Victorian house drains
Firstbase Drainage Services attended to a drainage issue recently in my Victorian house. Dean advised what needed to be done. Emailed quote. Then arranged a date for carrying out the work. The necessary repairs were carried out on the agreed date. Dean and his team were punctual, efficient and friendly. Excellent service. Thank you.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 26/09/2024
, work completed 09/09/2024
Recommended
First class service
I called Dean to deal with what I thought to be a blocked downpipe on a three storey town house. He responded on the same day and dealt with the issues, more complicated than I thought, very effectively. He is a very pleasant guy, who listens, turns up speedily, and does the job well. Couldn't ask for more.
Customer in Hertfordshire
Posted on 14/09/2024
, work completed 09/07/2024
Recommended
Blocked old drainage runs to stop vermin
Dean and his team were polite, on time and very thorough with the survey. They clearly know what they are doing.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 05/09/2024
, work completed 30/08/2024
Recommended
Water leak
Digswell Tennis Club had a water leak between the water meter and the rising main that the water company wanted to repair and bill us for if we had not repaired the leak within five days. There was also a blocked drain. Dean from Firstbase Drainage Services quickly assessed the problems and had a team onsite within five working days. The leak was quickly found and repaired. The blocked drain was also investigated with a camera and the source of the blockage identified. I found Firstbase Drainage to be very professional, prompt and efficient. Their fee for dealing with two problems was very reasonable.
Customer in Hertfordshire
Posted on 31/10/2023
, work completed 27/10/2023
Recommended
Really thorough and know their stuff - pricing reasonable
Deans firm showed up to see if our drains were the source of our rat problem they were very thorough and not only do we no longer have rats but they also realised we had a fatal flaw in our general waste pipe work which they have now put right for us Hugely appreciated
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 18/09/2023
, work completed 18/09/2023
Recommended
Great piece of work, done quickly and well
We contacted Dean of Firstbase for a quote for dealing with a problem we've had some time with a sewer which has blocked repeatedly, occasionally causing some flooding. He gave us a free Ccv survey to identify the likely problem and, once engaged, did the full job, involving three further visits within ten days of the initial visit, though it was not an urgent job. The sewer dates from Victorian times and so had some unusual, indeed in one case unique, design features which presented a series of unexpected challenges. Dean and his team were professional, persistent in their pursuit of solutions, very hard-working and good-natured to go with it, which always helps. We are very satisfied with the result and thought his charges were reasonable and transparent. We'd happily ask him back to do other work for us in future.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 16/08/2023
, work completed 14/08/2023
Recommended
Excellent Service.
Dean and his workforce,were punctual,courteous , efficient and above all honest.The bill was reasonable .I would certainly recommend them .
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 01/08/2023
, work completed 31/07/2023
Recommended
Stubborn drain blockage quickly cleared. Exceptional service!
The drain at my house was blocked and a friend recommended I contact Dean. He called within minutes of my message to him on a Saturday and gave me some advice as he thought I may have been able to clear it myself to save money. This was very much appreciated but the problem was a little more complicated and my skills were no match for the blockage. I spoke to Dean again the same day and after checking his schedule he offered to come out the next morning. He arrived exactly at the time he said he would and within minutes had located the cause of the issue (this is why you use a professional!). Another few minutes later the blockage was cleared and he then set about cleaning up. He left the front of my house and driveway cleaner than it was when he arrived, and was extremely friendly and courteous throughout the whole job. I would have been happy to pay twice what he charged me to cure the headache the blockage had caused me - I couldn't use my washing machine or dishwasher (which meant I had to get a takeaway :-) ) - and I was thoroughly relieved once everything was back to normal. The service I recieved from Firstbase Drainage was exceptional and I would have no hesitation in using them again as well as recommending them to anyone in needs any draingage work done. Thanks Dean!
Customer in Central Bedfordshire
Posted on 30/07/2023
, work completed 30/07/2023
Recommended
Reliable and great work
I contacted Dean with a tricky drainage issue. He and his workmen dealt with the issue really well and quickly. During the job , they needed to try some new things to solve the problem and Dean made his workmen available for an extra day, to get the job done. The company were fast, friendly , good quality work and very tidy. I would not hesitate to contact them again or to recommend.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 19/05/2023
, work completed 26/04/2023
Recommended
Great service
Excellent service, they go above and beyond what was expected would use again and would recommend there very professional.
