University College of London – Cast Iron Pipe Repair

The Project

Repairing Cracked and Leaking Cast Iron Pipework at UCL.

KD Drainage was called to University College London after a section of cast iron drainage pipework was found to be cracked and leaking.

A damaged cast iron pipe can quickly become disruptive in a commercial building, particularly where leaking wastewater is affecting surrounding areas or where the pipework forms part of a heavily used drainage system.

Our engineers attended the site to remove the failed section and install replacement pipework, restoring the integrity of the affected drainage run.

The project formed part of KD Drainage’s ongoing commercial drainage work for clients across London and the South East.

The Challenge

A Cracked Pipe Was Allowing Water to Escape From the Drainage System.

Cast iron drainage pipework is robust, but older pipework can deteriorate over time as corrosion and general wear weaken the material.

Once a cast iron pipe cracks, wastewater can begin escaping through the damaged section, potentially affecting walls, floors and neighbouring areas.

In a commercial building such as UCL, leaving leaking drainage untreated also increases the risk of disruption and further deterioration.

The damaged section therefore needed to be removed and replaced rather than simply left as a temporary repair.

Our Solution

Removal of the Damaged Section and Installation of New Pipework.

Once the failed section had been identified, our engineers removed the cracked cast iron pipework and prepared the existing drainage for the replacement section.

The new pipework was then installed and connected back into the existing system to restore a secure and reliable drainage route.

Repairing only the affected section meant the problem could be resolved without unnecessarily replacing sound surrounding pipework.

The completed repair left the drainage system ready to return to normal use.

When Pipework Needs Attention

Cracked and Leaking Pipes Should Be Investigated Before Damage Spreads.

Leaks from drainage pipework are not always obvious when the pipe is concealed behind walls, floors or service areas.

Warning signs can include damp, staining, persistent drainage smells, visible corrosion and unexplained moisture around pipe routes.

Where the problem cannot be identified visually, a CCTV drain survey may help investigate inaccessible sections of the drainage system.

Depending on the type and location of the defect, the solution may involve conventional drain repair, replacement pipework, drain relining or localised structure repair.

Repair or Replace?

The Correct Repair Depends on the Condition of the Existing Pipework.

Not every damaged drain needs full excavation and replacement.

Where damage is isolated, a targeted repair may be sufficient. Where the pipe is extensively corroded or structurally unsound, replacement may provide the more reliable solution.

For underground drainage, trenchless options such as relining or localised structural repair may also be suitable after the pipe has been inspected.

KD Drainage can assess the problem and recommend the repair method that best matches the condition and location of the defect.

Cracked or Leaking Pipe?

Need Commercial Pipework Repaired?

KD Drainage provides professional pipework repair, replacement and drainage investigation for commercial and domestic properties across London, Kent and the wider South East.

If you have visible corrosion, a persistent leak or suspected concealed pipe damage, speak to our team about the most appropriate next step.