Drains are in constant daily use within the home, so when something goes wrong it can be a race against the clock to fix a damaged drain fast. Due to drains being in such frequent use, it’s not uncommon to have an issue or two here and there. However, when we start noticing symptoms of a potential problem, the root cause may be difficult to find due to the location of the drainage system.
Oftentimes, this leaves us putting off repairs for a while in hopes that maybe the problem will magically disappear. But ignoring a problem can cause potential further damage. We’ve rustled up a collection of the most common symptoms and signs, to help you spot drain damage and stop it in its tracks.
The Warning Signs of a Damaged Drain
If you’ve spotted any of these drain symptoms, it’s time to get a hold of a professional to assess the damage.
A Slow Drain
The first, and most obvious, sign of a damaged drain is slow drainage. This could mean a slow flush when using the lavatory, or your dishwater taking that little while longer to go down the plughole.
Yes, a blockage in the drain pipes could be caused by something as simple as a waste blockage, or a build up of food or hair down your plughole. Which would require a more simple fix such as a plunger or drain cleaner. However, sometimes the issue could be a lot worse. Slow drainage could be a sign of a blockage from something like tree roots on the exterior of your home, or even a collapsed drain.
These issues would require the help of a professional to fix, and it’s better to get them sorted sooner rather than later to avoid further damage. The cost of drain repairs depend fully on the extent of the damage, and the sooner they are resolved the less they will cost.
A sewage Smell
Another clear sign of a damaged drain is an unappealing smell residing from your pipes. This could be from the outdoor drain pipes, or inside the home itself.
A nasty odor is a sign of a clog in the pipes, where waste has collected together. This can sometimes be easily repaired by clearing the pipes. However, if the problem still occurs after the pipes are cleared, this may be a sign of a damaged drain or a collapsed drain.
Damp and Mold
Damp and mold can be an unfortunate side effect of a damaged or collapsed drain. This sort of drain damage can be both in the exterior or interior of the home, causing unwanted damp and mold.
Cracks in the pipework, or a collapsed drain pipe cause water to flow into areas of the home or surrounding the house. This can lead to a variety of different types of damp such as penetrating damp, and rising damp that can cause severe damage to a property.
If you begin to see signs of damp and mold within your home – even a slight smell of damp – it’s vital that you contact a professional to assess the piping for damage. Leaving this issue unattended can be extremely costly and hazardous further down the line.
Dark Patches of Grass
This may sound like a strange one, however, if you notice some darker patches of greenery in your garden or around your home it may be time to enlist the help of a pro.
Darker patches of grass can be caused by sewage fertilizing a specific section, which will give you a huge clue into where the damaged pipe is – who knew!
Subsidence
Subsidence is where an area of the ground sinks downwards after a period of time after a pipe becomes damaged. The water leaking from the pipe continuously dampens the earth around it causing it to sink.
If you notice a patch of ground on the exterior of your home sloping in on itself, it may be time to call a plumber to assess for any damage to your piping system.
Water Pooling
Another obvious sign of pipe damage is if you notice any areas of water pooling in your home. Often it can be easy to work out the location of the damage due to the location the water emerges from or settles within your home.
Water pooling in your home is a bad sign, and it’s important to seek help and resolve the issue before your home becomes prone to damp and mold.
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