Shelly in Greater London
Posted on 11/05/2023
, work completed 03/05/2023
Recommended
Superb highly professional service! Very highly recommended!
We got to know Dean Richardson and his team of drainage engineers very well after an extremely problematic job that had everyone scratching their heads. Dean and team worked tirelessly, even coming back on a Bank Holiday (without charging extra) and to hold onsite meetings with Thames Water. The job itself was a complex 'can of worms' in sewers and drains 180 years old. Dean did not let that deter him and he was indefatigable, never stopping until he reached the source of the problem and the solution. The digging works were were remediated to a very high standard, and they even pressure washed the drive way clean once finished. The price was very competitive and the company were fully understanding of our insurance issues, and did not hassle us for immediate payment. If we ever have drainage issues again, it is First Base that will be my first contact! I have recommended them highly to all of my friends.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 25/04/2023
, work completed 14/04/2023
Recommended
Fixing a broken sewer channel
Our part of the sewer channel leading to the main drain had collapsed. The guys dug out the area and fitted a new channel leading right up to the next door manhole. They also closed off an entry where rats were able to come under the house. The work was done on time and in a professional way. We were able to discuss the work beforehand and were kept updated during the process which took half a day. The work was carried out in a clean and organised way which gave us confidence. We are very pleased with the work and the company.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 12/10/2022
, work completed 11/10/2022
Recommended
Fast, Efficient & Fair price
Overflowing drains caused by blockage of fallen leaves. Dean fully resolved this and replaced the chicken wire so it properly covered the drain. Bill was much less than expected as he said it was a quick job. Would definitely be my go to guy for drain work in the future.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 22/09/2020
, work completed 17/09/2020
Recommended
No more smell, no more flies, no more rats!
Dean diagnosed and dealt with a blocked and cracked drain with an uncovered access point in a dark and almost inaccessible disused basement. It was hot, smelly and the air was full of flies. There were signs that rats had been around but Dean and his team just got on with it. He also found a blockage (a mini fatberg) upstream from the main problem and dealt with that too, as well as rebuilding the badly configured drain behind the house where kitchen waste frequently overflowed. They did a great job, were incredibly helpful and cleared up well afterwards.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 22/07/2020
, work completed 17/07/2020
Recommended
Brilliant Service
Dean came to sort a problem with some subsidence on my driveway and agreed that he needed to dig down to the drain, create an access point and then reinstate the drive from that some builders had botched some time ago. On what was the hottest day of the year they worked so hard and we now have a pristine driveway that looks like new. They treated our property with respect and cleaned up after themselves. One of my neighbours has asked him to have a look at her drains so he picked up some additional work while he was here. He is polite, ever so knowledgeable and more importantly, extremely honest and trustworthy, everything a Which Trusted Trader should be. Well done
Customer in Hertfordshire
Posted on 28/06/2020
, work completed 26/06/2020
Recommended
Peace at last
My parents had an ongoing problem with rats over the last 20 years; but was too embarrassed to do anything about it. Sometimes you would not see 1 for months and then 8-10 in a week. We live behind a small stream.Eventually, I had enough. I called one contractor, he advised us to use firstbase. We called, left message. Dean called the next day. When he came with the crew, they put a camera down all possible drain points; and found an old, unused drain pipe as the rats point of access. He explained the procedure and cost. Excellent price and also excellent and friendly customer service. They did the job straight away as they came with all the necessary equipment. Over a year later...no more rats, or scratching under flooring. Thank you so much. 100% recommended. So sorry I did not review earlier Dean!Please use this trader.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 01/10/2019
, work completed 31/03/2018
Recommended
Couldn't be more helpful, and excellent value
Dean Richardson sorted a blocked shower outlet for even less than the (already reasonable) call out fee he quoted, and even threw in a tiling repair without making any extra charge. He was also happy to come back and sort a further problem, not of his making, without any charge at all. He was very pleasant and helpful.
