16th March 2007

UK Drainage Network (UKDN), the first company in Great Britain to gain independent accreditation against the requirements of The Drain Repair Book, the best practice manual covering the inspection and repair of domestic and light industrial drains, has been reaccredited against the requirements of the updated 2nd Edition of the book.

UKDN provides specialist drainage services through ten locations nationwide and is already a pioneer in the domestic drainage industry, having been the first company to gain independent evaluation against The Drain Repair Book in 2004 under the WRc ApprovedTM ‘fitness for purpose’ scheme. The achievement of WRc ApprovedTM certification against The Drain Repair Book 2nd Edition (DRB2), is further recognition of the company’s commitment to demonstrating best practice and compliance to industry recommended procedures.

Roger Bulkeley, sales and marketing director of UK Drainage Network, said: “We constantly strive to provide the highest standards of service for all of our customers and are incredibly proud to have this commitment recognised by WRc. The Drain Repair Book is a ‘living document’ which will continue to be updated and as new editions are released, we will strive to meet and, where possible, exceed the recommendations so that we can continue to provide our customers with the peace of mind that they are getting the very best quality of service.”

The Drain Repair Book was developed by the WRc at the request of the Drainage Forum, a group of insurance companies that are all members of the Association of British Insurers. The Forum recognised that there was scope to improve the quality of repairs in the domestic drainage industry, and the effectiveness of companies operating in the industry by setting a standard for best practice. The Book serves as both a guide to drainage specialists and a guideline for householders and insurers to check that the work has been completed within industry standards. The second edition includes an extension of information regarding techniques including reaming, re-rounding, pipebursting and patch repairs, clarification of lining specification requirements, and new section on legal aspects of drain repair and on the inspection of septic tanks.

On presenting the award to UKDN, Iain Naismith said: “The Drain Repair Book is important in that it aims to drive quality and standards through the industry. UKDN has demonstrated that it meets the stringent requirements of the DRB2 across its national business and we are pleased to acknowledge that achievement with the award of the WRc ApprovedTM certificate.”