe — a modern “no-dig” method of repairing damaged pipes without excavation.
We insert a flexible resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe. Once positioned, the liner is inflated and cured (hardened) using heat, steam, or UV light — forming a seamless new pipe within the old one.
✅ Pros of CIPP Lining:
- No digging required – ideal under driveways, gardens, patios
- Less disruption – quicker completion, no mess
- Cost-effective for long sections – especially in hard-to-access areas
- Long-lasting – durable resin materials with a lifespan of 50+ years
- Ideal for cracked, root-damaged, or misaligned pipes
- Great for older properties in Bournemouth’s built-up zones
❌ Cons of CIPP Lining:
- Not suitable if the pipe is completely collapsed
- Can’t be used where access is blocked or severely damaged
- Slightly reduces pipe diameter (minimal impact on flow)
🚧 What Is Traditional Excavation?
Excavation involves digging a trench to expose and physically replace the damaged section of pipe. This is often needed if the damage is severe, such as a total collapse, heavy displacement, or if a full re-route is required.
✅ Pros of Excavation:
- Full access to inspect and replace broken pipe
- Suitable for completely collapsed or crushed sections
- Allows for replacement with modern, wider uPVC pipe
- Ideal for short, shallow runs or burst external drains
❌ Cons of Excavation:
- Disruptive – involves digging up driveways, turf, paving, or flooring
- Longer project time and higher labour costs
- Requires reinstatement (replacing surfaces after the dig)
- Risk of damaging nearby services if not mapped correctly
🏠 Which Method Is Best for Your Bournemouth Property?
| Scenario | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Minor cracks and root ingress | CIPP Lining | Less invasive, quicker, more affordable |
| Collapsed or crushed pipe | Excavation | CIPP can’t pass through total blockages |
| Pipe runs under driveway or extension | CIPP Lining | No need to disturb expensive surfaces |
| Drainage realignment or system upgrade | Excavation | Needed for full design changes |
| Burst clay pipe in garden | Either | CIPP if accessible; excavation if not |
| Large commercial system | CIPP Lining | Quick reinstatement, minimal downtime |
🧠 Don’t Guess — Use a CCTV Drain Survey
Not sure what’s going on under the ground? A CCTV drain inspection is the key to identifying:
- Fractures or cracks
- Root intrusions
- Pipe collapses
- Misalignments
- Pitch fibre deformation
We use this footage to recommend the most cost-effective and long-lasting solution.
📍 Bournemouth’s Unique Drainage Challenges
Many older homes in Boscombe, Charminster, and Southbourne were built with pitch fibre or clay pipes, both prone to collapse, blistering, or root intrusion.
Meanwhile, newer homes in Talbot Woods, Winton, or Iford may benefit more from CIPP lining thanks to modern access points and better infrastructure.
At Bournemouth Drains24, we tailor every repair to the property and its location — not just the symptoms.
💬 What Our Customers Ask:
“Can you reline a pipe that’s partially blocked?”
→ Only if the liner can be inserted and expanded. Otherwise, excavation may be needed.
“Is CIPP lining permanent?”
→ Yes — once cured, it forms a new structural pipe with a 50+ year lifespan.
“Will it damage my garden?”
→ CIPP requires only small access points, not trenching — perfect for landscaped areas.
☎️ Need Drain Repairs in Bournemouth?
We provide:
- ✅ Free CCTV assessments with blocked drain call-outs
- ✅ Transparent, fixed quotes (no hidden fees)
- ✅ CIPP lining and traditional repairs
- ✅ Emergency drain unblocking across Bournemouth & Poole
Whether your blocked drain in Bournemouth needs a quick reline or a full dig-out, we’ll provide the right solution — not the most expensive one.
📞 Call Bournemouth Drains24 today or request a free quote online.
We’re fast, local, and always reliable.