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 26/04/2019
, work completed 11/02/2019
Recommended
Fast, efficient, friendly
I contacted Dean but he was on a job so told me that he would call me back. Sometimes this doesn't happen but Dean did call me very soon afterwards. He came out to my house later that same day. He quickly identified the problem with my drains and cleared them within a minute or so. He then did further investigation as to why they were getting blocked and narrowed it down to a U-trap where my drain goes out to the main drain in the road. This is common apparently with older properties. He checked the pipes with a camera and jet cleaned the U-trap. He was very honest and said that it will block again at some time but it is impossible to say when. He also said that the U-trap can be removed and replaced with a straight section of pipe and that it was a two hour job. I will definitely use Dean again as he was reasonably priced, efficient, honest and friendly.
Customer in Hertfordshire
Posted on 13/03/2019
, work completed 12/03/2019
Recommended
Persistent rat and smell problem fixed
I had given up hope of ever solving the problem I had at my premises in North London particularly since I had previously had cameras down my drains and the problem wasn’t discovered. 4 years of intermittent rat problems under the floorboards and two years of drain smells coming and going. Lanes for Drains came out about 25 times... I had been assigned my own Thames Water engineer... he didn’t find the problem... So after having cameras down my drain previously, pest control trying to get rid of rats, drain people coming out and cleaning my gullies, me spending £600 pulling up a laminate floor to look for a sewage leak.... Dean came and identified a disused pipe which rats had eaten through the rubble to get to and he plugged it... job done in an hour! Cannot praise him highly enough. A huge thank you!! Fiona
Customer in Greater London
Posted on 09/12/2018
, work completed 09/12/2018
Recommended
Great stress free job
Dean installed a new residential septic tank and pump at our home. The work was carried out professionally and efficiently. The workers were polite and pleasant and the work was carried out to a very high standard. Since then Dean has been on hand to help with any questions regarding the equipment and how it continues to work. Thank you Dean. Marie.
Loy Marie, .
Posted on 14/06/2018
, work completed 14/06/2018
Recommended
Very pleased
I asked Dean to investigate a couple of problems relating to drainage smells and he was exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful. He fixed one problem very quickly and very thoroughly. With the other he had to do some detective work because what was happening did not seem to be physically possible. However, he persevered and came up with an explanation. He was on time and he was good value. I'd definitely hire him again.
Which? Trusted Traders Consumer
Posted on 06/04/2018
, work completed 06/04/2018
Recommended
Solved our drainage problem when no one else could. Smells gone!
We called out Dean because our house smelt of sewage and the smells were not going away, whatever we did and whoever we consulted. He was brilliant. He worked fast at identifying the problem ( in fact, several problems) and solved it. After months of terrible smells thanks to Dean, the smells have gone. He took us carefully through the causes, explained what he had done to remedy the situation and we do understand it now. He went about the work in the least disruptive and most cost efficient way. Dean is fast, efficient, competent and caring and as far as we are concerned worked miracles ( but explained them too which mattered!).
Fiona Freedman
Posted on 09/03/2018
, work completed 09/03/2018
Recommended
Excellent Service
We had problems with rats getting into our loft. Dean quickly identified the problem and managed to resolve it, without any drama. I would thoroughly recommend Dean.
Chris Draper
Posted on 05/12/2017
, work completed 05/12/2017
Recommended
Brilliant
Dean was our saviour!! Fixed a problem others had been unable to do. Didn't stop until solved. Highly recommended!
Rebecca, London
Posted on 09/11/2017
, work completed 09/11/2017
Recommended
Brilliant Job
Dean turned up on time with an assistant and tackled a very nasty job with gusto. He had very good equipment but a lot of physical work was necessary which was no problem. The job took twice as long as expected and I accepted a modest price increase.
