Collapsed drains are arguably the most extreme drainage issue that can occur. Usually, drain collapses are the result of years of poor drain maintenance, but can also be a result of damage to pipes and sewer systems, or degradation of the pipes themselves.
In an ideal case, your drains will be regularly maintained so collapsed drains can be entirely avoided, but sometimes severe damage can be unavoidable. You should act on a collapsed drain as soon as possible to minimise repair costs and disruption, but how do you know if your drains have collapsed? Read on for some telltale signs.
One off blockages might be solved by a thorough drain cleaning, but if your home suffers from regular blockages or even back ups of sewage in your home, then a collapse somewhere along the drain is the likely culprit.
Without having a survey done in your drains, it can be tough to differentiate between a blockage and damage to the pipe itself. If you’ve suffered numerous cases of blocked drains in your home, a CCTV survey will identify any damage that is impeding the function of your drains. After that, the problem can be sorted out once and for all.
You might think yourself incredibly unlucky to have drain and rat trouble at the same time, but truth is they could easily be related. When a drain is damaged – cracked or collapsed – it becomes open to intrusion from the outside.
Rats can lead a thriving life in sewer systems and if they end up finding their way to your damaged drainpipe, they could end up setting up shop in your home’s drainage system. We have previously covered the prevention of rats in drains, but it’s worth saying again: if you believe rats have infested your home through your sewers, a professional pest control company will be able to deal with the main infestation, while drainage contractors can repair your drains to prevent future infestations.
Undoubtedly the main benefit of French drains is that they protect your property from flooding. The more a building floods, the more likely it is that you will encounter further problems such as brickwork becoming damaged and mould forming in your home.
As well as this, they’re also among the easiest and most cost-effective drainage solutions out there.
When your drainage is damaged, the flow of water through your home will be affected. This can lead to wastewater creating damp patches on your walls around where your pipes have been damaged. Damp leads to mould, which creates an unhealthy living environment for children and the elderly in particular. If mould has begun to appear in your home, and is accompanied by a sewer smell, it’s possible that you have a collapsed drain on your hands.
Slow drains are frustrating to deal with. Usually they’d point towards a blockage, but if the drains remain slow – or revert back to being slow after a clean – then it’s likely that there is something more serious going on. A CCTV survey will show whether your drain is collapsed or damaged in any way – tree root intrusion is a common cause of drain damage, for example – then your drains can be fully repaired to maximise their performance.
These are just some of the common signs of collapsed drains. If you notice any of these, it’s important to call a professional drainage contractor to carry out a full inspection.
If a drain breaks down, specialised assistance from the Mega-Rod specialist is necessary. Repairing or replacing collapsed drains is not easy and NOT a DIY exercise; instead, call in one of our trained specialists. Fixing a busted drain needs experience, and you can rely on our experienced, well-trained team.
Usually, the ground would have to be excavated to detect the extent of the damage after the drain collapse. Then we would have an idea of the extent of the damage, and the items needed for the repair. The only remedy for collapsed drains is replacing the broken and collapsed pipes.
The team at Mega-Rod can resolve all your drainage trouble. Whether you suspect that your drains are severely damaged, blocked or have no idea what the issue might be, we have the skills and equipment to identify and fix problems large and small. We work promptly and safely at all times and will work closely with you to ensure the most appropriate solution is implemented at your convenience. To find out more about our drain repair services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.