How to Identify & Repair Collapsed Drains

A collapsed drain is one of the most serious problems to deal with when it comes to your drains. We’re here to give you advice on how you can identify and repair a collapsed drain, so you don’t suffer too much with all the damage this can cause, both externally and internally.

The smell will probably hit you first before you notice anything else. Followed closely behind by a blockage that persists for weeks on and off. This is the best time to do something before it escalates into something much worse causing extensive damage to your property.

Smells and Blockages

If you notice a smell, and you’ve noticed there’s been a blockage as well, then you can consult someone here from East of Scotland Drainage Services and we can assess and make a diagnosis on whether it’s a simple blockage or a collapsed drain we’re dealing with. If it is a blockage, treating it now will avoid it collapsing in the future.

What other signs are there of a collapsed drain that you should watch out for?

There could be mould or damp around your house so it pays to check for these inside, it’s a sign of both potential blockage and of a collapsed drain. When there’s a blockage leading to collapse, the water has to go somewhere, and often it will invariably travel back into the house.

There could be damage to the building, because trapped waste water can cause cracks in the foundations, so the cost to repair all this internal and external damage could be extensive.

Rats live in the sewers in the damp and the dark, and they love this environment, so if you’re creating a similar one in your home then they’re going to be drawn to it. Keep in mind that a collapsed drain is going to be an open invitation for some rat visits who will have open access to your house - party time for your neighbourhood rats!

Other signs to look out for

A sinking garden as leaking water will weaken the soil. When you spot the kind of signs we’ve mentioned above, it’s important to contact us here at East of Scotland Drainage. We have a professional team of drainage engineers who can help make a diagnosis of the problem. We can solve it for you using the latest equipment at our disposal, so you don't have to suffer the consequences of acting too late. Give us a call today if you’ve noticed anything abnormal with your drains and stop them collapsing before it’s too late.

What happens if your drains have already collapsed?

If this is the case then we can use a CCTV drain survey to see where the collapse is by using a sophisticated camera, and then we can decide what actions need to be taken to repair it safely. We’ll keep you abreast of our findings and make sure we keep you informed along the way of what we’re doing and how long it will take.

However, by making sure your drains are maintained and checked regularly before it reaches this point, you will hopefully avoid the potential damage and repairs a collapsed drain incurs. Contact us if there’s anything you’re unsure about.