Leon, Hertfordshire
Posted on 14/10/2017
, work completed 14/10/2017
Recommended
Outstanding service
Dean and his colleagues turned up at the agreed time. They surveyed our drains, identified two breaches and lined the offending pipe, all within three hours and in the pouring rain. The charge was reasonable and value for money. They were skilled in what they did and a pleasure to deal with. We would use Firstbase again and we're happy to recommend them. Howard 08/08/2017
Miller
Posted on 18/09/2017
, work completed 18/09/2017
Recommended
Great Job. A Real Expert.
They did a great job. Neat and skilful. Very expert and professional. We're happy to recommend them.
Peter, Hertfordshire
Posted on 10/08/2017
, work completed 10/08/2017
Recommended
Fantastic service
Really good service. Outside drain blocked and Dean came just as it started to rain and snow. Sorted the problem which wasn't straightforward and charged a decent price for it. No hesitation in recommending him.
M.Grout
Posted on 28/02/2017
, work completed 28/02/2017
Recommended
Great prompt service
I rang Dean with a nasty outside drain emergency (involving sewage ugh!) hoping he might be able to come the next morning - he was here within half an hour, and had sorted the problem within the hour. Very reasonable prices and friendly service.
Hazel
Posted on 11/02/2017
, work completed 11/02/2017
Recommended
Excellent work
Called Dean and he came at the first convenient date to unblock an outside drain that wasn't particularly urgent. Fixed the problem with no hassle. Excellent service and would highly recommend him.
Martin
Posted on 02/11/2016
, work completed 02/11/2016
Recommended
Excellent workmanship and highly recommended.
Dean called back within a short time of my enquiry regarding a new drainage installation for a sewer pipe. I found his work to be first class, conscientious, and very professional, the work was completed better than my expectations. I like quality workmanship to say the least, and would have no hesitation in highly recommending Dean and his crew. I have booked him again for other work.
Cabital
Posted on 18/10/2016
, work completed 18/10/2016
Recommended
Excellent service - definitely recommend
I needed a sewer specialist (my sewerage company confirmed that the problem was not something they would deal with) and without a personal recommendation I had to find someone off the internet. I always feel a bit apprehensive about this but Dean and his team deserve every positive word said about them on this site. Professional, friendly, hardworking, tidy, excellent communication and very good value for money (compared with others who gave me quotes). I investigated a rat hole in the garden which led me to the sewer pipe and an apparent sink hole! Dean did a camera survey of all my drain pipes, assessed the problems, explained it all to me agreed a price and was back the next day to fix it all. It was a lot of hard work: clearing 2 blockages, inserting 2 sleeves (one of which sealed a break in the pipe (which was probably the route the rats were taking to my loft) and replacing a manhole cover and identifying the hole as probably an old septic tank. The team was very indulgent of my curiosity to see what they were doing and how it all worked and Dean made a point of explaining the processes to me so I now understand my sewer pipes better. I would definitely recommend them and would use them again without hesitation.
Sarah
Posted on 09/07/2016
, work completed 09/07/2016
Recommended
Great work x 2
I found Dean very professional and knowledgable. Initially he repaired a broken pipe outside of our house. During this work he discovered a water main leakage and we asked him to fix it for us. We are very satisfied with both jobs. And the communication about the progress of his work was excellent at all times. I would definetively recommend him.
Antonio
Posted on 21/05/2016
, work completed 21/05/2016
Recommended
Drain Manhole Cover replacement
Would recommend Dean , did a great job in replacing my damaged manhole cover and frame ,
1427194
Posted on 30/04/2016
, work completed 30/04/2016
Recommended
Firstbase Drainage Services
I phoned Dean on Monday morning with an overflowing and offensive drain. He came that afternoon, phoned when he was on the way, arrived on time. Job was difficult as there was a large piece of wood lodged in the pipe that could have necessitated coming back another time as it would have meant digging up the side path and opening the pipe but Dean persevered, using a great deal of skill and hard work (and using modern technology to locate the problem), and eventually managed to move it. He and his assistant were pleasant, courteous and very efficient. Cost was extremely reasonable and I was very relieved and delighted at the outcome. Would certainly never hesitate to call him again and wold definitely recommend him to any friends or neighbours with problems with their drains. He certainly merits every star he has been awarded by his customers.
bernardo
Posted on 08/04/2016
, work completed 08/04/2016
Recommended
Honest advice, good neat job, value for money
Dean is amazing! Needed a new gulley as we were rerouting our drain pipes. Dean came to have a look and gave us some very good free advice and sorted everything out within our timescales and at a value for money price. He is a real Drainage Superhero! Having wasted my time and money with Dynorod on three separate occasions it was a pleasure to finally deal with someone who really knows what he is doing and will give honest advice. Honest advice, good neat job, value for money and they clear up after themselves too - what more could you ask for?
