CLEARMASTERS
repair engineers
call-outs
after every visit
and tankers
in drainage
The basics
What is drain lining?
Drain lining repairs a damaged pipe from the inside, without digging it up. A flexible liner soaked in resin is put into the pipe, inflated against the walls and left to cure until it sets hard, forming a new, smooth, watertight pipe inside the old one.
Before lining, the pipe is cleaned with high-pressure jetting, plus root cutting where needed. Where a pipe has collapsed and can’t be lined, we excavate and replace it.
We do this work across Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and London, with tankers and engineers in each area most days.
It’s quicker, tidier and usually cheaper than excavation, and your driveway, patio or garden stays exactly where it is.
Step by step
How a drain is lined, step by step
Watch the process from survey to finished pipe, or pick a step.
Common problems
What goes wrong with drains?
A CCTV survey shows us exactly what’s wrong, and that decides whether a pipe can be lined or needs digging up.
Cracks and fractures
Often lined, with no digging.
Displaced joints
Small movement can be lined. Badly displaced joints usually need digging out.
Root ingress
Roots cut out first, then the pipe is usually lined.
Collapse or deformation
Usually needs excavation and a new section of pipe.
When it works
When is lining the right choice?
Cracks and fractures
The most common reason we line a drain.
Root ingress
Once the roots are cut out, the liner keeps them out.
Leaking joints
Lining seals joints that are letting water in or out.
Not for collapses
A collapsed or badly deformed pipe usually needs digging out and replacing.
Why Clearmasters
Why choose Clearmasters?
We survey, clean, line and re-survey, so you get before and after footage and know the repair has worked.
Ask us a questionAlways on hand
Planned servicing at a time that suits you, and 24/7 call-outs when something goes wrong.
Straight answers
We explain what we found in plain English, and give you honest advice on what needs doing now and what can wait.
Trained engineers
Our engineers hold current confined space entry certificates and work on treatment plants, pump stations and drainage every day.
Before and after footage
A CCTV survey before and after, so you can see the difference.
What our customers say
Checkatrade
From 134 reviews · Read them
From 63 reviews · Read them
Scores as of September 2026
Questions answered
Drain lining FAQs
What is drain lining?
A no-dig repair where a resin-soaked liner is put into the damaged pipe, inflated and cured to form a new, watertight pipe inside the old one.
When is drain lining suitable?
For cracks, fractures, leaking joints and root damage, where the pipe still holds its shape. A collapsed or badly displaced pipe usually needs excavation instead.
How long does it take?
Many domestic repairs are done in a day. Longer or larger pipes take longer. We’ll give you a timescale with your quote.
Will I need to move out?
No. You’ll just need to avoid using the drain while we work on it.
Do I need a survey first?
Yes. A CCTV survey shows exactly where the damage is and whether lining is the right repair.
Got a different question? Call 03333 233566 or send us a message.
Related services
Fully accredited & compliant
We're independently vetted and certified so you can trust who you're letting onto your site.
SafeContractor
Health & safety pre-qualification accreditation, verifying our processes meet recognised safety standards.
RISQS
Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme — approved to work safely within the rail industry supply chain.
Achilles UVDB
Utilities Vetting Database membership, confirming we meet the utilities sector's supply chain standards.
Trading Standards Approved
Vetted and approved under the local authority's trusted trader scheme for honesty and fair dealing.
NADC Member
Members of the National Association of Drainage Contractors, the UK trade body for the drainage industry.
Registered Waste Carrier
Registered with the Environment Agency, so your waste is handled and disposed of fully within the law.