Blog>Expert Advice>Key signs of a broken sewer pipe and how to fix it
Last updated: 8 November 2023
Key signs of a broken sewer pipe and how to fix it
A broken sewer pipe will not only cause frustrating issues such as poor drainage and foul smells, but it could lead to more serious consequences causing structural damage in and around your home. Keep reading to learn how to identify a broken sewer pipe and how to fix it.
A broken sewer pipe is a problem that should be addressed without delay.
While sewer pipes should last between 50-100 years, allowing grease and debris to pass down the drains can put pressure on the sewer line, causing cracks and damage.
Sewer pipes can also become damaged by environmental factors, such as tree roots growing into the pipes.
In this post, we'll help you to identify the telltale signs of a broken sewer pipe and crucially, what to do about it.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
How to identify if you have a broken sewer pipe
The telltale signs of a broken sewer pipe under your house include:
Poor drainage/backed up water in the sinks, toilets, and the bath
A foul smell, as sewer gases find their way back up the line toward your property
While these 'symptoms' can occur if you have a blocked drain, if more than one drain is backed up with water, you may have a broken sewer pipe.
In addition, you may notice:
Soggy or sunken ground above where your sewer pipe is buried
Sudden low water pressure
Persistent clogging in your drains and slow drainage
Mouldy areas on the walls, floors, and ceilings
Cracks in your foundations
An infestation of rats or insects
An extra lush or green patch of lawn
Your toilet making a gurgling sound when flushed
Suspect your waste pipe is broken? Contact a specialist drain and sewer company as soon as possible.
Enter your postcode into the search box below to see who comes highly rated in your area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Are you responsible for your sewer pipes?
Responsibility for sewers and drains is shared between you as the property owner, water and sewerage companies, the local authority, and the Highways Agency.
As a general rule of thumb, you are responsible for the drains that fall within the boundary of your property.
Broken sewer pipes that are found to be your responsibility, will need to be inspected by a specialist drain and sewer company without delay.
Fixing a broken drain pipe underground
A drain and sewer company will use specialist CCTV equipment to look into your sewer line and identify the location and extent of the damage.
They will be able to advise whether it's possible to repair the section of broken septic pipe, or whether it's necessary to do a full replacement.
Depending on the extent of the damage, it might be possible to fix the broken waste pipe without digging up the surrounding lawn or hard landscaping.
For minor damage
If the CCTV inspection highlights a few damaged areas, they can sometimes be fixed with trenchless technology using a process called patch lining.
Without digging up the surrounding area, a tube and patch liner is inserted into the waste pipe
Then, this is inflated so that the patch bonds with the section of damaged pipe
Once the patch has hardened, the inflatable tube is removed, and the repair is complete
For more severe damage
If the CCTV inspection reveals more severe damage, drain relining is often the preferred method of repair.
Drain relining involves a resin-impregnated liner being inserted into the broken pipe
Next, this is expanded using water or air pressure
Once the resin has set, the damaged pipe can be repaired
In some cases, e.g. if the sewer pipe has collapsed, it may be necessary to dig up a trench to make the necessary repairs.
DIY repair
It is possible to repair the section of broken pipe yourself, by digging down, removing the section of broken pipe, and replacing this with new pipework.
However, this is not a job for amateur DIYers as you will need to:
Confidently identify where the broken pipe is located
Use specialist cutting tools to remove the section of damaged pipe
Ensure the diameter of the new pipe exactly matches the old
Ensure the pipes are secured together firmly with flexible rubber couplings
How much does it cost to repair a broken sewer pipe?
Remember, the main sewer line is the responsibility of your water company. However, the waste pipes within your property boundary are up to you to maintain.
You can expect to pay around £800 to repair a cracked drainpipe, including materials and labour.
For more information, check out our guide to sewer line repair costs.
Find a drain repair specialist near you
For the best results, contact the professionals to repair your broken sewer pipe.
We check and approve every member in our leading directory, so you can be sure you're getting the very best service.
To find a drain and sewer repair specialist near you, simply enter your postcode into the search box below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
More Expert Advice Articles
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job