Saira6
Posted on 03/04/2016
, work completed 03/04/2016
Recommended
Drainage problem fixed when another firm failed
We called in a local firm when we had problems with blocked drains. They cleared the blockage and on inspecting the drain pipe with camera they found cracks in the underground pipe and a hole. They advised us to get the pipe repaired by relining the pipe which agreed with them to do the job. When they came to reline the pipe they could not reline the pipe and went away. That is when we started to look on internet and were lucky enough to get in touch with Dean via his partner. After explaining our problem to Dean he came to see us on the same day. He used his camera to look at the problems with underground pipe and knew straight away what the problems were and said he will be able to reline the pipe. After giving us a rough quote we asked him to do the job and Dean was good enough to fit in our job in between his busy schedule. So when Dean and his team came they straight away got on with the job and withing couple of hours sorted the problem. Dean also offered to look at the another drain pipe with camera and also found similar problem and also sorted the relining of that pipe. We must say Dean knows what he is doing and solved our two problems in one go. Dean has now given us peace of mind knowing that we will not have same problems for a long time. We will certainly use his services in future should a need arise
Hasmukhlal Shah
Posted on 27/01/2016
, work completed 27/01/2016
Recommended
Which? Local Review
I would certainly use them again, and highly recommend them. Very efficient and helpful.
rawcarrotz
Posted on 13/01/2016
, work completed 13/01/2016
Recommended
Ongoing drain problems fixed
Dean has solved some complicated historical problems in my Victorian house's drains. He uses a colour camera on a long hose, and has expert knowledge of the subject. His prices are fair and his assistants are nice. I have had two floods in a downstairs room and I am totally confident that this cannot happen again. I also have had ongoing problems with blocked toilets and these are definitely going to be much better. If the problem is not completely solved in a year's time we know what the next stage of work will be. He has lined various leaking underground pipes I did not know were leaking, which should also help with the damp I get in my cellar. It is not an exaggeration to say that my life is happier because of the work that's been done, because having ongoing plumbing problems is extremely stressful, especially when there is heavy rain.
Mrs Newham
Posted on 13/12/2015
, work completed 13/12/2015
Recommended
Trustworthy, honest & professional.
Trustworthy, honest & professional. Came on time. Did a great job. Cleaned up. Good price. A very pleasant and skilled man. This is all you need from a trader. Dean was very good at understanding what needed to be done and reassured me along the way. It was a very complex system but Dean worked with me to find out the correct sewage system for me. He also met with the company sales person to ensure that he knew the product and its requirements during installation. I was extremely pleased with the work of FIRSTBASE Drainage Services. Thanks Dean!!
Which? Trusted Traders Consumer
Posted on 08/10/2015
, work completed 08/10/2015
Recommended
Which? Local Review
Extremely pleased with the service he turned up on the same day to see the job and gave me a quote for replacing broken gully CCTV'd all pipes we agreed the price he came a few days later and finnished the job all neat and clean. Used him for the first time but certainly use him again and will certainly recommend him to friends.
sun
Posted on 18/09/2015
, work completed 18/09/2015
Recommended
Which? Local Review
Extremely pleased with the service he turned up on the same day to see the job and gave me a quote for replacing broken gully CCTV'd all pipes we agreed the price he came a few days later and finnished the job all neat and clean. Used him for the first time but certainly use him again and will certainly recommend him to friends.
sun
Posted on 17/09/2015
, work completed 17/09/2015
Recommended
Very helpful, good quality and fair price
Dean and his team were extremely helpful in diverting our external drainage. Dean was very prompt in organising an initial visit, providing a quote, and carrying out the job. During the initial visit he explained exactly what was required and answered all of my questions. I felt the price was very fair for the amount of work involved. The work was carried out to a high standard, and Dean also kindly offered to unblock an external drain at no additional cost. I would definitely recommend him and would employ him again. Thanks Dean!
