Drains and the broader drainage systems that encompass them are essential to our everyday lives. Although drains hold significant importance, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the valuable functions these systems perform.
Like all infrastructure, drains are frequently prone to issues. Blockages, cracks, degradation over time, as well as intrusions and complete collapse are all variables associated with drains.
Promptly and accurately addressing these problems as they arise will ensure that the drains in your home continue to operate at maximum efficiency. This guide will delve into the most common drainage problems, their causes, and the remedies to rectify the issues.
Blocked and Obstructed Drains The most prevalent of all drainage problems is also one of the most noticeable to homeowners and business owners. When a drain becomes blocked, water cannot flow smoothly through the drainage system.
This results in backups and ineffective water removal into the basin above. This process can result from the gradual accumulation of debris over extended periods or the consistent depositing of materials into a drain that is likely to cause blockages.
Hair, food, fat, grease, soap, shampoo, or any other solid materials can lead to a blocked drain. The best preventative measure to take is to restrict the disposal of these types of substances into the drain.
The most effective solution for a blocked drain is to contact a blocked drain company, depending on the severity and persistence of the blockage. Some blockages may be remedied with do-it-yourself measures, such as cleaning the p-trap of a drain. However, the method of removing the blockage should be assessed by a professional, especially if the problem occurs frequently.
Blocked shower drains can be more challenging to fix due to the obscured and inaccessible structure of the drains. In such situations, a drain auger (snake) may be the only tool capable of unclogging the drain.
For blocked exterior drains, the usual culprits are debris like leaves and mud that have inundated the drainage system, resulting in backups. External drains are equally crucial as internal drains, and blockages should never be disregarded.
Damaged Drain Pipes Drains are connected to a complex network of drainage pipes that link wastewater to the broader sewage system. Like all structural components, drainage pipes can break or loosen over time due to frequent ground instability and equipment deterioration.
Once a drainage pipe breaks or loosens, wastewater begins to collect in the surrounding area and can, in some instances, cause backups. The wastewater has no other outlet but to spill outside the pipe intrusion.
This can be a concerning diagnosis; however, the days of extensive excavation to repair the break are not always necessary, as relining is sometimes a viable alternative. This issue must be resolved to prevent drainage problems and does not have a practical do-it-yourself solution.
Often, this problem can be minor in scale, and patching the damaged pipe may offer a quick remedy. In more severe cases, the broken piping will undoubtedly need to be repaired to avoid a complete drainage collapse.
Tree roots often grow and expand underground in search of moisture. Drains provide an abundance of moisture, which can exert continuous pressure on the pipes until the root system fully infiltrates the pipe.
Weak joint systems along the edges of the piping are also easily breached by root systems. Over time, the roots will continue to expand inside the pipes, causing blockages and pipe failures.
Intrusions must be removed to alleviate drainage problems. This can be accomplished by using an auger to break up the intruding object, which can then be flushed out with high-pressure equipment. Measures to repair any damaged pipes are also likely in these circumstances due to the potential bursting of pipes caused by object intrusions.
Indicators of Collapsed Drains Drainage Collapse The most severe drainage problem is undoubtedly a complete drainage collapse. This occurs when one or more pipes within the drainage system collapse, no longer facilitating the transport of wastewater throughout the system.
This means that wastewater is pooling entirely in the ground or, worse, in close proximity to homes or businesses. This is concerning due to the structural issues that can arise from an overflow of water into surrounding foundations.
A drainage collapse can also be as severe as wastewater accumulating inside walls and the immediate vicinity of a structure. Subsidence is also likely due to the substantial volume of wastewater that can accumulate if the collapse is left unattended for extended periods.
In addition to potential health concerns, these are unfavourable circumstances, which is why an immediate remedy is essential. Consultation with a drainage professional is necessary to address this problem.
The problem can typically be diagnosed using CCTV exploration of the drainage system. Once a collapsed drain is identified as the issue, relining and, in some cases, full excavation of the drainage system is likely to be employed to rectify the problem.
This occurrence represents the worst-case scenario among all possible signs of drainage problems. Although receiving this news is unwelcome, resolving the issue will provide peace of mind through the restoration of the faulty system.
What Should I Do If I Encounter These Drainage Problems? Contact Greenz Drainage today to receive the most comprehensive and innovative drainage assessments for all drainage problems. With a rapid response team offering 24-hour emergency consultations, you do not need to wait to address your drainage issues!
With over 13 years of collective experience and a team of drainage professionals ready to tackle any drainage issue affecting your home or business, Greenz Drainage prides itself on providing the most comprehensive and cost-effective treatment options for a wide range of drainage issues.