DrainUK topic library

Damaged & collapsed drains

Cracks, displaced joints, roots and recurring blockages.

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Read the relevant guide to understand the clues, alternatives and what a contractor should investigate.

Ground movement, loads, poor bedding or long-term deterioration can lead to structural failure.

Escape of water can wash fines from some soils and change support beneath nearby ground.

Indicators can include repeated blockage, local settlement, unexplained wet ground and unusual chamber levels.

Older clayware joints can admit roots; expanding roots and ground movement can worsen openings.

An offset occurs when adjoining pipe ends no longer align correctly, creating a lip that traps solids.

Escaping water can wet adjacent ground, although rainwater and plumbing are other possible sources.

Poor backfill compaction, ground washout or leaking joints can contribute to local settlement.

Start with the symptom you can see, rather than assuming an underground pipe is broken.