Lisaki
Posted on 05/09/2015
, work completed 05/09/2015
Recommended
Recommended
Dean and his team are very professional. They managed to sort out, what we were previously told by another company, was an unsolvable problem. The soil pipe was full of concrete from the building work we had had done so the toilet was not flushing properly. Dean was able to diagnose the problem straightaway using his camera and then went the extra mile to sort it out for us. He and his team are very polite, organized and knowledgeable, came when they said they would come and explained what the problem was. The pipe is now free from concrete and the toilet flushes perfectly. I would highly recommend Dean and his company FIRSTBASE DRAINAGE SERVICES. Thank you so much for sorting out the problem.
Andy, Hertfordshire
Posted on 01/09/2015
, work completed 01/09/2015
Recommended
First Class Service
I live in Mill Hill, North London and was impressed with the reviews on Which but wondered if he would service my area. I called Dean and he was here within a few hours even though my drain problem was not acute, I had a concern with rats tunnelling through into my garden and blocking up the drain with soil. He has a team of 3 all of whom were excellent, he has the latest equipment, cameras and sorted out the problem with no fuss or bother at a reasonable cost. He also reviewed another area which could be a future problem and returned to fix that as well. An excellent man with a huge knowledge of drainage, a real professional, I would recommend him without question
pdmatwhich
Posted on 27/07/2015
, work completed 27/07/2015
Recommended
A job well done with excellent service
Contacted Dean by phone with a drainage problem, his customer service and knowledge was excellent reassuring me that he could diagnose and resolve the problem without fuss. I was kept informed by phone and text until the guys arrived onsite. Once onsite the guys were friendly, polite and explained what work they were going to carry out and they just got on with the job. It was obvious they all took great pride in their work, I could not fault the quality and the timely manner in which the job was completed. One very happy customer and would call these guys again.
2011-06-25 22:31:27.723
Posted on 07/07/2015
, work completed 07/07/2015
Recommended
Three simple words: Honest, Trustworthy, Excellent
I had contacted my local plumber about an intermittent sewage smell in my house. They came an inspected and could not find anything obviously wrong. They quickly acknowledged that a dedicated drain expert was required and they put me in touch with Firstbase Drainage Services (Dean Richardson). Dean arrived promptly and within a matter of minutes, he had diagnosed many problems with my main sewer, all of which could have contributed to the intermittent sewage smell in my house. Dean took the time to explain exactly what the issues were and I felt confident that Dean knew what he was talking about and his explanations made perfect sense. Dean provided a very competitive quote to resolve all the issues. We agreed a date / time for the work to be undertaken. Dean and his assistant arrived on time and completed all the work to my satisfaction. The intermittent sewage smell has now gone. I highly recommend Firstbase Drainage Services. They are honest, trustworthy and excellent.
Joffman
Posted on 01/07/2015
, work completed 01/07/2015
Recommended
Great stress free job
Dean installed a new residential septic tank and pump at our home. The work was carried out professionally and efficiently. The workers were polite and pleasant and the work was carried out to a very high standard. Since then Dean has been on hand to help with any questions regarding the equipment and how it continues to work. Thank you Dean. Marie.
Which? Trusted Traders Consumer
Posted on 03/06/2015
, work completed 03/06/2015
Recommended
Prompt & brilliant job done
I found First Base Drainage Service (Dean Richardson) through your Trusted Traders Booklet. He came when he said he would. He was cheaper than anyone else who I contacted, did a great job without any fuss and kept to his estimate. No hesitation in recommending him to anyone.
Simon, Bedfordshire
Posted on 17/04/2015
, work completed 17/04/2015
Recommended
Very trustworthy and excellent servcie
I received sound and honest advice, not just for the issue that I had but for other work I had going on too. A friendly approach with clear costs from the start. I would highly recommend these guys!! Trusting someone to help you is a big ting and I believe that you can trust this company.
