Ground Movement Damaging Pipes

Ground movement — whether from clay soil shrinkage, subsidence, heavy traffic, or nearby construction — puts enormous stress on underground drain pipes. Rigid clay and concrete pipes are particularly vulnerable, cracking and displacing at joints under ground pressure.

What to Look For

• Cracks in walls or foundations (indicating ground movement)
• Drain problems that appeared after a dry summer
• Issues following nearby building or roadworks
• Properties on clay soil are especially vulnerable
• Displaced pipe joints visible on CCTV surveys
• Pipe deformation (ovality) showing ground pressure

How We Diagnose the Problem

CCTV surveys reveal the telltale signs of ground movement damage — displaced joints, cracks along the pipe length, pipe deformation, and fractures. We assess whether the movement is ongoing or historic, which affects the repair approach.

How We Fix It

For displaced joints and cracks, drain relining is highly effective as the flexible liner accommodates minor future movement. For severely crushed or deformed pipes, excavation and replacement with flexible plastic pipes provides a long-term solution resistant to further ground movement.