If you're like most people, you probably don't think about your drains until they start backing up. And by then, it's often too late. A collapsed drain can cause some severe damage, both to your property and to your wallet. We'll teach you how to tell if a drain has collapsed so that you can take action before it's too late. So keep reading for tips on identifying and fixing a collapsed drain!

Causes of blocked drains

There are many potential causes of blocked drains. As an experienced plumber in Adelaide, I often get asked how to tell if a drain has collapsed. Don't get alarmed, though, as it's usually not as serious as it sounds. A drain can collapse for a number of reasons; I will be identifying a few of these problems below that you can be on the lookout for, for instance:

• Damp Walls/Floors: This is a common cause of blocked drains. Dampness in your walls or floors can seep into your drain pipes and cause them to collapse. If you notice any dampness in your home, be sure to check your drains for signs of damage.

• Sewage backup: This is one of the unsavory causes of blocked drains. This can cause a collapse of drains because the sewage is full of harmful bacteria and other toxins that can eat away at your pipes.

• Foul odour: If you notice a foul odour coming from your drains, it could be a sign that they have collapsed. This is because the collapse of your drain pipes can cause sewage and other toxins to leak into your home, which can become a health hazard.

• Sunken areas in the yard : If you notice any sunken areas in your yard, a drain pipe has likely collapsed underground. This can cause serious damage to your property and should be fixed as soon as possible.

• Mould problems : Mold can also cause your drain pipes to collapse, and water fails to leave the property resulting in water seeping into the floors and walls, which causes mould. If you notice any mould in your home, be sure to check your drains for damage.

• Slow Drains: If you notice that your drains are draining slowly, in other words, when reduced performance occurs over a period of time, this is a sign that your drains have most probably collapsed.

• Rapid growing grass or plants in the drainage area and water pooling in the yard are two signs that your drainage system isn't working as it should. Leaking water serves as fertilizer, and if you have these symptoms.

• Rat and insect infestations are also commonly found in areas with collapsed drains. Especially rats, for they live in newer systems. If you see rats or insects coming out of your drain, this is a sure sign that your drain has collapsed and needs to be fixed immediately. In addition to being unsightly, these pests can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans.

• Cracks and structural damage: A collapsed drain can also cause cracks and structural damage to your foundation. This can compromise your home's structural integrity, and it usually starts by showing cracks in the wall, which is caused by the uneven ground beneath the foundation caused by an amount of water in the ground.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action immediately. A collapsed drain can cause serious damage to your property and to your wallet, so it's best to nip the problem in the bud before it gets out of hand.If you suspect your drain has collapsed, the best course is to call a professional plumber. Trying to fix a collapsed drain yourself is not recommended, as it can be dangerous, and you may end up causing more damage to your home. Instead, call an Adelaide plumber today to get your drainage system back in working order.