Yes, Xmun Projects Ltd. handles both new drainage installations and repairs or upgrades to existing systems. Drainage is one of those aspects of a property that most people rarely think about — until something goes wrong. A blocked drain, a flooded yard, water pooling against foundations, or sewage backing up into a property are all situations we deal with regularly across Gozo and Malta. Proper drainage is not glamorous work, but it is absolutely fundamental to the health and longevity of any building, and in the Maltese context, it deserves more attention than it typically receives.
Malta’s climate creates a particular challenge when it comes to drainage. The islands receive the vast majority of their annual rainfall in a concentrated period between October and March. When it rains, it often rains heavily — intense downpours that dump large volumes of water in a short time. The ground, baked hard by months of summer sun, does not absorb this water readily. Instead, rainwater runs off surfaces quickly, and if there is no adequate drainage system to capture and channel it, it accumulates around buildings, floods low-lying areas, and finds its way into basements, garages, and ground-floor rooms.
Many older properties in Gozo and Malta were built at a time when drainage infrastructure was minimal or rudimentary. Some properties still rely on cesspits rather than connections to the public sewer system. Others have drainage pipes that are undersized for the volume of water they need to handle during heavy storms, or pipes that have deteriorated over decades of use. In rural areas of Gozo in particular, properties may have been extended or modified over the years without corresponding upgrades to the drainage system, leaving the existing pipework overwhelmed.
The consequences of poor drainage are significant. Standing water against external walls and foundations leads to rising damp and can, over time, compromise the structural integrity of masonry — particularly the soft globigerina limestone that is so characteristic of Maltese construction. Water pooling on flat roofs or terraces because roof drains are blocked or inadequate causes leaks into the rooms below. Blocked or broken sewer pipes lead to unpleasant odours, unsanitary conditions, and potential health hazards. In short, a properly functioning drainage system is essential for protecting both the building and the people who use it.
Over our years of working on properties across Gozo and Malta, we have encountered a wide range of drainage problems. Some of the most common include the following.
Blocked drains are by far the most frequent issue. Blockages can be caused by a buildup of grease, soap, hair, and debris in internal waste pipes, by tree roots infiltrating underground sewer pipes through joints or cracks, or by the accumulation of silt and debris in rainwater drains and gullies — particularly after the dry summer months when dust, leaves, and other material collects in the drainage system and is then hit by the first heavy rains of autumn.
Collapsed or broken pipes are common in older properties. Clay pipes, which were widely used in earlier decades, are brittle and prone to cracking over time, especially under the weight of soil or where ground movement has occurred. Once a pipe cracks or collapses, it creates a point where debris accumulates and blockages become recurrent.
Inadequate capacity is an issue we see frequently in properties that have been extended or where additional bathrooms or kitchens have been added without upgrading the drainage infrastructure. Pipes that were sized for a two-bedroom house may not cope with the demands of a property that has since grown to four bedrooms with multiple bathrooms.
Poor falls or incorrect gradients can cause water to drain slowly or to pool within the pipe system rather than flowing freely to the point of discharge. This is sometimes the result of original installation errors and sometimes the result of ground settlement over time.
Lack of proper rainwater management is particularly problematic. Many properties have no dedicated rainwater drainage system, relying instead on water simply running off the roof and away from the building. In heavy storms, this uncontrolled runoff can cause flooding, erosion, and damage to neighbouring properties.
When we install a new drainage system — whether for a new-build property or as a complete replacement for a failed existing system — we begin with a thorough assessment of the property’s needs. This includes evaluating the number and type of fixtures that need to be connected (bathrooms, kitchens, washing machines, and so on), the layout of the property, the location of the public sewer connection or the cesspit, and the volume of rainwater that needs to be managed.
We design the system to handle not only everyday wastewater but also the peak flows that occur during heavy winter rainstorms. Pipes are sized appropriately, gradients are calculated to ensure efficient flow, and access points (manholes and inspection chambers) are included at key locations to allow for future maintenance and inspection.
All pipework is installed using modern, durable materials — typically PVC or high-density polyethylene — that are resistant to corrosion, root infiltration, and the chemical conditions found in domestic and commercial wastewater. Joints are sealed to prevent leaks and to stop roots from entering the system.
Where the property includes outdoor areas, yards, driveways, or gardens, we incorporate surface water drainage — channel drains, gullies, and French drains as appropriate — to capture rainwater runoff and direct it away from the building. This is a critical element of property protection in the Maltese climate that is often overlooked.
Not every drainage problem requires a complete replacement. In many cases, targeted repairs or upgrades can restore a drainage system to full functionality. We can clear blockages using professional equipment, repair or replace damaged sections of pipe, reline existing pipes where full replacement is not practical, upgrade undersized pipes to larger diameters, install new manholes and inspection chambers for better access, and add rainwater drainage where none currently exists.
Before carrying out any repair work, we conduct a thorough investigation to identify the root cause of the problem. This may include visual inspection of accessible pipework, CCTV drain surveys to inspect the internal condition of underground pipes, and water testing to check for leaks and confirm adequate flow rates.
All drainage work carried out by Xmun Projects Ltd. is completed to a professional standard and tested before handover. We conduct water tests to confirm that all joints are watertight, flow tests to verify that gradients are correct and water moves through the system efficiently, and visual inspections of all accessible pipework and chambers. Where work requires compliance with local building regulations or connection to the public sewer system, we ensure that all necessary standards are met.
Investing in a properly designed and installed drainage system pays for itself many times over by preventing water damage, damp problems, structural deterioration, and the recurring costs of emergency repairs to a failing system. It also protects the value of your property and ensures a healthy, hygienic living or working environment.
At Xmun Projects Ltd., drainage work is one of the many trades we handle in-house. This means we can coordinate drainage improvements with other works — such as waterproofing, landscaping, or building extensions — as part of a single, well-managed project. You deal with one team and one point of contact throughout.
If you are experiencing drainage problems or need a new system installed, call us on +356 7906 4535, email info@xmunprojects.com, or get in touch via WhatsApp. We will arrange a site visit, assess your drainage needs, and provide a clear, honest quotation.
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