Have I Got a Collapsed Drain and What Should I Do About It?  

A problem with your drainage system is something that can cause a lot of inconvenience. Not only do drainage problems cause difficulties in and around your home in terms of blockages and overflowing, they can also cause health problems too. So, it’s very important to know the signs of a collapsed drain and what you should do.  

What Causes a Collapsed Drain?

Collapsed drains are caused by numerous things but most commonly they are caused by frequent blockages in the pipes that cause water to be continually lost into the ground. This flooding results in pressure on the drainage system and, therefore, a collapsed drain.  

One of the main problems of a collapsed drain is actually realising a collapse has happened. So, to help you out, our team at Coastal Drains have listed the common signs of a collapsed drain that you need to look out for.  

The Smell of Sewage

This is a drainage problem that definitely does not go unnoticed! The smell of sewage is a definite sign that something is not working well – if at all. In fact, it could be a sign that backed up waste water may be leaking out of the pipes – possibly the result of a collapsed drain pipe. A notable sign is the obvious smell of waste in the garden and the house, highlighting the fact that you could be suffering from a collapsed drain.  

Slow Running Drains

This is another one of the most common signs of a blocked drain. Slow running drains can be a strong sign that part of your drain system has collapsed. Blockages in your drain tend to build up over time and by the time you’ve actually noticed them, the drain pipes could have already collapsed.  

Top tip: blockages in your drains tend to build slowly unless it is one single item which is causing the issue.

Damp Around the House

Another sign pointing to a collapsed drain is damp. Commonly appearing around or inside the home, damp is often the result of waste water failing to leave the property. Damp can be found on floors and walls and, combined with the other signs and symptoms already mentioned, could be a strong clue about a collapsed pipe.  

Damage to the Building Itself

If you have not noticed a collapsed drain for some time, the signs and symptoms will start becoming clearer. One of the most extreme signs of a collapsed drain pipe is cracking or damage to the building itself, whether a commercial or domestic space. This cracking is caused by water leaking into the foundations of the building for a long period of time. This constant leaking of water can undermine the structural integrity of the building; therefore, the structure begins to crack and break. If the problem is this severe, it is best to evacuate the building and call a drainage company who will sort the problem from there.  

However, unfortunately, the building itself may also need repairing as well as the drainage system and this can be a very expensive problem to fix! So, if possible, it is best to try and spot the signs of a collapsed drain before it gets too severe.  

Sinking Ground in the Garden

If a collapsed drain falls in on itself, this can cause the ground to subside or sink over time. This is a very obvious visual sign that something is wrong with your drain and needs to be fixed. Subsidence, as sinking ground is called, is caused by water from the pipe leaking into the ground or soil and eventually causing the pipe itself to collapse due to lack of structural support in the soil.  

Tree Roots Growing Near the Drainage System

If you have trees growing in your garden or on the edge of your property, tree roots could pose a risk to your drainage system. Tree roots are known for growing into drains and causing them to break or crack over time. And while rodding or drain jetting can be effective in removing tree roots from your drains to a certain extent, it is best to remove the tree from the area and have a new drain installed – just to be on the safe side!  

Sometimes Drains are Just Old

Drain pipes can collapse for many reasons, as we’ve already discussed. But they can also collapse simply due to old age. This is common in buildings that are much older, where ageing pipes are common. When an old drain pipe collapses, the best solution is to have the drain completely replaced. After all, with a drain so old it has completely collapsed, there’s nothing to be done but replace it with a new pipe system that will last for another few decades.  

What to Do About a Collapsed Drain

If you discover that you have a collapsed drain, the best solution is to seek professional assistance from an expert drainage company. We have a team of drainage experts available to help you with your collapsed drain problem.  

Fixing collapsed drains or replacing them completely requires the expertise, skills, and experience of the professionals. Typically, the ground will have to be excavated so that our team can find out just how extensive the damage is. Then we will get on with fixing or replacing the broken pipes.  

Call Coastal Drains Today

If you would like more information about collapsed drains and the services we offer, please do not hesitate to call our team today. We have numerous drainage specialists who would be more than happy to fix your collapsed drain problem. All you need to do is call Coastal Drains today!