Old properties such as those found in Victorian terraced houses in Coventry are often discovered to have substandard drain systems within them. These are frequently uncovered by means of a drain camera survey that typically highlights a number of very obvious problems.
Cracked or Collapsing Clay Pipes
Original clay pipes have a life span of around 40-60 years depending on the type of pipe. Many properties in Coventry’s old terraced streets have long since passed their life span. They can suffer from longitudinal cracks, missing sections or even complete collapse. All of these can cause complete blockages. Problems with old clay pipes cannot be diagnosed from the surface.
Root Intrusion at Pipe Joints
As the ground shifts over decades the push-fit mortar joints in the clay pipes begin to open, allowing tree and shrub roots to grow inward. These roots form a fibrous mass which can slowly narrow the bore of the pipe until it is almost completely blocked.
Displaced or Misaligned Joints
Much movement occurs in the older foundations of buildings and the pipes laid in them. Some displacement is to be expected and CCTV Drain Survey Coventry experts can identify some movement with others being misaligned, perhaps by only a few mm, but enough to create a ledge for items to settle on. Such a blockage can develop into a more serious problem over time.
Mortar Debris From Old Brickwork Repairs
Repairs to old brick and pointing work can create problems with a drain as solid lumps of mortar can fall into the open drain and, as the lumps solidify, create a blockage in the channel as it is narrowed progressively.
Combined Sewer Arrangements
Properties built prior to the 1970s, often have to share a single drain, for example, a drain might be used for surface water, and foul water. A historical survey of older and historic properties, such as Historic England, has work in progress guidance on how to look after and maintain older drainage systems such as these. The aim is to provide guidance on how to look after and maintain older drainage systems before having to repair them. This also includes finding out how a property’s drainage system is connected.
If you want CCTV Drain Survey Coventry, www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/coventry is a good place to start.
Now that you know what is really down there, you can make an informed decision on any subsequent repairs.