Signs of a Collapsed Drain and How It Is Checked

Treat symptoms as clues

A drain that blocks again, continues to drain poorly or has a concern identified in earlier work needs a clear history. Start with the drain repairs guide to understand how investigation leads into a repair decision.

Surface changes and drainage symptoms can have different causes. Tell us what you have noticed without assuming that the whole pipe must be replaced or that lining will be suitable.

Gather the useful details

• Dates of blockages and any clearing already completed.
• Which fixtures or outside drains are affected.
• Any earlier camera findings or recommended repairs.
• Visible changes in nearby paving or ground, photographed from a safe position.
• The known drain route and any access limitations.

Keep away from unstable ground or an open excavation. Leave investigation below ground and work on covers to the drainage team.

Ask what the camera can establish

We use CCTV and pipeline robotic cameras to investigate drains, with GPS location to support locating findings. Ask which sections have been examined and whether any part of the line could not be assessed.

When access or the pipe condition limits an inspection, discuss what further work is needed to understand the fault. Our camera inspection scope guide helps frame that conversation.

Compare repair choices after assessment

The condition, location and extent of damage guide the repair discussion. A particular section may need excavation and replacement, while other situations may allow different repair methods.

Use the relining versus replacement comparison to ask about suitability, connections and access. The decision should explain why the method addresses the findings on your property.

Include the work above the drain

If access requires disturbing a driveway, path or garden, agree the affected area and reinstatement at the same time. We undertake relays with concrete, hot mix, paver and garden reinstatement.

Send the address, previous findings and a description of the problem. If wastewater is overflowing now, say so at the start of the enquiry so the immediate concern can be discussed separately from planned repairs.