Plumbing System
Plumbing System | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Lancing
When your home or business in Lancing is hit by mysterious gurgles, slow drains, or a full-scale sewage backup, it usually means trouble in the hidden arteries of your property—the main line. HEP’s licensed technicians zero in on these stubborn main line issues with state-of-the-art video inspections, pinpoint locating equipment, and decades of hands-on experience. From invasive roots to collapsed clay piping, we identify the real culprit quickly, so you don’t waste time or money on guesswork.
Once the diagnosis is clear, our crew springs into action with hydro-jetting, trenchless pipe bursting, or traditional excavation—whatever delivers the most reliable, cost-effective fix. We work cleanly, respect your landscaping, and keep you in the loop at every step. Backed by transparent pricing and a rock-solid workmanship guarantee, HEP restores flow, protects your property, and gives you lasting peace of mind long after the vans pull away.
FAQs
How can I tell if my main sewer line is blocked?
Typical warning signs include multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time, gurgling sounds coming from toilets or floor drains, and wastewater backing up in the lowest drain (often a shower or utility sink). If you notice foul odours in your garden or around the inspection chamber, it can indicate an external main line blockage. Because these symptoms can rapidly worsen, we recommend calling our Lancing plumbing team as soon as you spot them.
What are the most common causes of main line clogs in Lancing homes?
In our coastal area we see four frequent culprits: (1) tree‐root intrusion through joints or small cracks in older clay or pitch‐fibre pipes, (2) a build-up of fats, oils and food waste from kitchen sinks, (3) non-flushable items such as wipes, sanitary products or paper towels, and (4) pipe misalignment or collapse caused by the area’s shifting water table or heavy vehicle traffic over shallow mains. Regular maintenance and mindful flushing habits are the best defence.
Do you offer camera inspections for main line issues, and how does the process work?
Yes. After an initial rodding or high-pressure jetting to clear standing water, we feed a high-definition CCTV camera through the main line. The live video helps us locate breaks, dips, root ingress or foreign objects to within a few centimetres. You receive a digital recording and a written report, which makes it easy to provide evidence to insurers or the local water authority if a repair or sewer transfer is required.
Can tree roots really damage my main water or sewer line?
Absolutely. Roots are drawn to the moisture seeping from small joints or cracks. Once inside, they expand and act like a net, trapping grease and debris until a full blockage occurs. In advanced cases, the pressure can fracture the pipe. Our plumbers can cut away roots with specialised augers or water jetters and then install a trenchless sleeve (CIPP liner) to seal the pipe and discourage regrowth—all without digging up your garden.
What should I do in an emergency main line backup before the plumber arrives?
1) Stop using water immediately—turn off washing machines, dishwashers and avoid flushing toilets. 2) If you have a back-water valve, make sure it is closed to prevent sewage from re-entering the property. 3) Clear the area around floor drains so any overflow can drain away. 4) Switch off power at the consumer unit to affected basement circuits if water is approaching electrical outlets. 5) Finally, keep children and pets away from the contaminated area until our certified engineers get on site.
How quickly can your Lancing team respond to a main line problem and what will it cost?
We provide a 24/7 emergency call-out service across BN15 and neighbouring postcodes, aiming for on-site arrival within 60–90 minutes. Standard weekday call-outs are a fixed diagnostic fee, currently £65+VAT, which includes the first half-hour of investigation. Out-of-hours or bank-holiday visits carry a small premium that we’ll quote over the phone. Once we’ve identified the issue, you’ll receive a transparent, itemised price for clearance or repair before any work proceeds.