A collapsed drain is arguably the most serious drainage problem a property owner can face and requires urgent attention from a reliable drainage company. Drains collapse because they’ve become extremely structurally unsound. The effects are dramatic and destructive: when pipe walls cave in, they stop wastewater filled with contaminants from toilets, showers, washing machines, etc. flowing away from properties, thereby putting people’s health at risk. Collapsed drains can completely derail drainage systems and make daily life a nightmare.

Wastewater will leak out of a collapsed drain and soak into the surrounding soil. It may ultimately be absorbed by the foundations and walls of the property connected to the drainage system. If the collapsed drain isn’t dealt with promptly, the ground beneath the building and the building itself could become dangerously unstable. ‘It’s crucial to get it fixed right away,’ emphasises Checkatrade’s collapsed drain repair cost guide.

Resolving collapsed drain issues requires specialist skills and equipment – you’ll want to make speaking to drainage experts such as the Mega-Rod Bath team a priority. Our collapsed drain repair service is available to residential and commercial customers in Bath, Bristol and beyond. And you’ll be relieved to hear we offer 24/7 emergency callouts because we know major drainage problems can occur during the day or night, so please feel free to contact us anytime.

Common Causes of Collapsed Drains

When a drain collapses, there’s a good chance at least one of the following factors is to blame:

• Age – drain materials such as clay deteriorate and weaken over time. Your drains work hard every day, and their walls may crack due to wear and tear, putting them at risk of collapse. Drains are particularly likely to fail at period properties with ageing drainage systems.
• Severe blockages – drains can easily get blocked when exposed to something greasy or absorbent (congealed cooking fat or wet wipes, say). Blockages prevent wastewater from flowing freely. This results in pressure building-up in the pipes, which may cave in.
• Freezing temperatures – in very cold weather, wastewater in your drains may freeze and expand, putting the drain walls under strain and potentially leading to collapse.
• Invasive roots – when searching for water and nutrients, root networks exploit drainage systems’ structural weaknesses, including cracks. Roots wrap themselves around, invade and block drains. Once they have it in a stranglehold, the pipework may collapse.
• Ground movement – the soil around drains can shift and sink if it gets extremely wet or dry (a destructive process known as subsidence). The drains may collapse if they also drop.
• Intense vibrations – if you’re landscaping your garden or building an extension, for instance, heavy equipment such as compactors will send shockwaves through the soil. If your drains aren’t robust, they may cave in.
• Neglect – the main reason drains collapse is because they aren’t well maintained. Property owners who don’t book yearly drain camera surveys or drain cleaning appointments don’t know what state their drains are in and aren’t taking steps to protect them. When structural problems and other issues go unnoticed, the pipework is far more likely to collapse.

Collapsed Drains – Key Signs

You may well be wondering how to tell if you have a collapsed drain. There are several key signs to watch out for, all of which are rather unpleasant:

• Slow drainage, standing water, frequent backups and foul smells
• Damp/mouldy areas on walls, sagging floors and boggy gardens
• Rodent infestations – vermin such as rats are attracted to wastewater leaks

If you suspect that you have a collapsed drain, try not to panic. What you need to do to fix the problem is obtain professional assistance. Remember that Mega-Rod provides an effective collapsed drain response service, and you can easily contact us.

It’s also sensible to alert your insurance provider to the situation, as it may cover the cost of collapsed drain repairs. ‘Most buildings insurance policies cover damage to underground pipes,’ as the Financial Ombudsman Service explains, as long as the damage is accidental.

Combat Bristol and Bath Collapsed Drains with Mega-Rod

We’ll conduct a CCTV drain survey to locate and diagnose your drainage problem. If a drain has indeed collapsed, the next step is for us to assess the damage and decide how best to resolve the issue.

It might be possible to reline the pipe by inserting a resin-soaked cloth liner that will harden and become watertight. However, most collapsed drains need to be replaced, which involves excavation work. But don’t worry, we make every effort to minimise any disruption, so life can soon go back to normal at your home or business.

For expert help with collapsed drains, call Mega-Rod today on 01225 422980.