Your drainage pipes serve a crucial function for your home.
Sadly, they aren’t invincible and can suffer various types of damage.
Cracks and holes are the most common forms of disfigurement, and this can create major problems throughout the property.
Therefore, it’s imperative that you are aware of the situation and processes needed to restore their health.
Here’s everything you need to know in your bid to identify, manage, and repair cracked pipes and holes.
Need help with cracked drains? Speak to an expert now:
What Causes Cracked Pipes And Holes?
Drainage and sewage pipes can encounter problems for a whole host of different reasons. In many cases, however, this is usually down to the fact they are exposed to the elements as well as your waste. That combination of materials can be lethal for the condition of those facilities, which is why wear and tear will show.
Corrosion to the piping materials isn’t uncommon, particularly in systems that use outdated metals that wouldn’t be used in today’s climate. Underground movement can be a regular source of damage too. This can be caused by natural factors or problems with building foundations. The growth of tree roots can also pose a major threat to the condition of those pipes.
One crack can often lead to further cracks due to compromised piping structures. Cracks can fall into several categories including lateral, longitudinal, and pipe fractures. Given that each situation is unique, the list of sources is nearly endless.
How Can I Spot A Potential Problem?
The fact that pipes are primarily hidden underground or behind walls can make it difficult to spot the damage. However, there are many symptoms that may start to appear in and around your property. Maintaining a watchful eye should help you notice the problem far sooner. In turn, this will enable the fast treatment needed to minimise the damage.
Cracks will lead to water leaks and blockages, which is why you should look for the common signs. Foul smells can be a telltale indicator of a problem, with holes and cracks sitting among the most frequent. Meanwhile, the leaks can often lead to dampness, which results in cracked walls and floors.
Wet patches either in or outside the home are another symptom that suggests damage. Sinkholes and subsidence also point towards quite a severe issue. While cracks and holes aren’t the only possibilities, they are quite likely. With this in mind, further investigation is key.
What Are The Potential Solutions?
First and foremost, you’ll need to confirm that cracked piping is the source of your troubles. With pipes hidden away, a professional touch is often the only solution that offers a thorough CCTV drain survey. Trying to take on this task yourself will often result in some aspects being overlooked.
Once the issues have been verified, there are several options at your disposal. The most common include:
Drain Relining
Drain relining (or no-dig technology) is essentially a job where the cracks and holes will be sealed to prevent leaks without the need for replacing an entire section of the pipe. It is best used for cracks up to around 5ft and utilises a bladder, which is inflated to bind with the pipe’s internal walls.
The barrier created ensures that the pipe will continue to work as good as new while causing minimal impact to the capacity of flow.
Slip Lining
Slip lining is an old method of trenchless pipe rehabilitation. Tubes are inserted into the structure of the pipe to create a new route for waste and water to flow. The tubing can be created in several materials and may come as one piece of several sections.
This method makes the structure even stronger as leaks would have to escape two materials to cause future problems.
Drain Excavation
Minor cracks can often be fixed with modern tech in a non-intrusive manner. For severe problems, however, pipes will need replacing. In those situations, drain excavation is the only solution. This means digging into the ground to find the problem and replace the broken piping.
It can cause a temporary convenience. Still, knowing that you have healthy and modern piping in place is very pleasing. Besides, it could save a lot more hassle in the long run.
Who Can Fix It?
Unlike some plumbing issues, cracked piping is a job that requires a professional touch. Here at BDS Drainage, our friendly experts can identify and fix those problems efficiently. If you’ve spotted those signs, even at their earliest stage, give us a call on 08081 689 112 (Freephone – CLICK TO CALL) to discuss your needs and book a survey.
One way or another, we’ll get those drainage facilities back to their best in no time.