A collapsed drain is one of the most serious drainage issues and must be addressed immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse. Unfortunately, a collapsed drain isn’t always obvious, so it’s important to stay on the lookout for any issues that may indicate a collapsed drain. In this article, we’ll explain what to check for when looking for a collapsed drain and the next steps to take should you suspect it has occured.
What causes a collapsed drain?
Collapsed drains are usually caused by blockages that have grown over time, but they can also be caused by below-ground building works, tree root ingress or simply from natural deterioration. To keep your drains in top condition and prevent a collapse, never put fats like oil or lard down your drain, as these are the most common causes of blockages.
How do I know if I have a collapsed drain?
There are a few things to look out for that will indicate a collapsed drain:
- Signs of damp/leaks
- Slow-draining water
- Cracks in the walls
- A smell of sewage
- Subsidence
I think my drain has collapsed – what should I do?
Your first action should be to stay calm. While a collapsed drain is a serious problem, it can be fixed. However, you will need to contact a professional.
Call a professional drainage company that offers 24/7 emergency callouts such as Wildon UK. They’ll dispatch a professional who will be able to tend to your drains.
When a professional drainage expert is at your property, you can expect them to take the following steps to address the issue:
- They’ll start by conducting a survey so that they can confirm that the drain has collapsed. The survey will also provide them with extra information about the issue, including the precise source of the problem.
- If necessary, the expert may use professional CCTV drainage survey equipment to inspect the issue in greater detail.
- There are different solutions to a collapsed drain depending on the source and the severity of the problem. Our surveys enable our expert to diagnose the problem with high accuracy, which in turn will enable them to suggest the most effective solution.
- Remedies may include drain relining or patching the section of damaged pipe. These are preferred methods because they don’t require digging and are therefore less labour-intensive solutions. However, more severe cases will require excavation so that the damaged section of the pipe can be accessed and replaced.
The experts at Wildon UK ensure transparency throughout the process. They’ll keep you informed of the situation and recommend the most appropriate remedies.
Wildon UK is dedicated to ensuring your drains are up to scratch. Should you find any issue with your drain, give us a call. We offer a 24/7 emergency callout service to customers across the UK, including Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
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