Sorted out my drain when local company couldn't!
Had a local company attend and used my neighbours manhole for access as no manhole on my property. They said my drain had collapsed and would need an excavator as the manhole was buried or didn't exist on my property.
Contacted my insurance (AXA) and a sub-contractor for DASA was sent the next day. He also used my neighbours manhole for access and withing 10 minutes said there was a collapsed drain but there was a manhole on my property.
Within 20 minutes he had dug by hand and found my manhole which was about 2 foot deep and covered. He then cleared the rubble that had blocked my drain and started to repair.
Didn't have everything on his van he needed so went to Wickes and within and hour was running freely and just need to fit a riser on the drain which was completed the next day.
Firstly, hats off to AXA for covering this without any debating or discussions. All it cost me was my excess where the previous company said it would cost literally thousands due to needing an excavator and 3 days work etc.
The sub-contractor that repaired the drain was a legend and had it sorted in no time. I asked what he would charge me if the insurance company will not cover and he said about £650 max.
Really impressed and now have full access to my drains.