Planning a sunny staycation? Garden parties, BBQs, maybe a paddling pool? Your drains might have other ideas.
In our many years of experience, a collapsed drain is one of the most disruptive (and expensive) drainage problems you can face and if it’s left undetected, it can lead to flooding, foul smells, and even structural damage to your property.
Early intervention is truly the key to Happiness (for you and your Drains) so here’s how to spot the warning signs before your summer turns into a soggy disaster and what to do next.
What Is a Collapsed Drain?
A drain collapse is exactly what it sounds like: a section of your underground pipework has cracked, broken, or caved in.
This causes waste water to leak into the surrounding soil, potentially destabilising foundations, inviting root intrusion, and triggering recurring blockages.
Early Warning Signs of a Drain Collapse
Drain collapses rarely happen overnight, so here’s what to look (and sniff) out for:
1. Persistent Blockages
Are your sinks or toilets backing up repeatedly, even after clearing?
A broken pipe could be catching debris and causing frequent clogs.
2. Slow Drainage
Water that takes an age to drain might indicate that your pipe is partially collapsed, narrowing the flow path.
3. Bad Smells
A strong sewer smell outside or near the property can point to leaking waste from a broken drain.
4. Damp Patches or Lush Grass
Found an unusually green patch on the lawn—or soggy ground with no obvious source?
That could be waste water seeping into the soil.
5. Cracks or Subsidence
Cracks in walls, driveways or patios near the drainage line may indicate ground movement caused by water leaks below.
What Causes Drains to Collapse?
- Tree root damage – Roots force their way into joints and weaken the pipe
- Old clay pipes – Prone to cracking or breaking under pressure
- Heavy traffic – Vehicle movement over shallow pipework can cause collapse
- Poor installation – Pipes laid without proper bedding may shift over time
- Erosion or soil movement – Especially in areas with sandy or loose soil
How Do We Detect a Collapsed Drain?
At Happy Drains, we use CCTV drain surveys to investigate without digging.
A small camera is inserted into your pipes to check for:
- Cracks and fractures
- Displaced joints
- Root intrusion
- Pipe deformities or full collapse
No guesswork. No mess. Just clear evidence and expert recommendations.
Repairing a Collapsed Drain
Depending on the location and extent of the damage, we might recommend:
- Drain relining – Creating a new pipe inside the damaged one
- Excavation & replacement – For severely collapsed sections
- Root removal and patch lining – If tree intrusion is the cause
We’ll always aim for the least invasive and most cost-effective fix—because no one wants their garden party cancelled for an emergency dig.
Final Word
Don’t let a hidden collapse ruin your summer.
If you’re noticing warning signs or just want peace of mind before inviting everyone over for sangria and sausages book a CCTV drain survey today.
We’ll check your system, flag any issues, and help you stay one step ahead of disaster.
Call Happy Drains now and make sure the only thing flowing freely this summer is the drinks!
Best, David & Will
