Drain pipes are generally designed to last for years; however, they are not indestructible. Over the years, various factors have weakened underground drainage systems and led to cracks in the pipes, which can disrupt water flow and cause costly property damage. These problems generally develop out of sight, making them difficult to detect at an early stage, and over time, they can become serious.
For drainage in Staffordshire, it is essential to contact professionals who can help you resolve problems with your drain pipes.
What are the common causes of drain pipe cracks?
Drain pipes can crack for various reasons, and identifying the root cause helps the professional repair them effectively.
Tree root intrusion
Tree roots sometimes naturally grow towards the sources of moisture. If there is a small crack or loose pipe joint, it will attract the roots, which will gradually force their way into the drainage system. As the roots expand, they place pressure on the walls of the drainage pipes. This causes the cracks to appear wider and eventually leads to blockage and pipe collapse.
Ground movement and soil shifts
The ground beneath your property will constantly change without you knowing, due to changing weather conditions. This places stress on the underground drainage pipes. Especially if your property is old, the drainage pipes might already be damaged. Soil movement will create cracks in the pipe walls and cause misalignment.
Age and wear
Like the property infrastructure, the drainage system will also deteriorate with age. Changing temperatures, years of continuous water flow, and soil movement gradually weaken the pipe materials. Older drainage systems become more vulnerable, develop cracks and fractures, and may be completely damaged.
Warning signs of a cracked drainpipe
Since the drain pipes are hidden underground, it is difficult to assess the damage that has been occurring. However, recognising the early warning signs will help you get it fixed without incurring expensive repair costs.
Here are a few symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore
- Slow draining of sinks, toilets, and showers
- Frequent blockage in the toilet pipes
- Damp patches around the garden area
- Unpleasant and foul odours around the property, especially in the kitchen and bathroom area
- Leaking wastewater in the garden area
- Cracks appearing in the driveways and patios
How do professionals diagnose the problem?
Modern drainage professionals use advanced technology to locate cracks in drain pipes. By hiring them, you can get help from them as they diagnose the problem instantly.
They use a high-definition waterproof camera for a CCTV drain survey. By inserting the camera, they can check for cracks, root intrusion, collapsed sections of the drain pipe, and any blockage in the pipe.
If you’re stuck with a cracked drain pipe, reach out to Glyn Walley Groundworks Ltd. We have an experienced team that can help you with drainage installation services, including drain pipe installation, pipe repair, and drainage mapping.
Do you need a new drainage system on your property? Contact us so we can determine the exact layout of the system for effective drain installation services. For all types of drain repair services, we are the trusted name in Staffordshire.