How Do I Know if My Drains Have Collapsed? Top 6 Signs To Look Out For
By Fluid Plumbing|November 29, 2021
A collapsed drain can be a massive headache for homeowners to deal with. It leads to disruptive damage throughout the property and can put the foundation of your home at risk. Part of the issue is understanding what signs to look out for, so here are a couple of ways to tell if your drains have collapsed.
Damp walls and floors
When a drain collapses, it’s common for the flow of water to change. This can cause it to leak into your foundation or the structure of your home, ultimately causing your walls and floors to show signs of damp.
Sewage backups
If your drain collapses then one of the most immediate signs will be an awful smell caused by sewage backups. Since the waste cannot be routed away from your home correctly, it will begin to clog up in areas around your home which leads to nasty smells. However, sewage backups won’t always cause nasty smells. In some cases, it can cause bubbling in your drains or toilets.
Slow drains
Collapsed drains might not always cause waste to backup, but they can still cause a misalignment in your pipes which leads to slow drainage. If you notice that it takes a while for a sink or bath to drain, or if you notice that showering causes water to pool up at your feet, then it could be a sign that one of the drains in your home has collapsed.
Sunken areas
A collapsed drain leads to water leakage that may slowly weaken the earth around it. This may cause areas of your yard to appear sunken. In extreme cases, you may notice parts of your home being sunken as well. This usually suggests that your drain has been collapsed for a while, or there is another plumbing-related issue that is causing the sinkage.
Pest problems
A collapsed drain often creates a source of water for pests, rodents, and insects. If you notice rats, insects, or other unwanted visitors, then you may have a drain-related problem. If this is combined with other signs, then there’s a very high chance that you may have a collapsed drain.
Structural damage
If there is a severe case, then you’ll likely notice some structural damage to your property. Cracks may appear along your walls and you may even find damage along concrete paths leading up to your home. This is usually the case of the drainage system underneath those areas. Structural damage usually indicates a severe case of drain collapse, so it’s important to call an expert as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Collapse drains can cause a number of problems. If left alone, it can cause irreversible damage to your property that will take a lot of money and time to repair. It’s best to arrange for a professional inspection as soon as possible if you believe that your drains have collapsed, or if your plumbing system is at risk of being broken.
Damp walls and floors
When a drain collapses, it’s common for the flow of water to change. This can cause it to leak into your foundation or the structure of your home, ultimately causing your walls and floors to show signs of damp.
Sewage backups
If your drain collapses then one of the most immediate signs will be an awful smell caused by sewage backups. Since the waste cannot be routed away from your home correctly, it will begin to clog up in areas around your home which leads to nasty smells. However, sewage backups won’t always cause nasty smells. In some cases, it can cause bubbling in your drains or toilets.
Slow drains
Collapsed drains might not always cause waste to backup, but they can still cause a misalignment in your pipes which leads to slow drainage. If you notice that it takes a while for a sink or bath to drain, or if you notice that showering causes water to pool up at your feet, then it could be a sign that one of the drains in your home has collapsed.
Sunken areas
A collapsed drain leads to water leakage that may slowly weaken the earth around it. This may cause areas of your yard to appear sunken. In extreme cases, you may notice parts of your home being sunken as well. This usually suggests that your drain has been collapsed for a while, or there is another plumbing-related issue that is causing the sinkage.
Pest problems
A collapsed drain often creates a source of water for pests, rodents, and insects. If you notice rats, insects, or other unwanted visitors, then you may have a drain-related problem. If this is combined with other signs, then there’s a very high chance that you may have a collapsed drain.
Structural damage
If there is a severe case, then you’ll likely notice some structural damage to your property. Cracks may appear along your walls and you may even find damage along concrete paths leading up to your home. This is usually the case of the drainage system underneath those areas. Structural damage usually indicates a severe case of drain collapse, so it’s important to call an expert as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Collapse drains can cause a number of problems. If left alone, it can cause irreversible damage to your property that will take a lot of money and time to repair. It’s best to arrange for a professional inspection as soon as possible if you believe that your drains have collapsed, or if your plumbing system is at risk of being broken.
