Can Blocked Drains Cause Subsidence?

You close your door but instead of the familiar click, you hear a dull thud behind you. Now if your door has always closed without a problem, this sound can be very concerning. It may mean a few things, but it could indicate your door or your home’s foundation has been damaged through subsidence.

When talking about subsidence, homeowners often think about major shifts, such as trees growing too close to their homes or major construction works in the area. But one cause that’s often overlooked and rarely asked is ‘can blocked drains cause subsidence’?

In this article, we’ll discuss what subsidence is, why you should be alert for it, and answer ‘can blocked drains cause subsidence?’.

What Is Subsidence and Why Is It a Problem?

If you’ve never heard of it, subsidence is what happens when the ground beneath your property sinks or moves downward. Think of it like a chair leg sinking into soft sand, except it’s happening to part of your house into the ground.

When this sinking occurs, it doesn’t just affect your doors. As the ground shifts, it can cause:

• Cracks in walls
• Doors and windows that no longer open and close smoothly
• Rippling wallpaper even when there’s no damp
• Floors become sloping or uneven

Not only will subsidence affect the structural integrity and safety of your property, it can also cost you financially through emergency repairs and a reduction in property value.

Can Blocked Drains Cause Subsidence?

To answer the important question ‘can blocked drains cause subsidence’?

Yes, it’s entirely possible. When working properly, drains send water flowing safely away from your home. When blocked by grime, dirt, leaves or other rubbish, the water becomes stuck and looks for somewhere else to go, usually ending up in the soil around it.

The stuck water then seeps into the surrounding soil, causing:

• Soil particles to wash away, creating empty spaces under your foundation
• Ground to become soft and unable to support your home’s weight
• Clay soils to swell unevenly, making your foundation shift
• Unstable ground conditions that get worse over time

The first symptom you might notice is a slow-draining sink or the occasional drain gurgle. You’ll be tempted to ignore it, but when left untreated or unchecked it can escalate into serious structural problems.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Now, for the good news. Drain-related subsidence is preventable. If you engage in professional drain unblocking services early when signs of blocked drains or water logging become obvious, the blockages can be cleared before lasting and pricey issues are created.

Here are some signs to watch for when deciding to get professional help:

• Slow-draining sinks or toilets
• Bad smells coming from drains
• Gurgling noises in pipes
• Wet patches appearing in your garden
• Sunken or cracked paving

Once you notice any of these signs, especially alongside doors or windows that suddenly won’t close properly, don’t wait. Reach out to a professional team and get it checked. Modern drainage specialists like our team at Watermains & Drains can use portable camera equipment to survey and identify problems before they cause serious damage to your property.

Remember, while there are many causes of subsidence, drainage problems are one of the most preventable. Regular maintenance and quick action can save you from this expensive and disruptive issue. Is your home showing signs of subsidence? Contact our expert team from Watermains & Drains for help today.