Rat Blocker Installation in Dunstable (LU5–LU6)
Stop rats at the source: your drains and sewers. We supply, install, and maintain stainless-steel non-return rat blockers that prevent rodents entering properties via the pipework.
Are Your Rats Coming From the Drains?
Not all infestations start in the loft or kitchen. In many Dunstable homes, rats track in from the sewer network and emerge through defects or branch pipes. Common signs include:
- Scratching noises from floors, bathrooms or downstairs voids
- Activity most noticeable at night, near kitchens and WCs
- Droppings near soil pipes, service cupboards, or boxed-in pipe runs
- Repeated re-infestations despite interior baiting and trapping
- Collapsed or misaligned clay pipes found during building work
If you’re seeing any of the above, pairing internal control with drain proofing is the fast, permanent fix. For interior control options, visit our Short Form Page Here and we will be back to you shortly and visit our Rat Control page for more information.
How Rat Blockers Work (and When You Need a CCTV Survey)
Rat blockers (also called rat flaps, rat valves, or one-way sewer valves) sit inside the outlet pipe and allow waste to flow out while preventing rodents coming back in. They:
- Fit most 100–150mm (4–6?) clay, plastic, or cast pipes
- Use stainless steel bodies and hinges for longevity
- Can be installed in the main run or branch connections
Do you need CCTV first? If there’s a history of blockages, subsidence, renovations, or unknown pipe layout, we’ll run a CCTV drain survey to map the system, check flow direction, and identify defects or breaks that also need repair. This avoids placing a blocker on the wrong line or masking a bigger issue.
Our Installation Steps
- Initial Assessment: Site visit to confirm drain access (manhole/rodding point) and likely entry routes.
- CCTV Survey (if required): We trace the run, branch lines, and any defects causing ingress.
- Sizing & Placement: We select the correct blocker (single- or double-gate) and fit in the optimal position for protection and flow.
- Proof Testing: Functional check to ensure waste passes freely and the gate seals properly.
- Aftercare: Written report, photos, and recommendations for any additional proofing or minor repairs.
Costs, Guarantees & Maintenance
Every property layout is different, but we keep pricing transparent after the initial assessment. You’ll receive:
- Fixed quote for supply & install (and CCTV if required)
- Warranty on the hardware and workmanship
- Optional annual check to ensure free movement and continued protection
Because rat blockers are mechanical (not chemical), they provide long-term protection without ongoing bait use.
Aftercare: Sealing Entry Points & Hygiene
A blocker stops new ingress from the sewer, but existing access points must be closed and areas sanitised:
- Seal pipe chases, redundant openings and gnaw points
- Mesh or proof external vents where appropriate
- Remove droppings, apply biocidal sanitation, and neutralise odours
If you’re still hearing fresh activity indoors, combine this service with our professional rat control for a complete job.
Same-Day Appointments Across Dunstable (LU5–LU6)
We cover all Dunstable postcodes including LU5 & LU6—Houghton Regis, Tithe Farm, Downside, and the surrounding areas. Emergency callouts available.
FAQs
Do I need a CCTV survey before installing a rat blocker?
Not always. If access is straightforward and the run is known, we can install without CCTV. Where layouts are unclear—or there’s a history of blockages—we’ll recommend a quick survey first to place the blocker in the correct pipe and confirm condition.
Will a rat blocker stop rats permanently?
It stops sewer-borne ingress. If rats are entering from garden burrows, wall cavities, or roof lines, we’ll combine the blocker with external proofing and interior control for a permanent result.
Can you install for shared or terraced drains?
Yes. In shared lines we map the run and position the device to protect your branch without impeding neighbours’ flow. We’ll advise on best placement during the survey.
Will a blocker cause drain blockages?
Correctly sized and fitted blockers maintain normal flow. We test operation after installation and offer optional maintenance checks to keep everything moving freely.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Ingress from the sewer stops immediately. If rats are already inside, allow a short period for interior control and proofing to complete.