One of the worst parts of homeownership is dealing with plumbing issues. Your home’s plumbing is a complex maze of twists and turns, with pipes running through many areas of the home (and underground) that you wouldn’t expect. Older homes are famous for their plumbing issues, but even newer constructions can run into problems with plumbing now and again.
Collapsed drains are a plumbing issue that often display warning signs before getting too severe, though many homeowners aren’t aware of these warning signals and what they mean. This post will educate you on the signs of a collapsed drain to be aware of, hopefully saving you money and headaches down the road:
You’re Noticing Mould
Mould can happen for a variety of reasons, one being a hidden collapsed drain. When drains or pipes run through walls and collapse or crack, the water soaks into the surrounding area, creating the perfect environment for mould to grow.
Many species of mould only need a 55% increase in humidity to thrive, and the darkness behind the walls adds to their preferred environment. If you’re seeing areas of mould in an otherwise dry, well-lit area, it could be because there’s a collapsed drain or pipe behind the wall or in the ceiling.
You’ve Got Uninvited Guests
No, we’re not talking about your in-laws — we mean the guests that you really don’t want in your home: rats, mice, and various types of insects. Because many of these creatures live in sewer environments and can fit into the tiniest of openings, an infestation of rodents or insects that’s particularly hard to control may be a sign of a collapsed drain.
You’re already aware of the dangers these critters can bring into your home, so there’s no need to go over them here. If your home has become a little overcrowded lately and you can’t seem to figure out the reason, having a plumber complete a drain survey is a good place to start.
Your Home Smells… Different
The smell of home is a comforting one that reminds you of the good times — or so it should be. The tell-tale smell of sewage that we all know should not be something that you experience in your home, but it’s a sign of a collapsed drain that shouldn’t be ignored.
Air-tight sewer lines are odourless, so if you’re smelling the off-putting scent of sewage, you might have a collapse somewhere. Your first course of action should be to contact the professionals — they’ll be able to figure out the source of your issue and fix any drains that are blocked or collapsed.
Conclusion
Homeownership has its ups and downs, that’s for sure. However, being a proactive homeowner can help to forego any unnecessary issues. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, a qualified plumber can help locate and repair your collapsed drains. Don’t leave these things to get worse over time — finding the problem early can save you time and money that you might spend later down the road.
