Drain replacement is not only an involved job that requires trained professionals to undertake it, but it can also be a tricky thing to diagnose in the first place. There are signs to look out for (see below) but for a proper diagnosis and, ultimately, a quality remedy, contact No1PHD today and book one of our drain replacement specialists to put your drain woes to bed.
While it is not unusual for drains to be replaced as a matter of course after they have been in use for a long time, the most common reason for drain replacement is because they have collapsed, or are otherwise not functioning properly. Drain repairs are an option sometimes for small, quick fixes, and regular maintenance can prevent this kind of issue from occurring in the first place, or at the very least give you the chance to catch a developing problem before it becomes a serious issue, but there are signs to look out for that will let you know you’ve got a collapsed drain in need of replacement.
The first and most obvious sign of a collapsed drain is frequent backing up of your sewage. This will, understandably, be hard to miss. Related to that is the speed at which water drains from your sinks and toilets. One sink draining slowly would indicate that that sink needs attention. All the sinks and toilets draining slowly could be a sign of a collapsed drain. Another sign that would be difficult to miss is foul smells permeating your property. If you continually get the smell of sewage in the building it could be just a blockage in a sink or toilet, but if they all check out and the smell persists, it’s time to start looking at the drains. Finally, the most concerning sign you may have a collapsed drain; damp and mould. If left for long enough, the wastewater that should have been travelling harmlessly through your drain pipes could start to cause damp patches on parts of your property. After a time, these will begin to mould over. This is a serious problem because damp and mould can cause long term damage to your property, not to mention your health. If you notice any of these signs, call No1PHD immediately!
We briefly touched on damp and mould, but there are other long term effects to consider with broken drainpipes. Particularly when those drains are underground. Collapsed drains, for instance, can cause ground movement, which can have knock-on effects on anything sitting on that ground. As the drains are, by necessity, running through and under your property, root ingress can also be a problem. Attracted by the moisture and nutrients in the sewage, plant roots can start to creep into your drain. This greatly increases the likelihood of blockages occurring. Leaking drains underground can also result in the areas of dirt or grass becoming swamp-like, as the sewage leaking from the drain seeps into the surrounding soil. This can also be another sign to look out for when determining if you might have a drain problem.
It’s not always possible to replace a drain without significant disruption to the surrounding area. For example, a drain that runs under a concreted or tarmacked areas will almost certainly have to be dug up. Depending on the layout of your property, it may also be necessary to lift flooring in order to get to drain pipes running under the structure, tho most properties should have an access point somewhere. No1PHD drainage professionals will do their best to ensure any drain replacement causes as little disruption as possible, however.
Whether you suspect a drain-related problem and want confirmation, or you know exactly what the problem is and need an expert to come out and fix it, No1PHD have the people for the job, ready and waiting for your call.
Contact us on 08006906777 or email info@no1phd.co.uk for a quick response and expert advice.