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If you’ve recently discovered that your property has pitch fibre drainage pipes and are facing repair costs, you may be wondering whether your home insurance policy will cover any of the expenses. The short answer? It depends.
At Pitch Fibre Specialists, we frequently assist homeowners across Bournemouth, Bath, Guildford, and beyond who are dealing with deteriorated or collapsed pitch fibre drains. Understanding whether you’re eligible for an insurance claim — and how to approach one — can make a significant difference both financially and logistically.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through:
What pitch fibre pipes are and why they’re a problem
Common warning signs and issues
The average cost of repair
Whether insurance will cover it
How to structure a successful claim
What to do if your claim is denied
Why professional support matters
Let’s begin by understanding the material itself.
Contact us TodayPitch fibre pipes were introduced to the UK market in the 1950s and remained in use through the 1970s. They were designed as a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to heavier clay or cast iron drainage systems. Constructed from wood cellulose impregnated with coal tar pitch, these pipes were quick to install and inexpensive — making them particularly popular during the post-war housing boom.
However, the very material that made pitch fibre attractive has also proven to be its Achilles’ heel.
Learn MoreDecades later, pitch fibre pipes have become a known liability within the drainage industry. Their primary weaknesses include:
Structural Instability: Pitch fibre can soften, blister, or deform under heat and ground pressure.
Root Intrusion: Tree roots can easily infiltrate weakened sections, causing blockages and collapse.
Delamination: The inner layers of the pipe can peel away, creating severe flow restrictions.
Pipe Collapse: Over time, pressure from above can cause total collapse, resulting in costly excavation and disruption.
These issues are not speculative. They are well-documented, widespread, and affect thousands of properties across the UK — particularly in locations such as Andover, Wimborne, Ferndown, Bridport, Corfe Mullen, and Corfe Castle.
Get in TouchIdentifying pitch fibre problems early can help reduce repair costs and improve your chances of a successful insurance claim. Warning signs include:
Recurring drain blockages
Slow-draining sinks or toilets
Gurgling noises from internal plumbing
Unpleasant odours from manholes or inspection chambers
Localised flooding or ground movement near drain lines
Structural cracks or ground sinking near the property
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it is highly advisable to book a CCTV drain inspection without delay.
Get in TouchRepair costs vary based on the severity of the damage, the location of the pipes, and whether excavation is necessary. Here’s a rough breakdown for UK homeowners:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| CCTV Drain Survey | £90 – £250 |
| Pitch Fibre Pipe Relining | £500 – £1,500 |
| Partial Excavation & Replacement | £1,000 – £3,000+ |
| Full Drainage System Replacement | £3,000 – £10,000+ |
| Cracked Sewer Pipe Repair (Cost UK) | £600 – £2,500 |
Costs in specific areas — such as Guildford, Bath, and Hampshire — may vary depending on access, ground conditions, and property layout.
Get in TouchYou may have a strong case for a claim if any of the following apply:
Accidental Damage: If external works have disturbed or collapsed the drain.
Root Ingress: Tree root intrusion is often covered as a specific insurable risk.
Collapsed Drains: If the pipe has failed suddenly, causing loss of function.
Subsidence or Ground Movement: May also trigger insurance cover if proven.
The key is evidence. Insurers will want documentation showing that the damage wasn’t simply due to aging infrastructure, but instead the result of a defined and sudden incident.
Book a Quote TodayA rejected claim doesn’t mean it’s over. Here’s what you can do:
Request a written explanation for the denial
Ask your drainage contractor to review and revise the technical framing
Submit an appeal with added evidence
Raise the issue with the Financial Ombudsman Service if necessary
We’ve helped many clients in Bournemouth, Bridport, and Corfe Mullen successfully resubmit and overturn rejected claims — often with little delay.
Contact our TeamWe’re not just drainage contractors — we’re experts in the diagnosis and remediation of pitch fibre systems. Our team operates across the South of England and provides:
High-definition CCTV drain inspections
Detailed reporting tailored for insurers
Cost-effective repair and replacement solutions
Trenchless technologies where possible
Support with claims and appeals
Friendly, human customer service from start to finish
We’re trusted in locations including Wimborne, Ferndown, Guildford, Hampshire, Corfe Castle, and beyond — with a strong track record of successful claims and satisfied clients.
Contact us TodayIf you’re concerned about your drains, have noticed slow drainage, or have recently received advice about pitch fibre drain repair, now is the time to act.
We’ll take the guesswork out of the process and provide straightforward, professional advice tailored to your situation and location.
Call Pitch Fibre Specialists today or complete our quick online enquiry form. We’re here to help homeowners across Dorset, Hampshire, and beyond protect their properties and get the repairs they need — with or without insurance support.
Get in Touch