01663 790 589 info@northwestwatermains.co.uk
Common Drain Problems & Repairs
1. Blocked Drains
- Causes:
- Grease, fat, and food waste buildup
- Hair and soap scum accumulation
- Tree root intrusion
- Foreign objects (wipes, sanitary products, etc.)
- Solutions:
- Drain snaking – Using a plumbing snake to clear minor clogs
- Hydro jetting – High-pressure water blasting to remove stubborn blockages
- Chemical drain cleaners (use with caution)
2. Leaking or Cracked Pipes
- Causes:
- Age and corrosion
- Ground movement or pressure from heavy loads above
- Freezing and thawing cycles
- Solutions:
- Pipe relining – Inserting a resin-coated liner to create a new pipe within the old one
- Pipe patching – Applying a small patch for localized damage
- Pipe replacement – Necessary for severe cracks or collapsed drains
3. Collapsed or Damaged Drains
- Causes:
- Ground movement (subsidence)
- Heavy traffic above the drain (driveways, roads)
- Old clay or metal pipes breaking down
- Solutions:
- Excavation & replacement – Removing and replacing the damaged section
- Trenchless repair (pipe bursting) – A new pipe is pulled through the old one, breaking it apart
4. Tree Root Intrusion
- Causes:
- Roots growing into cracks or joints in search of water
- Solutions:
- Root cutting – Mechanically removing the roots
