Lock Maintenance
Locks keep canals moving – we keep the locks working. From drain-downs to gate replacements, we maintain every part of your lock infrastructure.
Waterway Maintenance Services
Our Specialist Lock Maintenance Services
Locks are among the most complex and critical parts of any canal infrastructure. If the lock breaks, canal traffic is impossible. The Rothen Group provides specialist canal lock maintenance services, covering everything from routine lock gate maintenance to full lock gate replacements.
Whether it’s a planned drain-down, fabrication of new stop logs, or emergency lifting of dislodged gates, our experienced team has the skills, equipment and experience to get the job done safely and efficiently. We’re trusted by waterway authorities, such as the Canal & River Trust, across the UK to deliver high-quality work on heritage structures, often in logistically challenging or restricted-access sites.
We use a fleet of specialised floating craft and lifting gear to repair and replace lock ladders, heel cups, cills, stop plank grooves, and more – all while preserving the site’s historical integrity. We now also design and build custom lock gates in FSC oak, providing authentic restoration where it matters most.
Need expert help with a canal lock? Contact The Rothen Group for advice, support, or a free site assessment.
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FEATURED CASE STUDY
Habitat Creation Coney Meadows, Droitwich
Coney Meadows is part of a nationwide project to restore the UK’s wetlands. Since the 17th century, large areas of reedbeds have been stripped and converted into agricultural land, massively reducing the number of habitats available for wetland animals.
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Changing the Shape of the River Derwent, Derby
Following the storm seasons of 2023 & 2024, the EA set out to review its impact on the UK’s waterways. The River Derwent in Derby was flagged after a sonar scan of its navigation identified a scour hole – a direct result of heavy rainfall pushing sediment downstream.
Locks are how we transport boats and barges up or downstream. They're crucial to any functioning canal system and are an impressive piece of Victorian engineering. However, the complex and robust mechanism can become damaged with time and older locks might leak too much water – or fail to shut properly.
Lock maintenance includes several tasks, such as draining down locks, replacing gates and ladders, repairing cills, heel cups, and carrying out stop plank repairs and groove inspections, as well as inspecting brickwork and wing walls. We also provide dredging within the lock chamber to ensure the water stays deep enough for all boats.
What is lock maintenance?
Most locks are robustly built and designed to last decades. The frequency of maintenance depends on the level of traffic and the condition of the lock. We recommend routine inspections to identify any potential issues. Minor lock repairs and servicing are usually needed annually, whereas a full gate replacement or structural repair is typically required every 20 to 30 years.
Our seasoned team of engineers and operators can assess wear and recommend the right schedule for your site. It’s part of our overall canal infrastructure maintenance.
How often do canal locks need to be maintained?
Yes. We don’t rely on roads to get to a lock site. Our fleet of floating craft, lifting equipment, and experienced operators allows us to work safely and efficiently even in the most logistically challenging locations. So, if we’re dealing with a remote lock or a restricted location, we have the tools to get the job done right. We’ve done it before—we’re ready to do it again.
Can you repair locks in hard-to-access locations?
Yes. We understand that sometimes issues like gate collisions or dislodged gates can render entire stretches of canal unusable. Like a traffic jam, boats can back up as people struggle to use the full network – these problems can ripple far beyond a single lock, causing widespread havoc.
The Rothen Group offers an emergency response for these situations, rapidly lifting gates back into place and carrying out temporary or permanent repairs to restore safe navigation. We offer rapid-response emergency lock gate repair UK-wide.
Do you offer emergency local repairs?
Yes. We’re proud to announce that we don’t just repair locks – we build them. Our specialist team can design and fabricate lock gates using FSC-certified oak. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering standards, these new locks aren’t just a homage to the original lock builders – they’re a much-needed improvement.
We’ll even install and finish the lock gates on-site, guaranteeing safe and reliable travel for decades to come.
Can you build and install new lock gates?
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A decade of
The Rothen Group
The Rothen Group have spent decades working on the UK’s inland waterways — and locks have always been at the heart of what we do. From routine inspections to full lock gate replacements, our team brings together traditional craftsmanship, specialist equipment and a deep understanding of the engineering challenges unique to lock structures.
We work closely with clients across the country, including the Canal & River Trust, to carry out safe, sustainable and heritage-sensitive repairs. Whether it's emergency gate lifting, complex brickwork repairs or the design and build of new FSC oak lock gates, we take pride in delivering reliable, high-quality results that stand the test of time.
