A collapsed drain is a problem that can prove costly to fix. Catching it early will make repairs easier, so keep an eye out for any of these five signs.
Slow drains
A slow drain suggests a blockage. There are plenty of DIY ways to clear a blockage that are worth trying. But if the problem persists, you may have a collapsed drain.
To check this, book a CCTV drain survey. You can find a company offering this in your area with an internet search. For example, searching for CCTV drain Survey Wolverhampton, you will get results like www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/wolverhampton/.
Gurgling noises
Gurgles and air bubbles in sinks and toilets usually mean trapped air, which means that water is not flowing freely, as occurs with a collapsed drain.
Bad odours
When water does not flow freely, waste will accumulate and rot. This causes nasty smells in your home, garden, or around manhole covers.
Soggy patches
Soggy and sunken patches in the garden, particularly during a spell of dry weather, suggest a problem underground. It may be that water has escaped the drain to pool in the surrounding soil.
Wastewater coming back up
If nasty-smelling, grey water is coming back up the toilet, or you notice sewage leaking through a manhole, this is the clearest sign that there is a serious problem with the drain. In these circumstances, act quickly. Left untreated, you could face raw sewage leaks and flooding in your home, resulting in lengthy and costly repairs beyond the cost to repair the drain.
