What you need to know about collapsed drains

A collapsed drain is one of the worst things that can happen. Of course, you don’t think too much about drains, but they play a crucial role in all our lives. Drain repairs are a must, and any drainage issue should be repaired quickly otherwise the damage could be severe. If you don’t fix the problem quickly enough, it could be beyond repair. So, what do you need to know about a collapsed drain, and how to spot the signs of one?

Understanding a collapsed drain

Collapsed drains occur when drainage pipes have become severely damaged. When extensive damage occurs, the pipe may begin to cave in or collapse entirely. There are, however, several reasons for this to happen, including tree roots, poor maintenance, extreme blockages, freezing temperatures, and additional interior and exterior pressure. Drain repairs would be crucial during a partial collapse as it may impact your property too.

What happens with a drain collapses?

One of the biggest problems associated with a collapsed drain is the water doesn’t get carried away from the property. When that happens, drainage water will likely seep into the foundations of the building and these two things don’t mix well. It could compromise the structure of the building and could destabilise the foundations. That is why urgent drain repairs are a necessity. As soon as you know there are issues with the drains, get them sorted.

Mould can form because of drainage issues

Not dealing with drain repairs when a cave-in or partial collapse happens is incredibly risky. Water won’t flow freely away from the home and will soak into the ground around the home. It could also result in water being absorbed into the building which causes mould to form. A mould-infested building compromises the structure of the building and poses a risk to the property’s inhabitants. 

Flowing sewage 

A collapsed drain presents a host of issues for your home and property. Even when the collapse isn’t severe (which is unlikely), you’ll find sewage flowing freely around the home. It’s not nice and can be incredibly unpleasant too. Remember, when the drains are damaged, they’re out of action and it means sewage will be visible around the property. It isn’t healthy and urgent drain repairs are a necessity. 

Identifying collapsed drains

When a collapsed drain occurs, your property will be at risk. Of course, there are many reasons for this to happen, including general wear and tear. If you have an older building, drain repairs are more likely needed. Typical signs of drainage issues include subsidence, the smell of sewage, dampness on the walls, sewage backing up, and poor drainage. When these things occur, drain repairs are necessary and shouldn’t be delayed. 

Call a professional to solve the problem

Drains are quite tricky things to work with and you can’t patch them up with a DIY job. Only a qualified professional should be fixing a collapsed drain. They know how best to approach the situation and what is needed to remedy the additional problems it has caused too. Drain repairs can be simple with the right professional on hand.

A drainage issue isn’t something you can necessarily handle yourself. To avoid future problems, a contractor must address the underlying condition. This isn’t always easy, but the right drain experts will work with you to fix any issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. When choosing a drainage firm in London, here’s what to look for:

• A good contractor will have good references. You want a company with expertise that knows what it’s doing. Positive references are a good indication that your contractor will resolve the problem in the most suitable way, is courteous and easy to deal with, and follows through on their promises.
• Your contractor should offer a significant guarantee. This is a sign that they’re confident in the quality of their work, so watch out for any contractor who won’t.
• For drainage contractors, price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Rely more on references, guarantees, and their expertise in the field. The cheapest quote could lead to an ineffective solution.
• As a customer, you should be completely at ease with your contractor. Your contractor should explain the problem with your drains clearly and suggest practical solutions. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to change firms altogether.
• A scale drawing should be available. A good sewerage company in London must have general knowledge of construction and the relevant building regulations. The contractor should give you a clear, scale drawing of the project and sit down with you and explain everything in detail. It’s a good opportunity to air any worries you may have.

While there are some home remedies you can try to resolve problems with blockages, you will often end up searching Google for a ‘drainage company near me’ for professional help. Listed below are a few of the most common causes of clogged drains and the prescribed fixes for each of them:

• Hair: Plunging the drain is sometimes successful. You may be tempted to try a commercially available drain cleaner, but this can damage pipes if used frequently. Try and use a baking soda and vinegar solution on a regular basis to keep pipes clear, but if obstructions build-up, you may need a drainage contractor.
• Soap: The ideal method to remove soap accumulated in pipes is pressure cleaning by experts.
• Dirt: Using drain rods may work, but if you’re inexperienced, you could damage your pipework. Call in the professionals.
• Oil, Grease, and Fat: Try mixing some detergent with hot water in the sink bowl, and flush it away with hot water. This usually dissolves any hardened fat. Plunge the sink, but if the problem doesn’t resolve, contact an expert.
• Food Waste: Avoid flushing food waste down your drain. Clear dishes into the bin before washing them. Food waste may still accumulate over time, so if water runs sluggishly away when you remove the sink plug, you may need expert help to flush through your system with high-powered water.