Helping Local Businesses in Exeter With New Environmental Regulations

Introduction

In November last year, the Exeter Daily published an article saying that businesses in Exeter are being urged to prepare for tougher environmental inspections in 2026. According to the article, this includes a focus on drainage and many other areas from regulators, councils and the environment agency. This follows on from pollution events linked to storms and heavy rainfall, stricter sustainability expectations and increased regulatory pressure.

For many local businesses, drainage is an often overlooked but critical part of environmental compliance. Problems with pipes can drains can often remain hidden until they cause flooding or other issues for your business.

2026 might already be well underway, but it’s not too late to get your drains checked and to see if they’re up to regulation. If you’re running a business in Exeter or elsewhere, the Drain Guys can help.

Why Drainage Is Important

Drainage systems play a key role in preventing polluted water, oils, fats and chemicals from entering surface water drains and nearby rivers such as the River Exe.

Blocked or damaged drains can quickly lead to uncontrolled runoff, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. If contaminants escape from your site via drains or gullies, even unintentionally, this could trigger fines and investigations from environmental authorities.

In many cases, businesses simply don’t have up-to-date information about their drainage layout or condition. Older sites in particular may have altered or undocumented pipework, making it difficult to demonstrate control during an inspection.

How the Drain Guys Can Help Local Businesses in Exeter

At the Drain Guys, we have many years’ experience supporting commercial clients across Exeter and the South West with practical, professional drainage services. We are a specialist commercial drainage company providing fast, reliable solutions for businesses across Exeter

These can help you identify any potential problems with your drainage systems such as environmental risks and to fix any underlying issues. This includes:

CCTV Drain Surveys – Using specialised equipment and high-quality waterproof cameras, we can quickly and efficiently identify any damage, leaks or blockages in the pipes without causing any disruption to your business. Knowing exactly what’s going on underground helps you identify and rectify problems before they become environmental hazards.

Drain Mapping for Risk Assessment – As part of our CCTV Drain Surveys, we can also offer Drain Mapping to help provide your business with accurate maps of your drainage network. This is essential to comprehend the layout of the drainage system and avoid costly complications further down the line. Drain Mapping can also help you know how water flows across your site, helping you manage runoff and other issues more easily.

Main Lines and Sewer Clearance – Main line and sewer problems can often become a problem in older commercial sites. Leaving a sewer blockage can lead to serious problems, potentially causing damage to your business and the environment. We can conduct an inspection of the drains and locate the blockage using specialist equipment to remove the obstruction.

Our Commercial Drainage Services in Exeter

From emergency drain unblocking and high-pressure jetting to CCTV surveys, repairs, tanker services and planned maintenance, we can help local businesses in Exeter keep their drains compliant and operational. Our expert team at the Drain Guys can support ongoing maintenance that can help your business stay compliant with environmental regulations. This includes sectors such as hospitality, housing, leisure, facilities management and more. Visit our commercial services page to find out more.

To arrange a professional drain survey or discuss a commercial maintenance plan tailored to your site, contact The Drain Guys today.