This article explores common problems found through drain tracing, such as blockages, leaks, damaged pipes, and misconnected waste lines in drainage systems.
Drain tracing is used to map underground pipes and identify hidden issues in drainage systems. It’s a simple and effective way to find the cause of water flow problems without digging. Below are the most common drainage problems discovered during tracing surveys.
Blocked or Clogged Drains
One of the most common drainage problems is a blocked or clogged drain. This usually builds up over time as substances like grease, hair, soap, food scraps, or leaves collect inside the pipes. These materials reduce the space for water to pass through, which causes slow draining sinks, foul smells, bubbling toilets, or even water backing up into your home.
If the blockage is left too long, it can become solid and more difficult to clear. Pressure can build up behind it, putting strain on the pipe and increasing the risk of damage. Drain tracing helps find the exact location of the blockage, so it can be removed without guesswork or digging.
Cracked or Collapsed Pipes
Older drainage systems are more likely to suffer from cracked or collapsed pipes. These problems are often caused by wear and tear, soil movement, temperature changes, or heavy loads passing over the area. Poor-quality materials or poor installation can also play a role.
A cracked pipe allows water to escape into the surrounding ground, which can cause damp patches, bad smells, and even sinkholes or subsidence if ignored.
A collapsed pipe completely blocks the flow of water, leading to flooding or backflow inside the building. Drain tracing can detect these faults and show exactly where the repair is needed, which saves time and reduces overall repair costs.
Tree Root Intrusions
Roots from trees and large shrubs are a major cause of drainage issues. They are attracted to the moisture in pipes and can enter through small cracks or loose joints. Once inside, the roots continue to grow and create a web that traps debris and slows the flow of water.
Over time, tree root intrusions can break apart pipes, especially in older systems made from clay or pitch fibre. The longer this is left, the more damage it causes. With drain tracing, the location of root entry can be identified quickly, and action can be taken to remove the roots and repair the damage before the problem becomes more serious.
Misconnected Waste Pipes
Misconnected waste pipes are a hidden but serious issue. This happens when water from household appliances, sinks, or toilets is directed into the wrong part of the drainage system. Most often, waste is wrongly sent into surface water drains, which are only meant to carry rainwater away.
These types of problems are more common in homes that have been extended or altered over the years. Misconnected pipes can lead to environmental pollution, overloaded drains, and cross-contamination.
Drain tracing helps to track each pipe back to its source, revealing incorrect connections and allowing the drainage layout to be corrected.
Leaks and Water Escapes
Leaks can cause a wide range of problems if not found early. Underground pipes may leak due to corrosion, loose fittings, cracked joints, or physical damage from external pressure. Water escaping underground often goes unnoticed at first but may eventually lead to damp walls, mould, weakened foundations, or water damage inside the property.
Signs of a leak may include damp smells, rising water bills, or unexplained wet patches in the garden. Drain tracing helps to locate the precise point of the leak by following the flow of water through the system. Once located, the damaged section can be repaired or replaced with minimal disruption.
Midlands Drainage Solutions LTD provides expert drain tracing services across Crewe, Chester, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, and the wider Staffordshire area. Our experienced engineers use advanced technology to locate and assess drains quickly and accurately, helping you protect your property and prevent future issues.
