Your drainage system usually works seamlessly to protect your home. However, a cracked pipe can be a nightmare scenario, costing time and money to fix.
Unfortunately, you’ll likely encounter a cracked pipe sooner or later. Here’s how to spot the early warning signs.
Why do pipes crack?
There are myriad reasons why your pipes crack. Although your drainage system is robust and built to last, it’s still vulnerable to wear and tear over time. Weather exposure, blockages and poor maintenance can all mean minor issues end up causing major problems.
Winter can cause havoc as pipes are subjected to temperature extremes. Frozen pipes are susceptible to cracking as frozen water expands inside the pipe. As it thaws, water bursts through the cracks, costing a small fortune to repair.
Once a pipe is compromised, the damage can quickly spread. Check out the extent of the damage in your pipes with CCTV drain surveys Slough to plan your next steps.
Another significant cause of cracked pipes is invasive tree roots. These can penetrate the pipe through small cracks and continue to grow, eventually collapsing the entire drain. Again, a CCTV survey by professionals like https://www.drainpower.co.uk/drainage-services/cctv-drain-surveys/slough can catch the problem early.
How to spot a cracked pipe
Your drainage system is generally out of sight, out of mind. However, there are several telltale signs that you may have a cracked pipe:
Increased water bills: A spike in water usage generally indicates a cracked pipe is gushing water.
Damp patches: With nowhere else to go, water from cracked pipes inevitably seeps into the surrounding surfaces, resulting in visible damp patches that alert you to a potential problem.
Blocked drains: Blockages in your drains can impede water flow and cause pressure buildup that cracks your pipes.
Nasty smells: Cracks allow wastewater to seep out of your drainage system. If you notice a foul odour, it could be a sign of cracked pipes.
Do you suspect a cracked pipe but don’t know for certain? CCTV drain surveys in Slough can identify the problem for your peace of mind.
