• Drain Inspection Services - East Yorks

    From Generalie@Generalie@nospam.com to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 13:02:57 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Hello D-I-Y Friends

    I intend to resurface the drive shortly and think it is worthwhile
    getting the house drains inspected before that happens.

    Can anyone personally recommend a company operating in the Hull area
    that carries out drain inspection services?


    On a more general note....

    There will be some jobs that many members of this group consider to be
    "too big" and decide to get-a-man-in!
    For me, the relaying of a drive falls squarely into this category.

    So, do you assume the right to get involved with any work done and
    bombard the contrator with relevant (to you) questions?


    Thanks

    Phil


    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jeff Layman@Jeff@invalid.invalid to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 13:41:59 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 22/06/2026 13:02, Generalie wrote:
    Hello D-I-Y Friends

    I intend to resurface the drive shortly and think it is worthwhile
    getting the house drains inspected before that happens.

    Can anyone personally recommend a company operating in the Hull area
    that carries out drain inspection services?


    On a more general note....

    There will be some jobs that many members of this group consider to be
    "too big" and decide to get-a-man-in!
    For me, the relaying of a drive falls squarely into this category.

    So, do you assume the right to get involved with any work done and
    bombard the contrator with relevant (to you) questions?

    Well, as you're paying for it you can ask anything you want.

    You say "resurface" the drive. That sounds like new tarmac, so all I
    would say is that you should use a well-established company, even if
    some quotes seem a lot higher than others. With tarmac you'll get what
    you pay for, but be careful to check that what you're getting *is* what
    you paid for! You don't want some "boys from the blackstuff", do you?
    --
    Jeff
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Theo@theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 13:57:11 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> wrote:
    On 22/06/2026 13:02, Generalie wrote:
    Hello D-I-Y Friends

    I intend to resurface the drive shortly and think it is worthwhile
    getting the house drains inspected before that happens.

    Can anyone personally recommend a company operating in the Hull area
    that carries out drain inspection services?

    Afraid not. I can recommend someone in the Surrey area, but that's no help. It's a one-man-with-a-camera job, so it doesn't need to be a big firm (in
    fact the big firms - eg Lanes Drains, Cappagh - are probably not interested)

    You should ask for a copy of the video they record and download it for safekeeping. Means you have something to compare with in case you get a new survey, to see if anything's changed. Also the camera units typically
    record the length of cable spooled out as text overlayed on the video, so if there's an obstruction you can use that to work out where it is on the
    surface.

    Well, as you're paying for it you can ask anything you want.

    You say "resurface" the drive. That sounds like new tarmac, so all I
    would say is that you should use a well-established company, even if
    some quotes seem a lot higher than others. With tarmac you'll get what
    you pay for, but be careful to check that what you're getting *is* what
    you paid for! You don't want some "boys from the blackstuff", do you?

    If there's someone who's just doing a job down the road and has some
    leftover tarmac, run away very fast.

    Theo
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Generalie@Generalie@nospam.com to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 16:33:00 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 22/06/2026 13:41, Jeff Layman wrote:
    On 22/06/2026 13:02, Generalie wrote:
    Hello D-I-Y Friends

    I intend to resurface the drive shortly and think it is worthwhile
    getting the house drains inspected before that happens.

    Can anyone personally recommend a company operating in the Hull area
    that carries out drain inspection services?


    On a more general note....

    There will be some jobs that many members of this group consider to be
    "too big" and decide to get-a-man-in!
    For me, the relaying of a drive falls squarely into this category.

    So, do you assume the right to get involved with any work done and
    bombard the contrator with relevant (to you) questions?

    Well, as you're paying for it you can ask anything you want.

    You say "resurface" the drive. That sounds like new tarmac, so all I
    would say is that you should use a well-established company, even if
    some quotes seem a lot higher than others. With tarmac you'll get what
    you pay for, but be careful to check that what you're getting *is* what
    you paid for! You don't want some "boys from the blackstuff", do you?


    Thanks Jeff

    My wording was somewhat misleading there.
    I am looking for a full drive install - excavate, groundworks, hardcore, membrane, sand and blockwork (or maybe resin).
    I read a note recommending a geotextile membrane should be used and not
    just a weed block.
    I have already had the "we are in your area" approach from two separate companies recently, both with Irish accents. Turned out to be father
    and son! Rather surprisingly they seem to have picked up quite a bit of
    work in the area.

    Phil


    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Generalie@Generalie@nospam.com to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 16:40:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 22/06/2026 13:57, Theo wrote:
    Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> wrote:
    On 22/06/2026 13:02, Generalie wrote:
    Hello D-I-Y Friends

    I intend to resurface the drive shortly and think it is worthwhile
    getting the house drains inspected before that happens.

    Can anyone personally recommend a company operating in the Hull area
    that carries out drain inspection services?

