Ardudwy Drainage LTD is a business based in Harlech, carrying out all types of drainage works. Repairs and new installations make up most of their weekly workload, which means the team is often out laying or adjusting drainage pipes on varied ground.

Clive Sumner, who leads the company, explained that until recently, his team relied on a basic spirit level to check drainage pipe gradients. It worked, but wasn’t always quick or reassuring on longer runs of pipe.

First try with Pipefall

When Clive picked up the Metex Pipefall drainage pipe levelling tool, the first thing he noticed was its weight. The aluminium build made it feel solid but not heavy, and it looked straightforward to use. That impression proved right once he tried it on site.

“Pipefall has helped us achieve the falls we need. It’s more precise than a level and much quicker too,” Clive said.

The Pipefall pipe level has pre-set standard falls of 1:40, 1:60, 1:80 and 1:100, designed to allow a quick check of a pipe gradient without lasers or DIY solutions. Simply place it on the pipe with the spirit level head pointing downstream, turn it to show the desired gradient on the top, and check the spirit level – quick and easy!

Putting it to the test

One job in particular showed the benefit. On a new installation with a long run of pipe, the ground levels were deceptive. A standard level gave an idea of fall, but it left some doubt. Using Pipefall removed the guesswork – the team could see instantly that the pipe was at the right gradient, and the job kept moving without delay.

For a smaller contractor working across different groundworks sites, time saved is time earned. The Pipefall pipe level needs no setup time, as it can be just taken out of the van and used in minutes to check a pipe gradient. Clive pointed out how simple it is to keep clean and ready for the next job:

“It’s brilliant. Easy to stow in the van, light and easy to clean. Highly recommend.”

When it makes sense

Pipefall has become a regular part of Ardudwy Drainage LTD’s kit for new pipe installations and longer drainage projects. For very short sectional repairs, Clive pointed out he’s more likely to stick with the old approach, but for everything else, he reaches for Pipefall.

“I’ve already recommended it to others,” he added.

Clive mentioned Pipefall has overall come in handy on drainage jobs in a number of ways:

Less time setting up compared to lasers
Greater confidence in achieving correct gradients
Reliable proof of fall for building control
Portable and always on hand for daily use

Pipefall has helped Ardudwy Drainage LTD cut uncertainty from drainage pipe work while keeping jobs moving. For contractors in groundworks, construction, or pipe laying, it offers a quick and practical way to check gradients without slowing the pace of the site.

We’re here to help if you want to know more about Pipefall, or the rest of our drainage tool range – just get in touch with our team!

See how Pipefall works HERE, or download the Pipefall datasheet HERE.

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