Close-up of a person holding a heavily clogged pipe segment outdoors, reminiscent of issues seen in blocked drains. The pipe's interior is coated with thick, black residue. A brick wall with a white-framed window is in the background, partially shadowed by sunlight.

Pitch Fibre Repairs

We specialise in pitch fibre drain repairs across the South of England, restoring weakened or deformed pipes with effective no-dig solutions. Our expert team utilises proven methods to reinforce your drainage system, extending its lifespan and preventing future costly problems.

For Pitch Fibre Repairs anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

Diagram illustrating the repair of a collapsed pipe commonly encountered in blocked drains. A re-rounding unit and bullet tool are employed to reshape it into a re-rounded pipe. Labels highlight "Collapsed Pipe," "Bullet," "Re-rounded Pipe," and "Re-rounding Unit.

- Smart Drainz -

Restoring Pitch Fibre Drains in Portsmouth, Hampshire & Everywhere in the South of England

As a professional drainage contractor, Smart Drainz excels in addressing challenges posed by ageing pitch fibre systems present in residential and commercial properties throughout the areas we cover. If you suspect your property has such a system, our experienced team can help with expert pitch fibre repairs.

Below, we provide more information on this subject. More interested in our new drainage installations, existing service and maintenance packages, or investing in soakaways to manage rain or wastewater? Browse our wider website or simply pick up the phone and give us a call.

Smart Drainz proudly serves clients in Andover, Beaulieu, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, Ringwood, Salisbury, Southampton, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Wiltshire, and the South of England.

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What is Pitch Fibre?

Pitch fibre is a type of drainage pipe material made from bitumen-impregnated fibre. It was commonly used in the UK for drainage systems between the 1940s and the 1970s, offering a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to traditional clay or metal pipes.

These pipes were popular for their ease of installation and affordability at a time when post-war reconstruction efforts demanded efficient building materials; that’s why they can still be found in abundance throughout our service areas. However, despite their initial benefits, pitch fibre pipes were not designed for long-term durability, which has led to issues in more recent decades.

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A dug-up lawn with a trench reveals an orange pipe. Two damaged sections of black pipe lie on the grass beside disturbed soil, with a shovel nearby. A drainage contractor's muddy boot is partially visible in the lower left corner, suggesting recent work on possibly blocked drains.

Why Does Pitch Fibre Eventually Fail?

While pitch fibre pipes were a practical solution in their time, their lifespan has proven to be limited. The material, being a combination of bitumen and fibre, is highly susceptible to degradation over time. Exposure to water, waste and environmental pressure causes blistering, cracking and even complete pipe collapse. This deterioration is accelerated by modern drainage demands, which these pipes were never designed to handle.

The main issues associated with pitch fibre include:

Blistering: The bitumen can separate from the fibres, leading to bubbles forming inside the pipe
Cracking: Over time the structure weakens, causing fractures and leaks
Collapsing: Prolonged wear can lead to the pipe losing its structural integrity altogether

Due to these issues, pitch fibre is no longer used in modern drainage systems. However, these pipes can often be repaired and restored without the need for complete replacement. Smart Drainz is a local drainage contractor that offers specialist pitch fibre repairs for properties in the areas we serve across the South of England.

How We Approach Pitch Fibre Repairs

At Smart Drainz, we use a variety of advanced techniques to repair and restore pitch fibre drains, ensuring the system functions optimally for years to come. Our approach combines traditional and innovative methods tailored to the specific condition of your pipes.

Re-Rounding

One of the most effective methods we employ for pitch fibre repairs is re-rounding. This technique involves using heavy re-rounding tools of varying sizes, which are winched through the pipe to remove blistering and force it back into its original circular shape. Re-rounding typically restores the pipe to approximately 95% of its original diameter. Once re-rounded, the pipe is thoroughly cleaned to prepare it for further restorative work, such as drain re-lining.

Drain Relining Techniques

In some cases, it may be worth following re-rounding with drain relining, thereby providing a durable and long-lasting solution to restore the pipe’s integrity. Our relining techniques include:

Felt or Polyester Lining: A lining is applied from within the pipe to cover cracks and holes, effectively sealing the damage and preventing further deterioration.
Patching: For smaller cracks or holes, a patch is applied from the outside to reinforce the structure and maintain the integrity of the drainage system.
Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining: This involves inserting a pre-shaped tube to replace damaged sections of the pipe. It is particularly effective for pipes that have partially collapsed or become significantly deformed.
Brawoliner: This elastic tube is ideal for lining pipes in challenging locations, such as around bends or joints, or when high pressure is required.
Pipe Bursting: When re-lining is not feasible due to severe deformation, pipe bursting may be the best option. This involves breaking the old pipe while simultaneously laying a new one in its place.

If necessary, Smart Drainz can also undertake traditional manual excavation to replace sections of the pipe that cannot be repaired using non-invasive methods. Regardless of the method used, our goal is to provide efficient, effective and minimally disruptive pitch fibre repairs to our residential and commercial clients.

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If you need professional pitch fibre repairs, look no further than Smart Drainz. Our team of skilled drainage contractors is ready to assist residential and commercial clients in the following areas: Andover, Beaulieu, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, Ringwood, Salisbury, Southampton, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Wiltshire, and the South of England.

03332 027129

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