A Pest Controller’s Guide to Drainage Work and Rodent Prevention

For pest controllers looking to diversify their services and stand out in a competitive industry, branching into drainage work can be a game-changer. While becoming a fully certified drainage contractor takes time, experience, and possibly dedicated staff, there are practical steps you can take to get started right away.

Why Drains Matter More Than You Think

The majority of rodent infestations originate from the drainage system. Cracked pipes, open junctions, and outdated installations create perfect access routes for rats into a property. Underground drainage provides a hidden, sheltered network that rats can use to travel freely and undetected. These entry points are often invisible from above ground, which means infestations can go on for months—or even years—without anyone realising where the problem is really coming from.

In many cases, pest controllers will treat an infestation inside the property multiple times, only for the issue to reoccur. That's because the root cause—an access point in the drainage system—hasn’t been dealt with. Rats are extremely agile, capable of squeezing through small gaps and climbing through vertical pipes. Even a tiny crack or redundant junction in the sewer can become a gateway into kitchens, lofts, wall cavities, or basements.

Understanding how to inspect and proof these access points is critical to providing a complete and lasting solution. Without addressing the drainage system, you’re often treating the symptoms rather than the source. By incorporating drain inspections and proofing, pest controllers can take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach—stopping infestations before they start and saving clients time, stress, and repeated callouts.

This is where tools like RatGates become invaluable. Installing a RatGate at the correct location in the drainage system can stop rodents from ever reaching the property in the first place. And because the devices are installed underground, they work quietly and effectively in the background, providing long-term protection. It’s this type of proactive thinking that separates standard pest control from exceptional service—and it’s exactly why drain knowledge is fast becoming a must-have skillset in the industry.

Start Small: Drainage Services That Pair Perfectly With Pest Control

There are several simple, low-barrier drainage services that naturally align with pest control work. These include:

Fitting RatGate - Rodent Prevention Devices – Installing a RatGate is one of the most effective ways to stop rats before they ever reach a property. The devices are fitted inside the drainpipe and act as a one-way valve, allowing water and waste to flow freely, whilst at the same time preventing rodents from travelling in the opposite direction and gaining access to the property. RatGates are especially valuable because they tackle infestations at the source—within the sewer system itself. As more pest controllers adopt this solution, it’s quickly becoming an industry standard. And with the RatGate’s unique liftable flap, ongoing maintenance and CCTV inspections are easier and more efficient as you don'y have to take the device out whilst drainage work is being undertaken.

Installing Sewer Bungs – These plugs are used to block off sections of the drainage system. They’re incredibly useful during inspections or when you need to isolate a part of the system for repairs or testing. Pest controllers can use sewer bungs to control flow, trap rodents, or prepare an area for CCTV surveying. It’s a simple tool that makes your work safer and more controlled, especially in complex drainage networks.

Basic CCTV Drain Surveys – Conducting a basic “look-see” camera survey is a powerful diagnostic tool. With minimal training and equipment, pest controllers can visually inspect the inside of drains to identify cracks, blockages, or rodent entry points. These surveys are quick and cost-effective, and can help determine whether further action is needed. They also provide visual proof for clients, which helps build trust and justify recommendations.

These services require minimal training but offer maximum impact. They allow pest controllers to address infestations at the root cause and add genuine value to their offering.

How to Level Up Your Drainage Work

Once you’ve mastered the basics, the next step is to build out your service offering with more complex drainage work. This is where further training and specialist knowledge come into play. The good news is that with the right courses and some hands-on experience, pest controllers can confidently take on advanced drainage tasks that bring greater value—and bigger returns.

Some of the more advanced services include:

Full CCTV Drain Surveys – Unlike basic “look-see” surveys, full surveys require in-depth inspection, reporting, and analysis. This includes documenting pipe conditions, identifying structural issues, creating site diagrams, and providing recommendations. These surveys are often requested by landlords, insurers, and property managers, and they command a higher price point.

