How are collapsed drains fixed?

Author: Dr. Philip Marquardt  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 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.

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 repair a collapsed sewer line?

Your plumber will then go through these steps:
  1. Mix an epoxy resin.
  2. Measure and cut a cloth pipe liner.
  3. Fill the liner with epoxy.
  4. Insert the liner into your old pipe with a special machine.
  5. Cure the epoxy with hot water.
  6. Remove the liner.
  7. Run a camera through the line to make sure all holes are entirely covered.

Who is responsible for collapsed drains?

Homeowner's responsibility

You're responsible for all waste drainage pipes (such as gullies, gutters and drains) within your property boundary, so long as they serve just your property.

Repairing a collapsed sewer drain without digging

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 long does it take to fix a collapsed drain?

Q: How long does drain excavation and repair take? A: The length of time required for drain excavation and repair depends on the extent of the damage and the accessibility of the excavation site. In general, it can take several days to complete the process.

How much does it cost to fix a collapsed sewer line?

Most homeowners end up paying around $150 per linear foot. Since the average cost for replacing a sewer line is between $1,300 and $4,900, this means the average length of repairs is between nine and 33 linear feet.

How do you deal with a collapsed drain?

An inspection should be carried out to confirm if the drain is collapsed, usually via a drainage CCTV survey. 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.

Does insurance cover broken sewer line?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

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.

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.

What happens when you have too much slope in drain pipe?

“Over sloped pipes (greater than ½ in. per ft.) are as likely to clog as under sloped ones because the liquids move too fast and leave the solids behind.” Why it's costly: Without the proper slope, drain lines may clog more frequently.

How much does pipe relining cost?

So you've had a pipe video inspection done and the plumbers say that your cast iron pipe have to be replaced. Then you did some research and found out by pipe lining and that it could save you a lot of money. The question is how much money? Under houses pipe relining can range from $100 to $300 per linear foot .

How to tell if a drain has collapsed?

Often a collapsed drain leads to a blockage. The material around the pipe falls into the channel, preventing wastewater from flowing through and out into the rest of the sewage network. If you notice slow draining in all the sinks and toilets in your home, then you likely have a collapsed drain.

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 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.

How long does it take for a drain hole to heal?

How Long Does It Take for a Drain Hole to Heal? The drainage hole is about as wide as a pencil. The hole will close in a few days and fully heal in three to four weeks.

What to do if sewage backs up in a floor drain?

If you see water or sewage backing up from the line, or notice a foul smell, you need to hire a professional plumber or sewer cleaner to use a camera or a jetting machine to identify and remove the obstruction, as well as check for broken pipes and tree roots.

Is Roto-Rooter more expensive than other plumbers?

Roto-Rooter is a national service available in every U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii. Flat-rate pricing might be slightly higher in states with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, but most plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour.

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.

Is trenchless sewer repair worth it?

We find that the pros of a trenchless sewer replacement far outweigh the one apparent con which is a higher upfront cost than doing a trench pipe repair. But the difference in cost is slight, easily balanced when you consider your other options. Pro: Trenchless sewer replacement is faster than traditional repair.

Can you reline a collapsed drain?

If you see signs of drain collapse, you should conduct a CCTV drain survey to assess the damage. The survey will identify the extent of the damage, and it is possible that a replacement isn't necessary, and drain relining will be enough.

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 is a new soil stack?

The soil stack is the main vertical pipe on the outside of a building. It's used to transport the waste from all the other waste pipes. Replacing the soil stack in the UK will cost somewhere in the region of £400 - £600.

Previous article
What spin setting do you wash towels on?
Next article
Does it have to be cold for condensation?