Pipe collapses occur underground out of sight, which often means by the time a serious blockage is discovered causing drains to back up or ground to collapse, irreversible damage may have occurred.
What Causes a Pipe to Collapse
Clay and concrete pipes are designed to last for decades, but unfortunately they can still deteriorate. In many cases ground movement, the weight of traffic overhead, or tree root intrusion can cause pipes to deform or even collapse completely. Many older properties have never had the benefit of having their Victorian era drains replaced.
What the Camera Shows on Screen
When a collapsed section of pipe is encountered by a drain inspection camera the operator can see the extent of the damage. A crushed invert, fractured sidewalls, or severely distorted pipe all indicate a collapsed drain. In many cases the pipe bore will be partially or even completely blocked by debris that has fallen into the collapsed section of pipe.
Why Rodding Will Not Fix This
Structural collapses of drains can cause significant problems for homeowners and businesses, and can sometimes be mistaken for simple blockages caused by grease or tree roots. However, whilst it is possible to clear blockages caused by grease or roots by using a rod (or drain snake) to push through the blockage, using a rod to attempt to clear a drain with a structural collapse can actually make the situation worse and cause further damage. In such circumstances, a CCTV Drain Survey Leicester is the only way to confirm that collapse has occurred and to provide guidance on the most suitable course of repair.
What the Survey Report Tells You
A full written report will then be completed detailing the exact location and depth of the damage, the length of the collapsed section in meters and suggested repair options. It is also important to note in the report whether the drain in question is a public sewer or a private drain and who is responsible for repair.
More on CCTV Drain Survey Leicester can be found at https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/leicester/.
Repair Options After a Collapse
The extent of the damage will dictate the necessary repair, which can vary from repairing a short section of pipe by patch lining, to full pipe relining with a resin-impregnated liner. Sometimes, due to the extent of the collapse or the fact that the pipe has shifted in the ground, the only option is for the pipe to be excavated and replaced in its entirety.
Early detection of a pipe collapse is generally cheaper to repair than if the pipe collapse continued to cause further damage in the ground.
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