Our Work
Dacres Buildings
We undertook works in conjunction with another contractor at Dacres buildings in Lewisham. The primary contractor on the job was employed to renew the soil stack pipes within five 11-story buildings. The overall cost to renew one soil stack pipe was £25,000 per property. This meant that, for one pipe servicing 11 properties, the total cost was £275,000.
However, for properties where leaseholders opted not to have the soil stack pipe renewed, A Star Drain Masters was employed to chain flail and expand the internal wall of that section of pipe. We inserted patch liners and CIPP liners between the floors and primary connections. This method proved not only effective but also extremely cost-efficient, allowing us to line the entire pipe for less than £15,000. This figure includes the cleaning of the associated drains, high-pressure water jetting from high levels, and flushing through the internal primary pipework within the properties. These real-life examples illustrate both the financial components involved and the practical steps taken to achieve effective results in addressing soil stack issues.
Milford Towers
Another site we’ve done plenty of work at is Milford Towers, located in South London. With the building undergoing refurbishment, we were called out to assess and renew different aspects of the
drainage systems at this property. To begin the process, we were able to unde take 3D scanning to establish all services. Most notably, we have renewed over 270 water mains in and around the estate. We also, recently,
carried out the renewal of two isolation wheels servicing the rising mains water supply. As part of these works, we liaised with the water board throughout the process to ensure this went as smoothly as possible. Further works carried out here include the renewal of several rain water
gullies, multiple stack clearances and CCTV surveys to establish serviceability as well well as chain milling to pipework, found on the stairwells, to expand the internal bore and the installation patch
liners through floors to seal any defects and extend lifespan of the pipework. Due to our wide-range skill set and drive to resolve problems as efficiently as possible, we have managed to source and rectify a number of issues at this property.
Innovation
At A Star Drain Masters, we specialise in advanced drainage solutions tailored to the needs of social housing providers, including housing associations and local councils in London and surrounding areas. For over a decade, we have worked with the likes of London & Quadrant, Mears group, United living, Lewisham homes to name a few. Our expertise lies in addressing the challenges posed by aging cast iron pipework, which typically has a life expectancy of 50 to 70 years. Over time, these pipes can develop rust and corrosion, leading to restricted flow and blockages, which can significantly impact residents.
Recognising that many older buildings in London contain pipework nearing the end of its lifespan, we’ve developed an innovative approach that eliminates the need for costly and disruptive pipe removal. Instead of relocating residents during repairs, our specialised techniques, including chain flailing and milling, restore the internal diameter of pipes while preserving their structural integrity.
To extend the lifespan of these drainage systems to approximately 100 years, we utilise trenchless technologies via resin and fibreglass CIPP liners, which create a new internal pipe within the existing structure. This proactive method not only saves our clients considerable expenses but also minimises the disruption that traditional methods entail, benefiting both housing authorities and the communities they serve.