As a property owner, ensuring the year-round functionality of your drainage system is paramount. While most drains dutifully transport waste and sewage from your home to treatment facilities, there are instances when they may fail, leading to drainage problems and backups.
The occurrence of a collapsed drain can pose a significant concern. Such collapses typically transpire due to either inadequate maintenance or ground shifts, resulting in pipe cracks that enable waste to seep into the surrounding soil. Collapsed drains not only inconvenience you but also present health hazards, as these cracks offer an entry point for rodents and other sewer-dwelling creatures into your home.
So, how can you identify the signs of a collapsed drain? Let’s delve into it.
- The Telltale Sewage Odor: Normally, sewage odours should be contained within the plumbing system, with sealed pipes and regular draining preventing them from permeating your living space. However, in the case of a collapsed drain, there’s nothing to confine the sewage, causing it to seep into the nearby soil. Regardless of where the breach is located, this is problematic, especially when it’s near your home’s foundations or close to the property. If you detect the scent of sewage, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly by seeking professional assistance.
- Unwanted Guests: Sewers are ideal hideaways for rodents seeking protection from predators and the elements. It’s not uncommon for these creatures to raise their young in sewer systems before venturing out into the world in search of food. When a drain collapses, your defence against rodents is compromised, allowing them to enter your home through cracks, drains, and pipes. If you find your property overrun by sewer-dwelling creatures, a collapsed drain could be the culprit, requiring immediate attention to address potential rodent infestations.
- Sluggish Drains: A collapsed drain often leads to blockages, with debris obstructing the pipe, and hindering the flow of wastewater into the sewage network. If you observe slow drainage across all sinks and toilets in your home, it’s likely that a collapsed drain is to blame. While domestic drain unblocker products may be a temporary solution, persistent issues or the presence of foul odours indicate the need for professional assistance. Drain experts typically conduct a CCTV survey to identify blockages and damage, devising a plan to repair the obstruction and replace damaged components.
- Dampness and Mold: Collapsed drains can impede water drainage from your property, causing wastewater to back up and leach into the surrounding soil. When the collapsed area is close to your home’s foundations, this leaked sewage can infiltrate the masonry, eventually manifesting as visible dampness and mould on your walls. Dampness is an indicator of a problem, while mould can exacerbate asthma symptoms and trigger allergies. Addressing the issue promptly is essential to prevent these health concerns from worsening.
- Backups in Toilets and Sinks: Normally, your sewer pipes can handle the sudden influx of wastewater when you flush a toilet or use a sink. However, with a collapsed drain, you may experience “backing up.” Toilets may take longer to return to their normal water levels after flushing, and sinks or baths may drain slowly. Initially, check if the pipes leading from the sink or toilet are blocked and try common domestic pipe unblockers. If these measures don’t resolve the issue, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance to identify the root cause and restore proper drainage in your home.
If you suspect a collapsed drain, it’s essential to contact us to investigate and address any collapsed drains requiring repair.
