At Kingfisher Drainage, we’re committed to keeping your property safe, functional, and protected from hidden dangers beneath your feet. One of our recent callouts took us to Harlow, Essex, where a homeowner was dealing with a broken, hazardous manhole cover, a common but often overlooked problem.
But that wasn’t the only issue. The property also needed a rat gate installation to stop rodents from making their way in through the main sewer. Our expert team stepped in to solve both problems swiftly and professionally.
The Problem: A Dangerous Manhole Cover & Rodent Entry Point
The homeowner contacted us after noticing that their driveway manhole cover had cracked, posing a risk to vehicles, pedestrians, and pets. Over time, broken covers can become unstable, collapse, or even lead to trips and falls. What made the situation worse was the potential access it provided to rodents from the main sewer network.
Rats commonly enter properties through compromised drain systems, where they can cause extensive damage. They chew through pipes, insulation, and even concrete, leading to blockages, bad smells, water ingress, and—if left unchecked—structural issues such as damp and subsidence.
The Solution: Safe Replacement and Rat Gate Installation
Upon arrival, we carefully broke out the old concrete and removed the damaged lid and frame. We then installed a heavy-duty manhole cover and frame, designed to withstand the weight of vehicles and resist weathering—making it perfect for driveway use.
Next, we turned our attention to preventing future rodent problems. We fitted a specialist rat gate, a one-way valve designed to allow waste to flow out while stopping rats from entering the property through the sewer network. These gates are a proven solution to long-term rodent prevention without the use of traps or chemicals.
Why Install a Rat Gate?
🐀 Stops Rodents at the Source – Prevents rats from gaining access to your home via the drainage system
🐀 Prevents Chewing & Pipe Damage – Reduces risk of leaks, blockages and costly repairs
🐀 Protects Against Health Hazards – Reduces the risk of disease and unpleasant odours
🐀 Protects Structural Integrity – Helps prevent damp and subsidence caused by rat-related pipework damage
More Than Just Repairs – Complete Drainage Services
At Kingfisher Drainage, we do more than just cover replacements and rat gate installations. We offer a full suite of services, including:
✅ New drainage installations
✅ CCTV drain surveys and inspections
✅ Toilet, drain and sink unblocking
✅ Drain relining and repairs
✅ Root cutting and removal
✅ Pipework descaling and maintenance
✅ Soakaway installations and replacements
✅ Emergency 24/7 call-outs
Need Help with Your Drainage? Call the Experts Today
If you’re dealing with a broken manhole cover, suspicious rodent activity, or any drainage issue, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Kingfisher Drainage, we guarantee a professional, reliable and honest service, every time.
📞 Call us now on 07738 510343
📍 Covering Harlow, Essex and surrounding areas
🛠️ No call-out fees | Fixed prices agreed upfront | 100% satisfaction guaranteed
