Drainage systems aren’t something that people tend to spend a lot of time thinking about. When they are functioning properly, why would you? They are out of sight and out of mind, carrying our waste water away and into the void. However, when things go wrong, your drainage system will make sure it has your attention.
The potential water damage that can result from a broken water flow system is devastating. If you don’t catch it soon, the widespread flooding and unchanneled flooding can cause severe damage to your home and can completely waterlog your garden to the point of ruin. It is key that you get things fixed straight away!
The reason I am covering this is that I have frequently been called about drainage issues. This is not the job of a plumber! We do not have the equipment or expertise to tackle these problems, just as drainage technicians do not have the skillset to do what we do. Make sure you are contacting the right company when you are facing a drainage emergency, so there is no delay in getting everything rectified.
What Part of the System Is My Responsibility?
This is something I wasn’t sure about until I Googled it for this blog! As it turns out, until 2011, you were responsible for all of your drainage system until the point it joined with the public sewer system. However, new legislation means that you are only responsible for your pipes to the point they leave your property border. Anything else is the responsibility of the local council.
How to Tell If You Are Facing Drainage Issues
There are a few methods of telling whether or not you have some form of blockage or collapse in your water flow system. If you notice any of the following signs, it is time to call in the professionals:
Foul Smells: If a drain has collapsed, you might notice a vaguely sewagey smell drifting from your plugholes. This might just mean your pipe is blocked, but it could be a sign that a pipe has collapsed somewhere.
Damp: If you see damp start to appear around your home it could be a sign that water is not draining away properly. Try your best to find the source yourself, but you might have to organise some professional help.
Subsidence: If a drain has collapsed outside, you might notice the ground around it start to dip and give way. This is a result of water soaking into the surrounding earth. If you see any visible indentation in your garden it is likely a result of a collapsed pipe.
How to Handle a Collapsed Drain
There is nothing that you can do without professional help unless you are incredibly proficient with tools and similar handy tasks. It will very likely involve excavation as well as varying degrees of pipe replacement.
The best course of action is to call in some professional drain technicians. Make sure you are hiring a company that seems reputable, as the process has the potential to be incredibly disruptive if poorly done. This is not the kind of job where you can risk hiring cowboys – make sure you are hiring people with the right equipment to make the process as painless as possible!
