How To Tell If You’ve Got a Collapsed Sewer Pipe
30 DEC 25
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How To Tell If You've Got a Collapsed Sewer Pipe

Even though it’s a common issue that homeowners face, early warning signs of collapsed sewer pipes shouldn’t be ignored. Sewer line issues can lead to foul odours, health risks, and expensive repairs. If you’re currently struggling with slow-draining sinks, sewage odour, and gurgling sounds, it may mean that there’s a section in your sewer line that is damaged or partially collapsed.

In this article, learn all about the telltale signs of a collapsed sewer pipe, how to know if your sewer pipe has collapsed, and the different repair options you have for your collapsed pipe.

What is a Collapsed Sewer Pipe?

Essentially, collapsed sewer pipes are pipes that are broken, have caved in, or become clogged, which can cause either a complete or a partial blockage of water flow at your home. This blockage can consequently lead to clogs in the overall sewer line, which is the underground pipe system that carries all of the wastewater from your home to Perth’s municipal wastewater system.

If your sewer line becomes blocked, this can cause sewage backups into your home, property damage from wastewater, and health hazards from exposure to harmful bacteria or viruses in the sewage. This is why it’s essential to act promptly, as emergency repairs with your local plumber can get costly, especially if the problem is left unaddressed.

How Do I Know Why My Sewer Pipes Collapsed?

Typically, homeowners can’t confirm the exact reason for the collapse of their sewer line without the help of a professional plumber, who will use advanced technology such as CCTV Drain Cameras to investigate the issue. However, our team of licensed plumbers have compiled the most common causes, so you know how to prevent them.

Below are some of the most common causes of a collapsed sewer pipe:

  • Poor or incorrect pipe installation
  • Natural ground movement and shifting soil
  • Deterioration and general wear from old age
  • Tree root intrusion

What are the Signs That My Sewer Pipe Has Collapsed?

There are various symptoms that you need to watch out for to avoid significant damage to your sewer pipes:

If you’re noticing that your sinks, showers, or toilets are draining more slowly than usual, it could mean there is damage along your sewer line. Though it’s normal to occasionally have slow water flow or a clogged drain, if it persists, it can indicate a more serious issue.

Broken sewer lines can release sewer gases such as methane, which can create a distinct foul or “rotten egg” smell. This makes it easy to detect leaks, and thus is one of the most obvious signs of cracked sewer pipes

Sometimes, water coming from your sink can become discoloured. This is typically caused by dirt entering the pipe’s cracks or holes under the ground. Make sure to avoid drinking or showering in discoloured water, and call one of our emergency plumbers as soon as possible.

A collapsed sewer line can leave cracks or gaps underground, which makes it easy for pests to get in. The leaking wastewater can also provide the food and moisture that attract rodents and insects. Once pests find these gaps, it’s easier for them to make their way into your home.

Repair and Replacement Options for a Collapsed Sewer Pipe

There are various symptoms that you need to watch out for to avoid significant damage to your sewer pipes:

Before repairing or replacing a collapsed sewer pipe, it’s important to understand the extent and location of the damage. Tunnel Vision’s CCTV Drain Cameras give accurate, real-time visual data of your sewer system, allowing us to assess the condition of your pipes and choose from the appropriate repair or replacement options.

When a sewer pipe collapses or is about to, traditional pipe excavation methods can be disruptive, expensive, and time-consuming. At Tunnel Vision, our pipe relining services with Nuflow Technology offer a modern solution that repairs your damaged pipes from the inside. This process uses durable epoxy resin inserted into the existing pipe, providing a full or sectional repair, without the need to dig up your yard.

This method is highly effective for collapsed sewer pipes, as it minimises disruption to your property while ensuring longevity. Professional intervention means that you benefit from proper installation, a thorough inspection, and a solution that is tailored to you, giving you peace of mind and preventing future issues.

Blockages and debris often contribute to pipe collapse or worsen existing damage, so drain cleaning is an essential step for sewer line repair. At Tunnel Vision, our advanced drain cleaning machinery removes obstructions, but also cleans and clears the inside pipe. This ensures that it is fully prepared for repair or replacement. Depending on the extent of the damage to your sewer system, combining all three sewer line repair options will be an effective way to address the issue with your collapsed sewer line.

Diagnose & Repair Collapsed Sewer Pipes the Right Way with Tunnel Vision

At Tunnel Vision, our plumbing team have over 20 years of experience in the plumbing and drainage industry, with hundreds of happy clients throughout the Perth metropolitan area.

Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, Tunnel Vision is ready to send our team of experts to you the moment that you call us. Contact us by calling 1800 631 799, or by sending through an enquiry form today!

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