Collapsed pipes are always very serious issues, so here are some warning signs to be on the lookout for!
A collapsed pipe or drain is arguably one of the most serious forms of drain damage that a residential home may experience, and it’s the type of plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention.
Below we’ll be going over what a collapsed pipe is, and the common warning signs to know about so you can get your pipes fixed before they pose serious issues!
What Exactly Is A Collapsed Pipe?
A collapsed pipe technically is exactly how it sounds, a pipe or drainage system that has experienced a tremendous amount of wear and tear or pressure and has now begun to fall apart or break down.
Collapsed pipes can pose all sorts of potential issues for homes and commercial properties because water can’t flow through them properly. This is why collapsed pipes are often the root cause of many water damages and foundational issues.
And what’s even worse is when a collapsed pipe inevitably bursts or leaks, which can cause serious flooding. Below we’ll be going over some of the common warning signs associated with collapsed pipes.
Signs That You Have a Collapsed Pipe
Here are some of the most common red flags to be on the lookout for if you’re concerned that your property’s plumbing system is experiencing a collapsed pipe:
Excessive Sewage Backup
Consistent sewage backups aren’t always a sign of a collapsed pipe; however, excessive sewage backups are a serious cause for concern and will necessitate professional help towards inspecting your home’s pipes.
A collapsed pipe will usually be noticeable within the plumbing of your home’s basement area, and this is because your basement lines are closest to your main sewer line. So backups will result from the water having no place to go, and it can indicate a pipe collapse.
Sinking Ground In Your Yard
Collapsed pipes will often lead to a strange landscaping effect that makes it appear as though the ground has begun to sink around your pipes. When this type of scenario occurs, it’s an indication that a pipe has been severely damaged and will require repairs or potentially replacements.
Foul Sewage Odors In Your Home
Foul sewage odors are never welcome in any home, but they of course sometimes occur when something serious is awry within residential plumbing systems. Although there could be plenty of plumbing repairs associated with sewage odors, one possibility is that a pipe has become damaged or is on the brink of collapsing.
Although you likely could unclog your drains and temporarily alleviate the smells, these smells will only come back if you’re experiencing a collapsed pipe.
Cracked Walls
This is another abnormal warning sign associated with collapsed pipes, particularly when a pipe is within the structural points of your home. These strange cracks can also present themselves within your home’s flooring, particularly if the pipe has been damaged for long periods of time.
Rat Infestations
The vast majority of rats live within sewer systems, so collapsed pipes end up being entry points for them to escape. This then often leads to homes experiencing rat infestations.
Although you may have a rat infestation due to other reasons, pipe collapses just so happen to be the root cause of many rat infestations throughout Northern Utah.
Tree Root Infiltration
Tree roots will always grow in the direction of underground water, which means that a collapsed or cracked pipe can ultimately be infiltrated by roots. This is much more common than most Northern Utah homeowners realize, and tree root infiltration is the type of issue that often requires a pipe inspection camera in order to pinpoint the exact location of the issue.
Groundwater Expansion
It’s important for Northern Utah homeowners to remember that groundwater will often freeze and expand during the colder months of the year, which means that this water will melt during the spring.
This sudden change in groundwater expansion can potentially pose damages to your underground pipes, which can also lead to collapses.
The Beehive Plumbing Team Will Be There For You When You Experience A Collapsed Pipe!
Beehive Plumbing has been one of the top residential plumbing providers throughout Northern Utah for over 20 years, so our specialists know a thing or two about collapsed pipes.
We’ll help you diagnose, repair or replace a collapsed pipe, and our experts are always here to answer your questions and put you in the right direction towards your best solution.
Contact us online or call us at 801-661-8155 to speak with our team today about collapsed pipes at your property!
