Many problems that occur with drainage pipes that are laid in gardens (so-called “garden drains” or “garden runs”) are different from problems that affect pipes that are laid indoors. A simple camera inspection down the drain can reveal problems with your garden drains and in our experience of doing CCTV drain surveys in Leicester gardens problems of a similar nature to those described below occur with greater frequency than in gardens in other parts of the country.
Root Ingress From Garden Trees
Even trees planted away from drains in Leicester gardens can cause a problem. The roots of Ash, Sycamore and Silver Birch trees in particular are very persistent and can even find their way through hairline joints in pipes. A drain camera can provide clear evidence of a problem before it becomes a full blockage.
Clay Soil and Joint Displacement
Leicester is based in the East Midlands, a region with very heavy clay soils. These type of soils expand when wet and then contract when dry. Over time this constant expansion and contraction will start to cause the joints between drains to move out of position. A CCTV drain survey in Leicester can highlight if any of the garden runs have displaced or open joints.
Silt and Debris in Outdoor Gullies
Blockages in the garden often consist of a build-up of silt within the outdoor gullies. Initially made up of leaves, soil and grit that have been washed down into the gully during rainfall, over time this builds up into a solid silt layer. The camera will show the extent of the blockage and whether a simple ‘Jetting’ of the silt will clear the blockage or if a specific section of pipe requires attention.
Misconnected Surface Water Pipes
Many surface water pipes are connected to the wrong drain when patios, garden rooms and extensions are put up.
There is more on CCTV Drain Survey Leicester at https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/leicester.
Ground Movement Near Driveways and Decking
As a general rule, new driveways and decking are constructed. As load sits on the ground above buried pipes, this will start to transfer down to pipes below, leading to problems. Subsequent surveys will reveal signs of pipe damage such as cracking and/or sagging.
By knowing what a typical Drain Survey typically finds when undertaking a Drain Survey, you can have a better understanding of the Drain Survey report.
