4 Common Types of Drain Repairs

To most people, all drain problems seem pretty similar. Drains fail to carry wastewater away from your home, leading to pools of water hanging around and sometimes a bad smell. However, plumbers are familiar with several different ways in which drains can malfunction, each of which needs a different type of repair. Here are four of the most common types of drain repairs.

1. Blocked Drains

In most cases of blocked drains, there is nothing wrong with the pipework. Instead, an object or build-up of hair or grease is blocking the drain. Sometimes, the blockage can be dissolved using a chemical drain cleaning product. In other cases, a plumber can use a drain snake to hook the blockage and pull it out. Rarely, a plumber needs to dismantle the drain to retrieve the object causing the clog.

2. Fractured Pipes

Pipes are vulnerable to cracking, particularly when they are very old and affected by corrosion. Ice forming inside drains can also cause them to crack during periods of very cold weather. Fractured pipes not only lead to problems with your drains but also allow wastewater to leak into the soil around your property, cause bad smells and put your home at risk of water damage. A plumber can remove the fractured section of pipe and replace it.

3. Collapsed Pipes

Pipes can collapse for a number of reasons. Corrosion of the pipe material can weaken it and leave it unable to stand up to a normal amount of pressure. Pipes can also collapse if too much pressure is applied to them, for example, as a result of building work. Collapsed pipes can lead to flooding and blockages, so it is important to call out a plumber to deal with them as soon as possible. A plumber can locate the collapsed section of pipe and replace it, as well as assess the rest of your pipework for corrosion that could cause similar issues in future.

4. Root-Related Drain Damage

Tree roots are a common cause of drain problems. They can grow into pipes, causing them to crack, deform or collapse. If a plumber determines that your drain problem is related to tree roots, they will let you know that you need to cut back the roots or move the drainage system to prevent the issue from arising again. As a result, you might need to call in a tree felling service in addition to a plumber to fully resolve the problem with your drains.

To learn more about drain repair, reach out to a local plumber.