My Drain Collapsed Now—What?

Collapsed drains occur when a pipe has suffered a lot of damage and collapses either fully or partially. This means that the water will not be directed away from your home, which can cause severe damage to the foundation. If the issue doesn’t get fixed, it could compromise the structural integrity of the building. The sooner the problem is identified and fixed the better for your home and your health.

What Could Cause a Collapsed Drain?

Age is often a factor in this type of issue. Many drains are decades old. Over time, they will start to wear down and may eventually break. Freezing temperatures and blockages can cause breaks and other issues, as well. They tend to put extra pressure on the pipe, which can weaken it. Tree root intrusions could cause problems, too.

What Are the Common Signs of a Collapsed Drain?

If you notice a smell of sewage in your home or your yard, it is often a telltale sign there is something wrong with the drains. It means that the sewage is not flowing away from the house and is instead in the yard and around the home. This can do a lot of damage in a short time.

You may also find areas of dampness around the home, potentially on the walls and floors. Again, check the yard. With enough water and waste going directly into the ground, it could become soft and wet.

If the wastewater drains slowly, it might be a sign of a blockage in the pipes. This is a relatively simple problem to handle for professional plumbers. However, it could also indicate a collapsed drain. Along the same lines, if you notice that sewage is backing up into the drains, it could be a collapse or blockage.

Of course, these signs do not necessarily mean you have a collapsed drain. It could be other plumbing issues. Regardless, get the drain and other plumbing checked out by an expert.

Fixing the Collapsed Drain

Due to the seriousness of a potential collapse, as well as the work involved in repair, this is not a DIY project for the weekend. Properly handling these plumbing issues will require specialized knowledge and tools. The pros can examine the plumbing problem, let you know what needs to be done, and then make the repair whether it’s something simple or a collapse. Contact Open Drains to learn more!