Your drains are one of the most important parts of your plumbing system. Not only do they help carry wastewater away from your home, but they also play a crucial role in preventing flooding. However, if your drains become clogged or backed up, it can lead to some serious problems. In extreme cases, your drains may even collapse!
If you think your drains may have collapsed, it’s important to call a licensed plumber immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and determine if there is any damage. They will also be able to recommend the best course of action for repairing or replacing your drains.
Causes of Blocked Drains
There are several things that can cause your drains to become blocked. Things like hair, grease, and food scraps can build up over time and cause your drains to clog. In some cases, tree roots can also grow into your drains and block them.
Some of the factors that may cause your drains to collapse are:
- Clogs: When your drain becomes clogged with grease, hair, or other debris, it can cause pressure on the pipes and cause them to collapse.
- Tree roots: If tree roots have infiltrated your sewer line, they can grow and put pressure on the pipes, causing them to collapse. Get a professional to help you with this.
- Age: Over time, your drains and pipes will degrade and weaken. This can cause them to collapse under the weight of the water flowing through them. In addition, the soil around your foundation can settle and put pressure on the pipes, causing them to collapse.
- Damp Walls/Floors – If you have dampness on your walls or floors, it could be a sign that your drains have collapsed; this will cause water to pass/flow freely and then cause moisture to build up in surrounding areas.
- Foul Odors – Another telltale sign of collapsed drains is bad odours coming from your sink, tub, or shower. This is because the water is not draining correctly, and sewage is backing up into your home; this can cause quite an embarrassment.
- Slow Drains – If you notice that your drains are starting to drain slower than usual, it could be a sign of a blockage. However, if other signs accompany the slow drain on this list, it’s likely due to a collapsed drain; it will be caused by far larger items than debris or any other smaller item.
- Water Backup – One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your drains is when water starts backing up out of them, in addition to slow drains. This is because the water has nowhere else to go and is forced back up through your drains. If you notice this, it’s important to Call a licensed plumber immediately.
- Sunken yard areas could be due to a collapsed sewer line. This can happen when the ground around the sewer line shifts or settles, causing the pipe to collapse. This can become a much larger problem and even hold a health hazard.
In conclusion, if you are experiencing any of the signs listed above, it’s important to call a licensed plumber right away; it could be serious. Furthermore, ignoring these signs can lead to much larger problems down the road.