Drains can be tricky (and expensive) to maintain and fix, but doing so is crucial. So, what are the signs of a collapsed drain? What solutions are there? Who can fix a collapsed drain? And how much might it cost?
What is a collapsed drain?
A collapsed drain occurs when a drainpipe is severely damaged and ‘collapses’ in on itself.
What causes a collapsed drain?
The most common causes of collapsed drains include tree-root ingress, ground movement, freezing temperatures, frequent blockages and general wear and tear.
Key signs of a collapsed drain
Whilst a collapsed drain is not always obvious, there are a number of warning signs. These include slow-running drains, a smell of sewage, sinking ground in the garden and signs of dampness.
How to get it diagnosed?
Whilst there may be some obvious signs, identifying exactly which drain has been damaged and the extent of the damage requires specialist involvement in the form of a drain expert who will conduct a CCTV drain survey.
How is it fixed?
Depending on the exact damage and the state of the pipes, there are several options. The first involves relining the broken pipe with a resin-coated tube, effectively creating a new pipe inside the old one. The second (rather extreme) option is to re-route the plumbing to avoid the damaged drain. If the pipe is damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced entirely.
Expertise in drain lining in Gloucester
If you need some advice or the services of a professional, there are specialists who have the expertise to deal with drain lining Gloucester and the surrounding area. Many of these also have online resources for your perusal such as the examples seen at wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/drain-repairs-gloucester.
How much might it cost?
This depends on the damage, and whether repair is possible or replacement is needed. As a rough guide, a CCTV drain inspection will cost around £275. Drain lining will usually cost around £100 per metre. Replacing drains is considerably more expensive at around £535 per metre – and is also much more disruptive.