Patch Lining – A non-invasive method of repairing damaged pipework. Patch lining involves sealing cracks, collapsed sections, or redundant connections using resin-impregnated liners. While it can be technical, it’s an incredibly effective way to restore integrity to a drainage system without digging. It also helps prevent rodents from re-entering through vulnerable points in the network.

Mapping and Diagnosing Complex Drain Systems – As you gain more confidence, you’ll encounter complex properties where drainage networks aren’t always clear. Learning how to map, trace, and fully understand these systems gives you a big edge and makes your diagnosis far more accurate.

Tackling these kinds of jobs not only boosts your income potential but also sets you apart as a true problem-solver. Clients appreciate thorough, long-term solutions—and these advanced services help you deliver exactly that.

Monetising Your Drainage Work

You can generate ROI through:

Selling full CCTV surveys as standalone services – Charge a fee for comprehensive inspections, especially for properties with persistent or recurring issues. These surveys are particularly valuable for landlords, property managers, and insurance documentation where a formal report is needed.

Bundling basic surveys into premium pest packages – Include a “look-see” CCTV survey as part of your higher-tier pest control packages. This adds perceived value, helps clients understand the bigger picture, and positions your service as more thorough and proactive.

Upselling RatGate installations, repairs, or patch lining – Use findings from surveys to recommend additional services. Clients are far more likely to approve extra work when they’ve seen evidence of cracks, access points, or redundant junctions in their drainage system.

Adding these services builds trust, commands higher prices, and positions you as a comprehensive problem solver.

Recommended Training to Build Your Skills

To kickstart your journey into drainage, consider enrolling in:

CCTV & Sewer Survey Courses (e.g., through the NADC) – These courses teach you how to properly conduct and interpret drain inspections, giving you the skills to deliver professional reports and recommendations. Understanding how to assess and document drainage issues is key to offering high-quality service and building credibility.

Patch Lining & Drain Repair Training via Re-Tec – Patch lining is an effective and non-invasive method of repairing damaged sections of pipework. Training through Re-Tec gives you hands-on experience, allowing you to confidently carry out this service. This kind of repair work can be a profitable addition to your pest control toolkit.

Confined Space Awareness – Many drainage systems require entry into tight, enclosed spaces such as manholes or chambers. Confined space training ensures you understand how to work safely in these environments, which is not only essential for your safety but also for compliance with regulations.

These programs give you the skills and confidence to move from basic installs to more complex diagnostic and repair work.

Real-World Results: What Pest Controllers Are Saying

Over the years, we’ve heard some great stories from those who’ve expanded their services into drainage work. One pest controller told us they started with basic installs - RatGates and simple “look-see” CCTV surveys - but after taking a Re-Tec training course, they now carry out full drainage investigations and patch repairs. It’s transformed their business and helped them stand out in a competitive market.

Others have shared similar experiences, like finding old, unsealed junctions in terraced housing or discovering rats accessing properties via broken interceptors. In each case, it’s the ability to properly inspect and proof the drain that made all the difference.

And of course, there are always a few stories that make us laugh. One contractor told us about the time they were conducting a CCTV survey and spotted something strange in the footage—what looked like a rat wearing something shiny. Turns out, the rat had somehow dragged an earring into the drain! The customer was thrilled, not just because they finally stopped the rats, but because they’d lost the earring months ago and thought it was gone forever. Drain work: part pest control, part lost property department!

For us, hearing these stories highlights the growing importance of drain work within the pest control industry. Our role is to provide the best prevention devices we can - but it’s the people out in the field, using them alongside proper inspection techniques, who are delivering real solutions to persistent problems.

The Bottom Line

Drains are the hidden highways of rodent infestations. If you’re not inspecting or proofing them, you’re leaving a huge gap in your service. With the right tools, training, and a gradual approach, pest controllers can confidently step into drainage and offer better outcomes for their clients – while growing their own business in the process.