Can you repair a collapsed drain?

Author: Prof. Elvis Corkery  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Often the only way to repair a collapsed drain will be a replacement of the collapsed pipe. The responsibility of the repair may not be yours, so double check first before arranging it.

Can you fix a collapsed drain without digging?

How does no-dig drain repair work? The “no dig” method involves inserting a liner impregnated with resin into the damaged pipeline. Once in position, the liner is inflated to create a strong layer inside the pipe. This gives a water tight repair, sealing and protecting the pipe from further deterioration.

How much to repair a collapsed drain?

Understanding Regional Repair Costs: Drain Pipe Repair: In London, expect to pay £100-£300 per metre for basic repairs, while areas like Manchester or Leeds might range from £80-£250 per metre. Complex repairs can reach £500 per metre in regions like Bristol or Birmingham.

Are collapsed drains common?

Most drain systems have existed for more than 20 years and are usually made from earthenware pipes which are vulnerable to cracking and other types of damage. A very common problem that occurs is having a collapsed drain. A collapsed drain can become a very serious problem.

How to find a collapsed drain pipe?

Signs of a Collapsed Sewer Line
  1. Slow drains and standing water after using a faucet or shower.
  2. Sewer odors throughout the home.
  3. Gurgling sounds coming from your pipes.
  4. Pipe backupsSinkholes in your yard.
  5. Cracks in your home's foundation.
  6. Increased presence of pests like rodents and bugs near your home.

Repairing a collapsed sewer drain without digging

How do you fix a collapsed drain?

Often the only way to repair a collapsed drain will be a replacement of the collapsed pipe. The responsibility of the repair may not be yours, so double check first before arranging it.

Will homeowners insurance cover a collapsed pipe?

Homeowners insurance generally covers damage due to broken pipes if their collapse is sudden and unforeseen. However, water damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or rusty pipe is generally not covered.

Who is responsible for a collapsed drain?

Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some private or unadopted sewers.

How do you tell if a drain pipe is broken underground?

The telltale signs of a broken sewer pipe under your house include:
  1. Poor drainage/backed up water in the sinks, toilets, and the bath.
  2. A foul smell, as sewer gases find their way back up the line toward your property.

What is the lifespan of a drain pipe?

PVC drain pipes are known to last between 25to 40 years, however, with recent advancements, they could possibly last as long as 70 years or more. While PVC pipes don't last as long as metal versions, they're a good choice for homeowners because they don't rust or corrode.

How long does it take to fix a collapsed sewer pipe?

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Cracked or Collapsed Pipe? Some trenchless sewer repairs can take less than a day. Depending on the scope of the work, sewer line repair generally takes one to three days to complete. However, if the damage is extensive or the pipe is hard to access, the repair can take up to a week.

How do plumbers fix drains?

Manual Drain Snakes and Augers

This tool has a long cable wound onto a spool with a metal corkscrew on the end designed to grab globs of hair and other blockages. Manual augers have a hand crank that the plumber uses to feed the cable into the drain, maneuver it through the pipe, and break up the debris inside.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a drain?

Average Cost:

Repairing or replacing a small section of drain pipe can typically run between $250 and $1,250. Repairing larger sections or breaks can run between $400 and $1,500, with that cost going higher based on complexity of the repair. Replacing a full drain system can run between $15,000 and $20,000.

How much does drain relining cost?

However, as a rough guide, you're looking at £70-£130 per linear metre to reline a 100mm-diameter pipe, or £120-£170 per linear metre for a 150mm-diameter pipe.

Can a drain pipe collapse?

As with everything else, drain pipes age. When they do, they become vulnerable to damage and could either burst or collapse. It is a common problem in many old buildings but is not always addressed because of the pricy collapsed drain repair costs involved.

How much does it cost to fix drainage in your yard?

The Cost of Landscape Drainage

In general, larger projects cost more than smaller ones. High-quality materials also cost more. You can generally expect to pay between USD $30 and $1,000 per linear foot of channel drain. However, more complex situations may cost up to $150 per linear foot.

How do plumbers find pipes underground?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) allows them to locate both metallic and non-metallic objects including PVC pipes deep within the ground without causing damage.

How much does it cost to replace underground drain pipe?

The average cost to replace a drain pipe is $696, though most homeowners spend between $225 and $1,169. Costs depend on factors like the pipe's material and location, as well as the need for any additional services, such as drywall repair.

How do I know if my drain line is collapsed?

How do you know if you have a collapsed drain?
  • A strong smell of sewage. If there's damage to a pipe or a collapsed drain, then you'll regularly notice the smell of sewage in or around the home. ...
  • The presence of rodents or other unwanted visitors. ...
  • New damp patches and mould appearing. ...
  • Slow drainage.

Does homeowners insurance cover a collapsed drain?

You won't be surprised to learn that insurance policies differ from company to company. The first thing to do is to check what's written in your home insurance policy in relation to drainage. As a rule of thumb, most providers will cover a collapsed drain which has been caused by accidental damage.

How do you repair a collapsed drain?

Repairing a Drain Line

Drain lining and relining involves inserting a new lining into your pipe, a plastic sleeve that will restore the drain to full working order. This is a cost-effective process, that in a lot of cases may be enough to fully restore a collapsed drain.

What does a collapsed drain look like inside?

Damp and mould

Any new damp or mould patches can be an early sign of a collapsed drain. These patches will rise from the floor if you have any leaky or broken pipes underneath the building.

Will homeowners insurance pay for plumbing repairs?

Typically, a basic homeowners insurance policy will cover plumbing if the damage is sudden and accidental, rather than gradual. “Sudden and accidental” is a phrase that most insurance carriers use to determine which plumbing claims are covered and which are not.

What type of plumbing is not covered by insurance?

However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance. This also applies to backed-up sump pumps or sewage systems that have not been routinely inspected and maintained.

Is a belly in a sewer line bad?

Sewer line bellies can be problematic because they can trap solid materials, causing clogs and blockages over time. They can also impede the efficient flow of sewage and wastewater to the main sewer system or septic tank, potentially leading to backups and sewage spills into your home or onto your property.

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