At Happy Drains, we’re all about clear drains and clear communication. We know most people don’t spend their time thinking about what’s going on under the floorboards or down the plughole – that’s our job!
But when something goes wrong and you need to give us a ring, it helps to understand some of the words we use when talking drains. No confusing jargon. No talking in circles. Just a quick guide to help you know what’s what.
So here’s a handy list of the most common drainage terms you might hear explained the Happy Drains way.
Common Drainage Terms (De-Mystified)
DRAIN
A pipe that carries wastewater (from sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) away from your property. It usually serves just your home or buildings that belong to you (like a garage or extension).
LATERAL DRAIN
This is the bit of pipe that carries your wastewater from your property to the main sewer. It’s often outside your property boundary and is usually looked after by your local water company.
SEWER
A big underground pipe that carries waste from multiple buildings. It’s like the motorway of the drainage world — and most are public and maintained by your water authority.
BELLIED PIPE / BELLIED DRAIN
When a pipe sags or dips in the middle, it’s called a “belly”. This low spot can cause water (and waste!) to pool or flow more slowly, which can lead to blockages or smells.
SEPTIC TANK
A buried, water-tight container (usually concrete or plastic) that holds household wastewater. Solids sink to the bottom, forming sludge, while the cleaner water flows out to a soakaway or small drainage field. Common in rural properties not connected to the mains sewer.
CESSPIT / CESSPOOL
A sealed underground tank that just stores waste – no treatment involved. It has to be emptied regularly by a waste collection service. Think of it as a holding tank, not a processing system.
FRENCH DRAIN
Not a fancy drain from Paris! A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe at the bottom. It redirects surface water away from buildings, patios or gardens and helps prevent flooding.
SOAKAWAY
A hole in the ground filled with plastic crates or rubble that stores rainwater and allows it to slowly drain away into the earth. Great for managing stormwater without overloading your drains.
CCTV DRAIN SURVEY
We send a small waterproof camera into your drains to take a good look at what’s going on down there. It helps us spot cracks, blockages, or damaged pipes without digging up your garden or driveway.
A Few More Handy Drain Words You Might Hear:
BLOCKAGE
When something (like wipes, fat, or tree roots) stops the flow of water in your pipes. It can cause smells, slow draining, or worse – a backup!
RODDING
A method we use to clear blockages using flexible rods. Great for stubborn gunk that won’t budge.
DRAIN JETTING
Using high-pressure water to blast through blockages or clean your pipes. It’s like a power shower for your drains!
MANHOLE / ACCESS CHAMBER
A covered opening that gives us access to your underground drainage system. No, we don’t live down there – but it helps us do our job!
Need Help? Just Ask!
If something’s bubbling, gurgling, or not draining like it should or if you’ve just seen something weird and want to know if it’s a problem, we’re here to help.
No jargon. No fuss. Just fast, friendly, expert service.
Give us a call today and let’s get things flowing again!
Happy Drains – We love drains, so you don’t have to.
Best, David & Will