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Common Causes of Drain Damage Requiring Excavation

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  • Admin
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  • drain repairs, drain replacement, drain installation, drain excavation, drain damage
  • Posted date:
  • 08-12-2024
Common Causes of Drain Damage Requiring Excavation

Heavy Vehicle Traffic Over Drain Lines

You may find that heavy vehicle traffic can often cause damage to drain lines over time, especially in places where the pipes underneath were not designed to withstand these large loads. The pressure and immense weight of vehicles can result in misalignment, cracks, or cause the pipes to collapse underground. This level of damage usually leads to water pooling on the surface, leaks, and blockages. Some of the visible signs of strain are pavements or sinking ground above the drainage system. 

When tackling these problems, you may need to replace or reinforce the pipes with stronger materials that can withstand heavy vehicles and loads. You may want to consider protective measures too, like concrete encasements, as these add an extra layer so that the pipes are sheltered in some way. 

Improper Installation of Drainage Pipes

Another issue that leads to a number of problems is when drainage pipes aren't correctly installed, and this can cause leaks, blockages, and structural damage. Typical issues that you can encounter in this circumstance, poorly sealed joints, incorrect pipe gradients, or the use of unsuitable materials. These mistakes can result in stagnant water, connections failing over time, or shifting pipes, which disrupt the entire drainage system. 

Frequent clogs, unusual odours, or slow drainage may suggest the installation of the pipes was improper. Professional evaluations of your pipework may be the best way to address these problems, as this will help identify any underlying faults. Then, qualified professionals can reinstall the improper work and rectify the problems that were causing complications. 

Pressure from Soil or Surrounding Structures

The pressure from the soil or surrounding structures can be another factor that places significant stress on your drainage pipes, leading to cracks, collapses, and deformation. This issue is most commonly found in areas with unstable ground, heavy soil, or nearby construction sites, as this can exert extra force or vibration on the pipes, especially if there is powerful machinery in use close by. Over time, this pressure can trigger leaks or misalignments that disrupt the drainage system and potentially result in structural damage or flooding. 

Warning signs to look out for involve repeated blockages, slow, churning drainage, or visible sinking of the ground above your pipework. The best course of action is to call a professional to provide you with a thorough drain inspection or survey. Qualified plumbers will provide you with a suitable solution like relining, replacement, or pipe reinforcement using more durable materials that can withstand these higher pressures. 

Damage from Construction or Renovation Work

One common risk to drainage systems is construction or renovation work, especially if the drains aren't detected and protected throughout the project. Drilling, vibration from heavy machinery, or excavation can accidentally crack, displace, or collapse underground pipes, leading to blockages, leaks, or even complete drainage failure. Signs of damage that you can search for include foul odours, recurring clogs or water pooling above the ground once the project is completed or throughout it's duration. 

Before beginning any construction work, you'll need to contact a professional to conduct a drainage survey to map out the area of the pipes and minimise the risk of accidental damage. Pointing to and marking out the area of pipework will help professionals carry out repairs if issues do arise down the line. 

Extreme Weather Conditions and Flooding

Your drainage systems can become overwhelmed with debris or excessive volumes of water when they are exposed to harsh weather conditions or problems like flooding. Heavy rainfall causes drains to back up if they are poorly maintained, blocked, or unable to handle the amount of water. Prolonged flooding can result in structural damage, erosion, or the misalignment of your pipework, whereas freezing temperatures can result in burst pipes or cracks. 

Some of the warning signs to look out for include unusual noises, slow drainage, or surface water pooling from the system. The best way to mitigate the affects of harsh weather and elements, such as clearing blockages to make way for proper drainage flow. In areas where there is plenty of damage, professional intervention can be necessary to upgrade or repair the system. 


Clenston Ltd is a reliable business you can trust to install, replace, and repair your drainage systems. If you've noticed any of the above mentioned symptoms with your drains or pipework, give us a call, we're always here to help.