How to fix a broken underground pipe

Broken underground pipes shouldn’t be ignored as they can lead to major problems with your drainage system and damage to your property. The key is to catch the problem early.

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Signs of a broken underground drain pipe

Typical signs of a broken pipe include signs of mould on walls, rat and insect infestations, sewage backups and blockages, foundation cracks, sinkholes, slow drainage inside the property, bad smells, extra green patches of grass, and pools of septic tank waste.

Sometimes the signs of problems can be subtle and therefore regular professional inspection of your drainage system, which can be carried out by drainage experts, can be a good preventative measure. To find out if you are responsible for your drainage pipes, check out the Citizens Advice website.

Fixing a broken underground pipe

The most sensible course of action is to enlist the help of professionals to fix the broken drainage pipes. Many specialists such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/gloucester can now make use of trenchless technologies to fix the issue. This may involve using patch lining or drain lining Gloucester to fix broken, leaking or cracked drain pipes without having to excavate.

Whether patch lining is suitable will depend on the severity and size of the break. For example, patch lining may only be suitable for pipes that are not damaged in more than a couple of areas.

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Inspecting the repair

Repairing a broken drain pipe underground without the need for digging will often start with a CCTV inspection. This is where a camera is put down the drain to get a clear location and assess the issue properly.

A tube and patch liner can then be inserted into the pipe. This is inflated to bond the damaged pipe and the patch.

More serious issues

If a patch lining is not suitable, drain relining in Gloucester can be used. This involves a resin-impregnated liner being inserted into the drain. This is then expanded using air pressure or water. The pipe is repaired once the resin has set.