A collapsed drain is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious plumbing issue that can lead to structural damage, flooding, and expensive repairs if ignored. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, knowing how to identify the signs early can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
In this article, we’ll explain how to tell if you have a collapsed drain, the common causes, and what steps to take next to get it fixed properly.
🚨 What Is a Collapsed Drain?
A collapsed drain refers to a drainage pipe that has become cracked, broken, or completely caved in—preventing wastewater from flowing through your system. This typically occurs underground, making it difficult to spot without the right tools or experience.
Collapsed drains often result in:
- Serious blockages
- Wastewater backing up
- Bad smells around your property
- Foundation or ground movement
🔍 How to Tell If You Have a Collapsed Drain
Here are 7 key signs that could indicate a collapsed drain:
1. Persistent Blockages
If your toilet, sink, or shower keeps blocking despite regular cleaning or plunging, there may be a break in the pipe preventing flow.
2. Foul Odours
Smelling sewage or bad odours near your drains, especially outside, can be a sign that waste is leaking from a damaged pipe.
3. Slow Drainage
Water that drains unusually slowly across multiple fixtures may point to a deeper structural issue rather than a surface blockage.
4. Damp Patches or Sinkholes in the Garden
A collapsed drain can leak water into the surrounding soil, causing soft spots, sinkholes, or unusually green patches of grass.
5. Cracks in Walls or Foundations
Drain collapse under or near your property can affect the surrounding soil, leading to movement or settling of your building’s structure.
6. Rodent or Insect Infestations
Collapsed drains create entry points for pests to enter your home through gaps in broken pipes.
7. Gurgling Sounds
Unusual sounds from your pipes could mean trapped air or misdirected water flow caused by structural failure.
🔧 What Causes a Collapsed Drain?
Several factors contribute to the collapse of a drain:
- Tree Root Intrusion: Roots grow into and eventually break pipes.
- Ground Movement: Earthquakes, construction work, or soil erosion can cause pipe displacement or collapse.
- Aging Pipes: Older materials like clay or pitch fibre become brittle and can fail under pressure.
- Heavy Vehicle Traffic: Drains under driveways or roads can crack due to constant pressure.
- Poor Installation or Repairs: Inadequate fitting or temporary fixes can lead to long-term damage.
🛠️ What to Do If You Suspect a Collapsed Drain
If you notice any of the signs above, don’t wait. A collapsed drain will only get worse over time. Here’s what to do:
1. Book a CCTV Drain Survey
A professional inspection using a waterproof camera will confirm if there is a collapsed drain and pinpoint its location. At Drainage & Plumbing Ltd, we offer fast, affordable CCTV drain surveys in Purley and across South East England.
2. Get a Detailed Report and Diagnosis
Our team will provide you with a full report, video footage, and expert recommendations for repairs.
3. Choose the Right Repair Method
Depending on the severity, we offer:
- No-dig Drain Relining: For minor collapses.
- Drain Excavation and Replacement: For fully collapsed or irreparable drains.
- Patch Repair: Targeted fixes to smaller sections of pipe.
4. Prevent Future Collapses
Ask us about long-term solutions like pipe reinforcement, root barrier installation, or regular inspections to prevent future problems.
📍 Collapsed Drain Services in Purley & South East England
At Drainage & Plumbing Ltd, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing collapsed drains quickly and cost-effectively. Based in Purley, we serve residential and commercial clients across:
- Croydon
- Bromley
- Redhill
- Sutton
- Reigate
- South East London
- Kent and Surrey regions
🕒 24/7 Emergency Drain Repair Available
If you suspect a collapsed drain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call our 24/7 emergency team or book online at https://drainage-plumbing.co.uk. We respond fast, provide transparent pricing, and guarantee professional service.
🔑 Related Articles:
- Collapsed Drain
- Collapsed Drain in Purley
- Collapsed Drain South East England
- Drain Repair Services Purley
- Emergency Drain Repairs