Keith Doe
Posted on 09/03/2015
, work completed 09/03/2015
Recommended
Highly Recommended
We called Dean in after having been let down by a very large drains company which our insurers had recommended. He responded very promptly, came on time and immediately identified the work required. He gave a very fair quote setting out the work to be done. On instructing him to carry out the work he came as arranged with two assistants and completed the work in a morning to our complete satisfaction. Dean is personable, knowledgeable, reliable, prompt, helpful and reasonable. I have no hesitation in recommending him.
SidneyB
Posted on 04/03/2015
, work completed 04/03/2015
Recommended
Wholeheartedly recommended for service and price
Firstbase readily agreed to survey our drains on a weekend – very convenient for me. Once again we had a rat in the house and suspected that it got in through the drains, although we had a survey previously by another firm that failed to find anything. Dean's experience really showed – he assured me that he would find the problem and carried out a thorough survey as I watched on his CCTV. Initially everything looked OK but he persevered and found an uncapped disused side drain off to one side. His team quickly and neatly dug out beneath the patio to investigate further and the camera confirmed that it was a point of entry. They capped it off, sleeved the drain and replaced the patio slab, as good as new. The rat scarpered during the job – jumping off the roof and running down the garden! It’s been two weeks now and no more rat problems. The whole team on the job were hardworking, tidy, helpful and polite. The price was good and Dean went the extra mile in tracking the problem down. If you’re concerned, their van is discreet and principally promotes their drainage services. We’d had an on-going rat problem and tried everything to stop it – blocking holes, mesh on vent and gutter pipes, sonic repellents & mothballs but to no avail. Therein lies our lesson; the common advice on the Web is true – if you have a rat under the floor then it most probably got in through the drains. If you have rats and Firstbase cover your area then I recommend that you give them a call.
Rich Pinner
Posted on 16/02/2015
, work completed 16/02/2015
Recommended
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Dean and his team found the problem with my drains within minutes of arriving. I had a rat in my extension loft and using his CCTV equipment Dean found a manhole cover that the builders had left unsealed under the new building. This was clearly the point of entry and the drain was sleeved and made impenetrable to any unwanted critters and I am left very reassured. Firstbase worked professionally, quickly and promised that in the extremely unlikely event that the problem was unresolved - their service included a return visit for no extra charge to further investigate. Firstbase came when they said they would, phoned me on the day to confirm the time, arrived and completed the job exactly as they promised.........FIRST CLASS! Do not hesitate to use this company if you have any drainage problems - they know what they are doing and do it we'll.
flycar
Posted on 13/02/2015
, work completed 13/02/2015
Recommended
JohnUpminster
Dean was very professional turned up on time was very knowledgeable helpful and polite and friendly also very good price wise I would certainly recommend and use again
2011-05-02 15:25:18.727
Posted on 11/02/2015
, work completed 11/02/2015
Recommended
Excellent service
Dean arrived at time arranged, carried out a CCTV survey survey of the drains, showing me the camera output as the survey progressed and identified the problem. His work was tidy and he was informative and polite throughout. The cost was covered by the reasonable call out charge and I would seek his help again, should the need arise.
Grumpy
Posted on 02/02/2015
, work completed 02/02/2015
Recommended
Excellent
Dean is an extremely professional and highly skilled plumber with a specialism in drainage. He is reliable, efficient and very personable. I will certainly use him again and highly recommend his services.
CMR402831806
Posted on 30/01/2015
, work completed 30/01/2015
Recommended
Immediate response to problem
Very professional, immediate response to problem. Job done promptly and efficiently, no mess. I have no hesitation in recommending
Which? Trusted Traders Consumer
Posted on 26/01/2015
, work completed 26/01/2015
Recommended
EXCELLENT, TOP Trader
Dean is an excellent Tradesman. He was very prompt, on time, did the job efficiently, and professionally and also made the customer (myself) confident that he knew exactly what he was doing and thats very important. I would highly recommend him. 5 stars.
johnbarnet
Posted on 16/01/2015
, work completed 16/01/2015
Recommended
You need look no further
Having spent months trying to find the cause of a sewage smell in my front room, with two companies failing to locate the problem, Dean and his team took just 20 minutes to identify the cause as a dislocation between the main sewage pipe and soil pipe. Not only did he find the time to come and fix it over the weekend in the run up to Christmas, he did a first class job with what was a tricky dig under the back of the house. They cleaned up brilliantly, and even fixed a couple of faulty gullies while they were at it. Price very reasonable too. I would definitely recommend this company.
