Frequently Asked Questions about Drain Excavations

A drain is a pipe that funnels waste water and unwanted water from a single building to a sewer system. 

The sewer is a system of underground pipes that transports the waste and water from the drains to a central treatment plant. 

The two main systems are stormwater and sewage. Stormwater drains are designed to funnel excess rainwater and other waste collected on the roof of the house. It is transported from the gutters through downpipes to the ground. 

The sewage drainage system transports waste water and excess water from the home, specifically the toilet, bathroom, kitchen, laundry as well as any other household taps, to the sewer system. From there, the household waste is directed through the sewer system to a central treatment plant. 

The most regular types of drain blockages that homes experience are blocked sewage pipes and blocked stormwater pipes. 

Sewage pipe blockages usually occur due to tree roots breaking through cracks or joints in the piping. Blockages can also be a result of pipes that have become damaged, or foreign objects that have found their way into the system. 

Stormwater drains commonly get blocked by build ups of leaves and animal matter.

Often the main cause of a drain that is blocked beyond repair is a particularly invasive tree root infestation or compacting and shifting earth. These can all lead to cracked, broken or the complete collapse of a section of your outdoor drains.

There may also be sludge build-up that is too solid to shift, or if the drain frequently gets blocked from poor quality or incorrect installation. One big benefit of excavation and replacement is that you’ll have brand new drains and won’t have to worry about them again for a very long time.