Cavity Drain Installation

CAVITY DRAIN MEMBRANE INSTALLATION IN BIRMINGHAM

Free site survey, a written diagnosis and a fixed, itemised quotation — for warehouses and factories across Birmingham

Serving warehouses, factories and commercial properties throughout West Midlands: basements and below-ground structures, surveyed, specified and put right with proven sump pump systems.

How the Work Is Carried Out

Industrial operators keep us on because we understand operational constraints. Works are scheduled around shifts, night and weekend working is normal, and fast-cure sump pump systems is used where the programme calls for it. Serving basements and below-ground structures across West Midlands, with ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certification behind the paperwork.

Areas We Cover

• Digbeth
• Tyseley
• Aston
• Fort Dunlop
• Minworth
• Erdington
• Nechells
• Washwood Heath
• Heartlands
• Bromford
• Castle Vale
• Bordesley Green
• Small Heath
• Duddeston
• Saltley

And across West Midlands

Why Choose MPS?

Established 2013, with 25+ years' combined team experience
Sika-approved contractor status
Fast-response service across West Midlands
Minimal disruption to operations

Cavity Drain Membrane Systems & Components

We install professional cavity drainage systems using high-performance membranes, channels, and sump pumps to control basement water ingress and dampness.

Studded Drainage Membrane

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) studded membranes create an air gap between damp walls and internal finishes, allowing moisture to drain to collection channels while keeping interiors dry.

Perimeter Drainage Channels

Continuous drainage channels installed at wall-floor junctions collect water from membrane systems, directing it to sump chambers for automatic pump removal.

Sump Pump Systems

Professional submersible sump pumps with battery backup and high-level alarms automatically remove collected water, protecting basements even during power outages.

Floor Membrane Installation

Cavity drain floor membranes with integrated drainage channels manage groundwater pressure beneath basement floors, preventing water rising through concrete slabs.

Membrane Plaster Systems

Breathable water-resistant plasters and boarding systems applied over cavity membranes create fully finished, habitable basement spaces with guaranteed dryness.

Condensation Control

Ventilation systems and dehumidification strategies integrated with cavity drainage to eliminate surface condensation and maintain healthy indoor air quality.

Cavity Drain Installation Process

01

Site Survey & Design

We assess basement condition, water source, floor levels, and drainage fall to design an effective cavity drainage system with optimal sump pump placement.

02

Channel & Sump Installation

Perimeter channels are installed at wall-floor junctions, sump chambers excavated and positioned, and discharge pipework connected to drainage systems or soakaways.

03

Membrane Application

Studded cavity drain membranes are fixed to walls and floors using approved plugs and mastics, creating continuous waterproof barriers with guaranteed drainage paths.

04

Finishing & Certification

Membranes are protected with plasterboard or render systems, sump pumps commissioned and tested, and full installation certificates provided with guarantees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does cavity drain installation cost?

Cavity drainage system costs vary based on basement size, ceiling height, number of walls treated, and sump pump requirements. Typical residential basement conversions range from £3,000-£8,000. We provide detailed quotes including all materials, labour, and guarantees.

What's the difference between cavity drainage and tanking?

Tanking creates a waterproof barrier that resists water pressure, requiring perfect seals. Cavity drainage manages water ingress by channelling it safely away, working with water pressure rather than against it. Cavity systems are more forgiving, easier to maintain, and better suited to below-ground applications with high water tables.

Do cavity drain systems need maintenance?

Minimal maintenance is required. We recommend annual sump pump testing, checking discharge pipes are clear, and ensuring drainage channels remain unobstructed. The membrane systems themselves are maintenance-free with 25+ year lifespans when properly installed.

Can you convert a damp basement to habitable space?

Yes, cavity drainage systems are specifically designed for basement conversions. When installed to BS 8102 standards with appropriate ventilation, they create fully dry, habitable spaces suitable for residential or commercial use with insurance-backed guarantees.

What happens if the sump pump fails?

We install sump pumps with battery backup systems that operate during power cuts, and high-level alarms that alert you to pump failure before flooding occurs. Dual pump systems are available for critical applications requiring maximum redundancy.

Standards, Credentials & Documented Work

What you can check before appointing us.

Standards that govern this work

  • BS 8102:2022 — Type C (drained) protection, including drainage, pump and maintenance-access requirements

Who does the work

MPS Concrete Solutions was founded in 2013 and works from Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire (SG19 3JW). Our operatives hold NVQs in resin and grout injection, CSCS, SSSTS and SMSTS cards, and PASMA and MEWP (3a/3b) training, and are confined-space trained.

  • Constructionline Gold member; SSIP accredited
  • UKAS-accredited certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
  • Concrete Repair Association (CRA) member
  • Sika-specified applicator

How we get to Birmingham

From our yard at Gamlingay in South Cambridgeshire, Birmingham is one and a half to two and a half hours. Day-return working on most jobs, so phasing is driven by your operations rather than by our travel.

We say this plainly because it shows up in the price. Mobilisation, access plant and preparation equipment are largely fixed costs, so a single small repair a long way from base carries a much higher rate per square metre than the same work next door to us, or the same work bundled with other defects on one visit. If you have more than one problem on the site, it is worth having them all surveyed at once.

Reviewed by Jerry Blears, Director (LinkedIn), MPS Concrete Solutions. Last reviewed October 2026.

Related cavity drain installation projects

Project George, Oxford Circus, London Basement cavity drain installation for LDD Construction at 100–140m² a day, finished in under five weeks against competitor quotes of eight or more.

All case studies →

Send Us Photographs and We'll Tell You What It Is

If it needs a site visit, the survey is free. You get the findings, the cause, and an itemised quotation in writing — the documentation your engineer, insurer or managing agent needs to authorise the works.