CMR400371845
Posted on 14/12/2014
, work completed 14/12/2014
Recommended
Victorian drains
Not only was Dean prompt, efficient and professional but he also had considerable knowledge of Victorian drains enabling him not just to unblock the drain but improve its working for the future. The work, which involved modernisation and upgrading, was carried out speedily and with zero fuss. He is very affordable and we would have no hesitation recommending him to others.
Hertfordresident
Posted on 13/08/2014
, work completed 13/08/2014
Recommended
excellent service
I used Dean to compile a drainage report for a mortgage provider. Apart from some minor issues regarding the completion of the report (which were swiftly and courteously resolved) the service couldn't have been better. He provided a clear, comprehensive report of the state of the drains and a very reasonable estimate for correcting the issues identified. The bank were happy with the report and I was very happy with the service, which is reasonably priced, trustworthy, and fast.
Which? Trusted Traders Consumer
Posted on 09/07/2014
, work completed 09/07/2014
Recommended
Which? Local Review
I have suffered years of problems with my drains. Dean came and he knew exactly what was wrong. He cleared the blockage, then using a camera showed me the faults, he quoted a price which I accepted. He did the work then showed me the improvements. I was very happy with everything and now look forward to no more worries on this subject. He was good value and I would use him again if necessary
catsmeat
Posted on 23/03/2014
, work completed 23/03/2014
Recommended
Which? Local Review
Really helpful. Came the same day and provided an excellent service (unblocking of an external drain to the kitchen). Would definitely use him again.
Stuart, Hertford
Posted on 06/07/2013
, work completed 06/07/2013
Recommended
Which? Local Review
We have used Dean twice now at two different locations and both times he couldn't have been more helpful. He is always courteous, efficient, and most important his prices are very reasonable. He is on time and phones if he is delayed and he suggests ways to stop the problem reoccuring. We have no hesitation in recommending Dean and would certainly use him again.
james.hurley1
Posted on 10/06/2013
, work completed 10/06/2013
Recommended
Which? Local Review
Couldn't ask for better service - Dean came out on a Sunday, fixed the drain within a few minutes, and explained how we could fix it ourselves if it happens again so we don't have to call him out! Charming, efficient and excellent price. No hesitation whatsoever in recommending him.
tortman
Posted on 03/02/2013
, work completed 03/02/2013
Recommended
Which? Local Review
We were very impressed with Dean. He arrived very promptly and dealt with our problems quickly and efficiently. He has a very friendly and helpful manner, and we would have no hesitation in using him again. Highly recommended and very competitive on price.
kenny2
Posted on 23/01/2013
, work completed 23/01/2013
Recommended
Which? Local Review
Dean has an excellent manner, he is very prompt, responsive and courteous when we were faced with a blocked drain, that did not require immediate attention. He made an appointment for later in the afternoon and phoned to let us know when he was on his way. He solved the problem speedily and adeptly and charged a very competitive fee for his service. We have no hesitation in recommending First Base.
JohnCLewis
Posted on 26/05/2012
, work completed 26/05/2012
Recommended
Which? Local Review
We own and let a property in Stevenage and tenants had a drain problem, quotes from local and natioal drain companies were very high. Drain Catt suggested FIRST BASE, he (Dean) was very helpful, unblocked the drain and told how we could possibly prevent it from reoccurring BUT most of all his price was very reasonable. Dean is a sole trader and relies on reputation and recommendations.We found him courteous, helpful and efficient his van was externally clean and appeared well equipped but most of all we found his costs very reasonable Some companies had quoted commercial rates as we were letting the property
Pen285
Posted on 21/03/2012
, work completed 21/03/2012
Recommended