WHO YOU GONNA CALL?
You could say they only take ‘block bookings’. But knowing that Monks Contractors is always right there on call, represents a huge relief for any householder with a drainage problem, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Robin Lyndon
We all know only too well about the disruption, smell and general unpleasantness caused whenever our sinks, toilets, baths, showers, gullies, pipes or whatever get bunged up.
We’re talking dirty here, sometimes very dirty.
And if a blockage strikes – whatever the size – you don’t just need it sorting, you need it sorting straight away! But, to paraphrase a classic movie, ‘Who you gonna call?’ That’s easily answered. Monks Contractors – the blockage-busters!
This long-established Ribble Valley company with a national reputation for waste haulage and plant hire, now has its very own ‘Drain Services’ division, designed to serve the domestic market. At first glance, Monks Contractors, first established by Chris and Louise Monk some 25 years ago, looks to be a commercial operation more aimed at business custom.
But when it comes down to drains and suchlike then the domestic householder is every bit as important.
• Toilets, sinks, baths/showers unblocked
• Outside drains and gutters cleaned
• Septic tanks cleaned and emptied
• CCTV surveys of sewers and culverts
• Sonar drain tracing and location
• Tree roots removed from drains
• Full-length drain lining and patchlining
• Excavation and pipe repairs
• Ponds emptied and de-silted
• Jet washing
All of this with a 24-hour emergency call-out guaranteed.
“Our service covers every possible issue related to domestic blockages and we are ready to help whenever the call comes in,” says Andy Dudley, the drainage manager at Monks. The methods and equipment are impressive too – not least the new high-pressure, water-jetting vehicle complete with on-board CCTV inspection gear.
“Some jobs are easy to identify and relatively straightforward, but others can lie deep below ground like damaged or defective pipework and manhole chambers or tree roots,” added Andy. “This is when the CCTV on the new Vanpack Jetting Unit really comes into its own to root out the problems. We even use it for mortgage purposes, checking draining systems for damage on potential property purchases. If we find a defect, our own civil engineering crew will excavate to expose and repair damaged drains quickly and effectively. Should excavation prove out of the question, then we can either line full lengths of drains or carry out localised remote structural repairs or patchlining.”
Incidentally, the new Vanpack Jetting Unit is also powerful enough to remove graffiti and burn stains, as well as deep cleaning walls, drives and pavements. Andy is particularly keen to encourage householders to be pro-active and do all they can to avoid issues connected with drains.
“Prevention is always better than cure and we urge people to carry out regular maintenance. Letting us check and maintain drain systems on an on-going basis can help to prevent serious problems arising and also save money. And, unlike the nationals, we are right here, just when you need us.”
Drain services is only part of the Monks’ empire, an empire built over a quarter-of-a-century.
Progress has been remarkable, due in no small part to the vision and work ethic of founder Chris. The son of a firefighter mechanic, he left school at 16, bought a tractor and tended a small herd of sheep.
He also took on some contracting work (getting rid of rubbish for other people and visiting landfill sites) and quickly realised that waste disposal offered genuine opportunities for his fledgling business.
Chris bought his first HGV in 1994 – even though he wasn’t old enough to drive it! He employed a driver and just about broke even in year one. On passing his driving test, he added a second wagon and everything started to snowball.
Nowadays, Monks has blue chip companies and local councils on its client list, the team travel the country to dispose of waste material and Monks employs 60 staff from its sizeable base in Mellor Brook.
Despite the growth, Monks has managed to retain a real family feel. Chris and Louise are still very much involved (as are daughters Hannah and Lauren) with son, Jack, expected to jump aboard on leaving school.
“We all work closely together and everyone is very hands-on,” added Andy. “Chris might be the gaffer, but he is always ready and willing to go out on a job, any job.”
That leadership from the top and a united desire to perform to a consistently high level is precisely why the new Drains Services division is destined to go from strength to strength. At Monks, they all muck in!
Monks Contractors
Myerscough Smithy Road
Mellor Brook BB2 7LB
01254 814412
www.monkscontractors.com