    Afraid not. I can recommend someone in the Surrey area, but that's no help. It's a one-man-with-a-camera job, so it doesn't need to be a big firm (in fact the big firms - eg Lanes Drains, Cappagh - are probably not interested)

    You should ask for a copy of the video they record and download it for safekeeping. Means you have something to compare with in case you get a new survey, to see if anything's changed. Also the camera units typically
    record the length of cable spooled out as text overlayed on the video, so if there's an obstruction you can use that to work out where it is on the surface.

    Well, as you're paying for it you can ask anything you want.

    You say "resurface" the drive. That sounds like new tarmac, so all I
    would say is that you should use a well-established company, even if
    some quotes seem a lot higher than others. With tarmac you'll get what
    you pay for, but be careful to check that what you're getting *is* what
    you paid for! You don't want some "boys from the blackstuff", do you?

    If there's someone who's just doing a job down the road and has some
    leftover tarmac, run away very fast.

    Theo

    Thanks Theo

    Your suggestions regarding supply of videos for drain survey are
    appreciated.

    With regard to the drive, I hope I have read up enough to know what
    should be proposed at the quotation stage to enable me to weed out the "rogues". Then all that remains is to watch the work like a hawk as it progresses.

    Phil
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From RJH@patchmoney@gmx.com to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 16:18:51 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 22 Jun 2026 at 13:02:57 BST, Generalie wrote:

    Hello D-I-Y Friends

    I intend to resurface the drive shortly and think it is worthwhile
    getting the house drains inspected before that happens.

    Can anyone personally recommend a company operating in the Hull area
    that carries out drain inspection services?


    On a more general note....

    There will be some jobs that many members of this group consider to be
    "too big" and decide to get-a-man-in!
    For me, the relaying of a drive falls squarely into this category.

    So, do you assume the right to get involved with any work done and
    bombard the contrator with relevant (to you) questions?

    Having looked into this recently I'm 'given to understand' that if the area is over 5m2 and non-permeable you'll need planning permission - which involves provision for on-site drainage.

    That said, there's been a rash of resin drives laid round here recently with
    no PP - so I've either been misinformed or people don't seem too bothered
    about the whole thing.
    --
    Cheers, Rob
    Sheffield, UK
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Peter Johnson@peter@parksidewood.nospam to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 19:17:56 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:41:59 +0100, Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid>
    wrote:



    You say "resurface" the drive. That sounds like new tarmac, so all I
    would say is that you should use a well-established company, even if
    some quotes seem a lot higher than others. With tarmac you'll get what
    you pay for, but be careful to check that what you're getting *is* what
    you paid for! You don't want some "boys from the blackstuff", do you?

    About 15 years ago I wanted my drive and saw that a team doing block
    paving nearby adverised doing tarmac, so I got in touch to ask about
    tarmac. The outcome was the attendance of a local 'Irish Mick' (his
    name was Mick) who gave me a price that I thought reasonable.
    He dug out and removed the margins of the existing, leaving most of it
    in situ, covered by a layer of new material. He was quite shocked when
    I suggested paying by cheque, claiming that the price was for a cash transaction and that he had told me that, which he hadn't.
    Despite the apparent shortcomings the job has lasted quite well, a
    small fracture developing along one side in recent months.
    One day I'll save up to have it replaced with something better.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Theo@theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 19:58:59 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Peter Johnson <peter@parksidewood.nospam> wrote:
    On Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:41:59 +0100, Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid>
    wrote:



    You say "resurface" the drive. That sounds like new tarmac, so all I
    would say is that you should use a well-established company, even if
    some quotes seem a lot higher than others. With tarmac you'll get what
    you pay for, but be careful to check that what you're getting *is* what >you paid for! You don't want some "boys from the blackstuff", do you?

    About 15 years ago I wanted my drive and saw that a team doing block
    paving nearby adverised doing tarmac, so I got in touch to ask about
    tarmac. The outcome was the attendance of a local 'Irish Mick' (his
    name was Mick) who gave me a price that I thought reasonable.
    He dug out and removed the margins of the existing, leaving most of it
    in situ, covered by a layer of new material. He was quite shocked when
    I suggested paying by cheque, claiming that the price was for a cash transaction and that he had told me that, which he hadn't.
    Despite the apparent shortcomings the job has lasted quite well, a
    small fracture developing along one side in recent months.
    One day I'll save up to have it replaced with something better.

    Neighbours were approached by someone 'doing a job in the area'... they
    were always after a bargain. Turned out to be from the illegal encampment
    down the lane. Needless to say it did not go well - I don't remember if
    they had to get someone else to fix it in the end.

    Theo
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Generalie@Generalie@nospam.com to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 23:16:45 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 22/06/2026 17:18, RJH wrote:
    On 22 Jun 2026 at 13:02:57 BST, Generalie wrote:

    Hello D-I-Y Friends

    I intend to resurface the drive shortly and think it is worthwhile
    getting the house drains inspected before that happens.

    Can anyone personally recommend a company operating in the Hull area
    that carries out drain inspection services?


