Collapsed Drain
A collapse is more serious than a crack because the pipe has lost enough of its shape or fabric to restrict the drainage channel itself.
What a collapsed drain can look like
A serious collapse may prevent rods or a camera passing beyond one point, and blockages can recur almost immediately. The chamber upstream may remain full while the next accessible point downstream is empty.
Why some collapsed drains cannot be lined
A liner follows the existing route. If the bore has disappeared or a pipe section is physically displaced across the route, there may be no continuous path through which to install it.
You may only need to dig up a short section
A collapse may be only a metre or two long. If the camera or sonde can locate it accurately from a chamber, the contractor may be able to expose that section and leave the sound pipe on either side alone.
A drain does not have to be completely closed
A drain can be partly collapsed and still pass water. A dropped crown or broken piece may leave enough opening for small flows, then snag paper when a toilet discharges. That is why some serious failures cause repeated blockages rather than a permanent stoppage.
If someone describes the drain as collapsed, ask to see where the pipe has actually lost its shape or bore. A visible fracture in an otherwise open, round pipe is not evidence of collapse by itself.
Ask for local drainage prices
MyJobQuote can introduce the job to local drainage contractors and invite up to three of them to quote. Comparing the replies can be particularly useful where contractors suggest different methods of clearing or repair.
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