A collapsed drain is a pretty big deal and if you suspect you’re dealing with this problem, you’ll want to seek expert assistance as soon as possible. A collapsed drain can be the result of neglect over many years, a failure to carry out regular maintenance or cracks and damage.
A property owner will normally notice the issue fairly quickly as a collapsed drain is usually accompanied by a terrible smell of raw sewage! This might be as well as a blockage issue in your drainage system. If you’ve had the drains unblocked but the horrid odour returns, you could well be dealing with a drain collapse. Nobody wants to live with the smell of raw sewage so you’ll want to call for help immediately as not only is it a disgusting smell but could have a detrimental effect on health if left.
An expert in drainage systems will be able to examine the problem most likely with the use of CCTV cameras to carry out a survey of the drain. For more details on CCTV Drainage Surveys, visit a site such as Wilkinson Environmental CCTV Drainage Surveys
Normally a blockage or persistant horrible smell are the two main signs that you might be dealing with a drain collapse. However, there are some other signs that are worth looking out for too. These include:
- Increasing mould or damp around the property – When waste water isn’t leaving the property as it should be, you may notice mould or damp in the floors and walls.
- Pests – Collapsed or damaged drains can offer opportunities for rats to nest inside the pipes and even give them access to your home. Any sign of a pest infestation will require further investigations.
- Damage to the structure – In more extreme cases, a damaged or collapsed drain can lead to damage to the foundations or the walls of a building. If you notice cracks appearing in either, it’s time for some further examination of what’s causing it.
- Sinking garden – If you begin to notice areas of grass or soil are constantly waterlogged and the ground is sinking, you should call a drain expert to investigate. As the water weakens the soil, it can lead to sinking patches in the grass.
Issues such as those highlighted above require a professional to investigate. It can be tricky enough for a novice to even locate the problem let alone know how to resolve it. By using professionals, CCTV camera technology can find the source of the problem with minimal disruption. Often the fix can also be applied with minimal disruption using drain relining or pitch fibre repairs.
To avoid having to deal with unpleasant drain collapses, it’s important to carry out regular maintenance and checks of your drainage system. By having the system looked at regularly, small problems can be spotted quickly before turning into major problems. This saves both time, money and stress for the homeowner.