    On a more general note....

    There will be some jobs that many members of this group consider to be
    "too big" and decide to get-a-man-in!
    For me, the relaying of a drive falls squarely into this category.

    So, do you assume the right to get involved with any work done and
    bombard the contrator with relevant (to you) questions?

    Having looked into this recently I'm 'given to understand' that if the area is
    over 5m2 and non-permeable you'll need planning permission - which involves provision for on-site drainage.

    That said, there's been a rash of resin drives laid round here recently with no PP - so I've either been misinformed or people don't seem too bothered about the whole thing.


    Hi Rob

    Now you come to mention it, I remember the discussions some years ago on
    this. From memory there were permeable blocks to get round this.

    The reason I would not like to go that route is that our house is in a
    bit of a hollow and water making it past the drive surface sits on the
    clay around the foundations.

    There was also resistance if memory serves to the installation of
    surface drains which would amplify my problem if provision for these was
    not included.

    For the above reasons, and also the eradication of weed attracting
    joints, I am considering the resin option quite seriously.

    Phil
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Theo@theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk to uk.d-i-y on Mon Jun 22 23:29:21 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Generalie <Generalie@nospam.com> wrote:

    Hi Rob

    Now you come to mention it, I remember the discussions some years ago on this. From memory there were permeable blocks to get round this.

    I believe block paving is permeable - both the blocks and the sand between. Certainly on ours water doesn't pool.

    The reason I would not like to go that route is that our house is in a
    bit of a hollow and water making it past the drive surface sits on the
    clay around the foundations.

    We're on heavy clay too. They will presumably install a sand bed and tamp it flat as part of installation so there is sub-base drainage.

    If water is pooling around the house then perhaps they need to dig out the
    base so there's a slope away from the house.

    There was also resistance if memory serves to the installation of
    surface drains which would amplify my problem if provision for these was
    not included.

    We have no storm water drains (it's clay, so there's nowhere for it to go anyway). Gutters feed direct into the sewerage system.

    If you have resin, where will the water go?

    For the above reasons, and also the eradication of weed attracting
    joints, I am considering the resin option quite seriously.

    The block paving has relatively few weeds. For the terrible patio which
    does, I can recommend the blowtorch type weed guns:

    https://www.diy.com/departments/gosystem-garden-gas-weed-burner/5036720201200_BQ.prd
    https://www.toolstation.com/gosystem-butane-propane-mix-cartridge/p27985

    Go around and zap the weeds, then go around a few days later and burn up the dried remains. Takes a few minutes a time, lasts a month or two and
    there's no bending down or anything - if you can walk you can do it.

    Theo
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@usenet@andyburns.uk to uk.d-i-y on Tue Jun 23 08:21:49 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Theo wrote:

    I believe block paving is permeable - both the blocks and the sand between. Certainly on ours water doesn't pool.

    I think the proper SUDS spec has bigger "nibs" on the edges of the
    blocks nd uses tiny stones instead of sand to fill the joints, I think
    it's all laid on a different sub-base (type 3 instead of type 1?)
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From RJH@patchmoney@gmx.com to uk.d-i-y on Tue Jun 23 08:27:57 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 22 Jun 2026 at 23:29:21 BST, Theo wrote:

    Generalie <Generalie@nospam.com> wrote:

    Hi Rob

    Now you come to mention it, I remember the discussions some years ago on
    this. From memory there were permeable blocks to get round this.

    I believe block paving is permeable - both the blocks and the sand between. Certainly on ours water doesn't pool.


    I think so - my neighbour used block and had PP for a dropped kerb too.

    The reason I would not like to go that route is that our house is in a
    bit of a hollow and water making it past the drive surface sits on the
    clay around the foundations.

    We're on heavy clay too. They will presumably install a sand bed and tamp it flat as part of installation so there is sub-base drainage.

    If water is pooling around the house then perhaps they need to dig out the base so there's a slope away from the house.

    There was also resistance if memory serves to the installation of
    surface drains which would amplify my problem if provision for these was
    not included.

    We have no storm water drains (it's clay, so there's nowhere for it to go anyway). Gutters feed direct into the sewerage system.

    If you have resin, where will the water go?

    For the above reasons, and also the eradication of weed attracting
    joints, I am considering the resin option quite seriously.

    The block paving has relatively few weeds. For the terrible patio which does, I can recommend the blowtorch type weed guns:

    https://www.diy.com/departments/gosystem-garden-gas-weed-burner/5036720201200_BQ.prd
    https://www.toolstation.com/gosystem-butane-propane-mix-cartridge/p27985

    Go around and zap the weeds, then go around a few days later and burn up the dried remains. Takes a few minutes a time, lasts a month or two and
    there's no bending down or anything - if you can walk you can do it.


    Maybe a weedproof membrane for the OP, seeings as they're at the install
    stage?
    --
    Cheers, Rob
    Sheffield, UK
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2