Drain services for the insurance industry

Why insurance clients choose Catalyst

Insurance professionals need drainage specialists who can do more than carry out the work. They need a partner who can help move claims forward quickly, provide clear technical evidence, manage costs and deliver a good experience for the policyholder.

What drain services does Catalyst provide for insurance claims?

Catalyst provides a complete drainage response service for fast and efficient processing of insurance claims, from first notification of loss through to claim closure, including:

We select the right solution for each claim so drainage issues can be resolved quickly, safely and with the right level of technical evidence.

We are also experts at repairing, rehabilitating, replacing and maintaining off-mains drainage systems, such as septic tanks and sewage treatment plants. For more information, go to our dedicated Septic Tank Services Page.

Who we work with

Catalyst supports:

Our teams understand the different pressures each party faces during a claim and work to keep the process efficient, transparent and customer-focused throughout.

How Catalyst supports the insurance claim journey

Drainage claims need fast action, accurate diagnosis and clear reporting. Catalyst achieves this at every stage of the claims journey by:

Our qualified claim handlers understand drainage systems and customer care.

Their technical knowledge and service skills are continuously developed through our internal training academy, helping us deliver a fast, thoughtful and professional service for both insurance clients and their customers.

We also support our insurance partners by proactively sharing insight, delivering drainage system training where needed, and providing service data in the format required.

Why drain investigations matter in insurance claims

Timely and accurate drain investigations support prompt and appropriate claims decisions. By selecting the right survey method at the outset, Catalyst helps insurance clients understand the issue, assess the likely remedy and avoid unnecessary delay or disruption.

In many cases, remote investigation can remove the need for exploratory excavation, saving time and reducing cost.

Cost-effective drain investigations

A CCTV drain survey is often the quickest and least disruptive way to identify the cause of a drainage problem. The main alternative is exploratory excavation, which is slower, more expensive and more disruptive to the property.

In some cases, excavation may not even be possible, particularly where the drain is located beneath a building. By using trained surveyors and selecting the right technology for each job, Catalyst keeps investigation work proportionate and focused. That helps control drainage claim costs while still delivering the information needed to make the right decision.

CCTV drain surveys

A CCTV drain survey is often the most effective way to inspect drains and locate faults. Our drainage engineers guide specialist cameras through the drain system to inspect the condition of the pipe internally.

This allows us to identify issues such as blockages, cracks, displaced joints, root ingress and collapsed sections, even when the fault is beneath a building or in another difficult-to-access location.

Using CCTV survey technology means the problem can often be diagnosed without causing disruption to the property.

Drain investigation methods we use

Pushrod CCTV drain survey camera

Robotic CCTV drain survey camera

Drain
dye tests

3D drain and
manhole scanning

Drain
tracing

CCTV drain survey reports

CCTV drainage technology does more than identify faults. It also provides the evidence needed to support good claims decisions.

Our engineers can produce detailed drain survey reports containing the information needed to assess the condition of the drainage system and determine what action is required.

Our CCTV drainage survey engineers will send such a report to the expert team at Catalyst so we can quickly assess what further steps need to be taken to resolve any problems identified.

A CCTV drain survey report may include:

• Connections within the drain system
• Dimensions of drains
• Drain construction materials
• Location of access points
• Direction of water flow
• Connection to the main sewer
• Identification of shared drains
• Blockage locations
• Location and nature of defects

These reports are reviewed by the expert team at Catalyst so we can assess the findings quickly and recommend the most appropriate next steps.

Our aim is not just to remove the immediate blockage, but to understand the cause and reduce the risk of the problem happening again.

Blocked drains can lead to slow-draining sinks, baths and toilets. In more serious cases, wastewater can back up and cause internal flooding or sewage contamination. Fast response and the right technical approach are therefore essential.

Responsibility and utility company liaison

Understanding who is responsible for a blocked or faulty sewer is important when handling drainage claims. Where a blockage or defect sits within a sewer maintained by the water utility company, we advise the policyholder on the next steps and help ensure the issue is passed to the correct organisation as quickly as possible.

Drain and sewer unblocking methods we use

Drain
jetting

Tree root
removal

Robotic
cutting

Electro-mechanical pipe cleaning

Drain
rodding

Drain
excavation

Common causes of drain and sewer blockages

Build up of oil, fat and grease (FOG) and food waste in pipes leading from kitchen.

Ground movement, either subsidence or heaving, causing pipes to sag (slowing water flow), crack, become displaced, or collapse.

Tree roots getting into pipes, often through cracks and displaced joints.

Cracked drain pipes and displaced joints creating snagging points for debris, which then allows further material to build up.

Partial of full collapse of pipes, often caused by the movement of vehicles above them.

Period products and other items, including wipes, being wrongly flushed down toilets.

Poorly installed pipes.

Leaves, other vegetation or silt being washed into drains, or all three.

Build-up of scale and other mineral deposits inside pipes.

Pipe systems not having the capacity to cope with changes to buildings – additional structures, change of use or more intensive use.

Catalyst teams have the expertise to identify the cause accurately and recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.

Broken drains can allow wastewater to leak into buildings or the surrounding ground.

They can also allow groundwater into the system, reducing the pipe’s capacity and creating further operational problems. Leaving damaged drains unresolved often leads to more costly issues later.

Why no-dig repair matters in insurance claims

Remote access no-dig drain repair methods can significantly reduce the cost, disruption and inconvenience associated with drainage claims. In many cases, rehabilitating a pipe with cured-in-place pipe lining is quicker and less disruptive than excavation and replacement.

For insurance clients, this can support faster resolution and a better customer experience.

Pipe lining systems

Catalyst drainage teams select the most appropriate cured-in-place pipe lining system for each job. This includes choosing the right curing method for the pipe size, location and nature of the repair.

Working with water utility companies

At a certain point in the drainage network, responsibility for pipework passes to the water utility company.

When a blockage or repair issue sits within that part of the system, Catalyst advises the customer accordingly and helps ensure the matter is directed to the right organisation.

We can liaise with the utility company on behalf of householders and businesses, providing the information needed to help resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Talk to Catalyst about drainage services

Catalyst provides drain investigations, CCTV drain surveys, drain unblocking and drain repairs for the insurance industry.

To discuss support for insurers, brokers, loss adjusters and policyholders
Call: 0333 004 8008 Email: [email protected]