Serving the purpose of bringing in fresh water while also filtering and removing dirty water, the sewer lines that connect to our homes are critical. Most of us rarely think about our water systems until there is an obvious problem with their function. There’s no question that a broken sewer line can bring the entire system to a halt.

The top solution to avert this problem is to avoid blockages. Simply keep our home drains clean and clear of any debris, so that water is flowing as it should.

Sometimes, though, even when you try to take the best measures, a broken sewage pipe can still occur at your property. So, if you do suspect such an issue at your home, what courses of action should you take?

Check for signs of a broken pipe

If you suspect your sewage pipe is broken, your first step should be to check if it is actually damaged or not.

That said, if you do suspect a broken sewage pipe, it is best to get in touch with a drainage or plumbing professional. They can inspect your sewage pipes and water systems, and carry out any repairs and solutions.

After all, sewage pipes are normally publicly owned systems that support and affect the public, not just individuals. Plus as they are not usually privately owned by a homeowner, it is probably not your responsibility to deal with yours. However, you can still inspect to see whether they require a solution or not. There are drainage experts all over the country; for the highest level of expertise in drainage in Dartford, however, we humbly suggest that you do not look past our own professionals at First Call Drainage UK.

Here are some things you can do to help if you suspect that a sewage pipe is damaged:

Identify slow drains

A blocked pipe that supports a specific function such as a kitchen sink or shower could indeed cause a slow drain.

If you have multiple plumbing fixtures that drain slowly, this could be partly related to a broken sewage pipe that has detached due to ground settlement around your home. That said, it could be due to tree roots infiltrating the drainage system and impeding the pipe’s fluid motion.

Unblock the drain

If you have identified any clogs, you must unclog it to prevent disruption to your plumbing systems. A drain blockage is not uncommon, as drainage systems have a lot of water constantly flowing through them. Although luckily enough, the majority of clogs can be removed with minimal effort. Baking soda works wonders unclogging blocked drains.

Dirt, toilet roll, grease and hair are examples of substances that could ultimately cause a sewage system to clog. Even if it’s a relatively large blockage, a plumber’s snake can often clear it out.

If you are unable to clear the clog, it is best to contact a professional. Persisting with trying to clear the drain yourself with a snake or chemicals could actually risk you causing more damage to the sewer pipe.

Check for any unusual sewerage scents

When sewage systems are in good working condition, an unusual odour coming from sewage drains should never be noticeable. However, a funny smell coming from sewage systems is a indication that you may have a somewhat broken drainpipe. In the case that you do notice a strange odour, you must conduct additional inspections. Hopefully then you can determine the source of the toxic sewer gas entering nearby property.

Repair broken lines

A damaged or cracked section of pipe may only be due a repair in some cases. Thankfully this can be a reasonably stress-free procedure. However, if a pipe is badly broken, it could be significantly more serious and much more expensive to repair. Particularly if the pipe must be dug up from beneath a driveway.

The majority of pipes can be repaired or replaced in a single day. So, if you have ageing or unrepairable pipes, then you might want to consider replacing them all. This will eliminate the possibility of future problems.

Check for any wall cracks

A damaged sewage pipe that is rinsing away soil supporting the surrounding groundwork could result in a nearby property developing new cracks within its walls and infrastructure. If a water leak induces a crack in surrounding walls or slabs, it is very unlikely that the scenario will get better as time goes by.

Who is responsible for your sewage system repairs?

Drains within the grounds of your property are usually your responsibility. Whereas lateral drains and sewers are normally the responsibility of the sewerage company. Although the majority of sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some that are privately owned. If one of these serves your property, you may be responsible for its upkeep.

Ultimately, the best thing to do if you suspect a broken sewage pipe is to get in touch with a drainage or sewage professional – such as one of our own experts here at First Call Drainage UK – and they will sort the solution from there. So, why not call us today, on 0800 191 0134?