Problems within drains can be a huge inconvenience and often costly to repair. One of the most common problems to occur in older drain systems are collapsed drains.
Broken drain pipes can easily result in a collapsed drain. This is due to water being unable to flow freely, which in turn causes the drain to collapse as it becomes blocked or begins to overflow. Drains that overflow or are blocked can be extremely unhygienic, so it’s vital you address any issues as soon as possible. We’ve listed some of the potential reasons for collapsed drains and how you can fix any problems as soon as possible.
Tree Roots
It’s very possible for tree roots to grow into drain pipes and cause them to break or crack. If left unnoticed, this will eventually cause the drain to collapse. You can fix any tree root issues by removing the tree from the area and getting a new drain line installed.
Wear and Tear
Older buildings with ageing pipes are likely to experience some wear and tear as the years go by. Unfortunately, this can often cause the drains to collapse. Structural settlings and ground heaves can also create pressure onto drains. Wear and tear is just one of those things, so locating and replacing the section of drain that has collapsed is the ideal way to fix this issue.
Freezing and Melting
Cold weather can be detrimental to the health of pipes. When water in the ground freezes and expands, it causes the ground to move. As the weather begins to get warmer, the ground will begin to melt, making the ground settle. This process can cause drains to sag and then collapse. You can prevent drains from freezing by keeping heating on a low temperature overnight to ensure water is flowing through them continuously.
Ground Movement
Movements in the ground caused by structural settling and flooding can cause strain on drains. These movements can place a heavy load on top of pipes, causing them to become misaligned, cracked or broken. CCTV drain surveys can assess areas within your drains that are harder to reach, quickly identifying any issues and the best call to action.
Collapsed drains are common in older buildings, though they can also occur in more modern home and properties too. If you think your drain may have collapsed, or you’re unsure exactly what the issue may be, it’s vital you identify and confront the issue as soon as possible. Leaving any problems unaddressed can cause further issues, which in turn could escalate into a costly fix.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Happy Drains today by visiting our contact page or by giving us a call on 0800 849 8099.
