Broken or collapsed
drain pipe?
A real fix, not a patch.
When a drain pipe is cracked, collapsed, or badly damaged by tree roots, I dig it out and replace that section properly. Done once, done right.
LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS | Speak directly with Dan | Honest advice and practical solutions
When does a damaged drain pipe need replacing?
Repeated
blockages
01
Tree roots
keep returning
02
Drain won't
stay clear
03
CCTV shows
pipe damage
04
Pipe has
shifted or collapsed
05
Some drain problems
aren't really about clearing.
They’re about a pipe that’s cracked, crushed, shifted underground, or allowing tree roots back in.
If a blockage keeps coming back no matter how many times it’s cleared, or a CCTV inspection shows real damage, replacing the damaged section may be the proper fix.
The important part is knowing what’s actually happening before deciding what to do about it.
Common underground drain pipe problems
A drain can fail in different ways. Some damage is obvious on camera, while other problems show up as the same blockage returning again and again.
- Cracked drain pipes
- Collapsed pipe sections
- Tree root intrusion
- Shifted or displaced joints
- Crushed or damaged pipework
- Repeated blockages in the same line
Digging or pipe relining: which makes more sense?
There’s more than one way to repair a damaged drain pipe, and digging isn’t always the right answer.
For sections under a driveway, slab or the house itself, pipe relining can make sense because accessing the pipe could mean breaking through something expensive or difficult to put back.
But when the damaged section is accessible, such as in a backyard or down the side of a house, digging it out and replacing the damaged pipe can often be the simpler and more practical solution.
I’ll look at where the damage is, how accessible it is and what the camera shows, then explain the options so you can make an informed decision.
CCTV drain inspection
before excavation.
Before I dig anywhere, I run a CCTV drain inspection to see exactly where the damage is and how far it runs.
That means I know where the problem is before excavation starts, so I’m digging in the right spot rather than guessing.
How a broken drain pipe repair works
1. Locate the damage
CCTV identifies where the damaged section is and what is happening inside the pipe.
2. Explain the repair
I'll show you what the camera found and talk you through what the repair involves.
3. Access the pipe
I excavate the area needed to reach the damaged section, keeping the dig as contained as practical.
4. Replace the section
The broken, cracked or collapsed section is removed and replaced with new pipework.
5. Check the line
I make sure the drainage is flowing properly before the job is finished.
Only what is needed
The aim is to repair the damaged section without creating more excavation than the job requires.
1. Locate the damage
CCTV identifies where the damaged section is and what is happening inside the pipe.
2. Explain the repair
I'll show you what the camera found and talk you through what the repair involves.
3. Access the pipe
I excavate the area needed to reach the damaged section, keeping the dig as contained as practical.
4. Replace the section
The broken, cracked or collapsed section is removed and replaced with new pipework.
5. Check the line
I make sure the drainage is flowing properly before the job is finished.
Only what is needed
The aim is to repair the damaged section without creating more excavation than the job requires.
When digging isn't
the right solution
If your situation is better suited to relining, or the job is part of a bigger renovation, I’ll tell you straight and point you toward the right option.
I’m not going to talk you into digging up a pipe that doesn’t need to be dug up.
A careful repair,
not an unnecessary excavation.
You’re dealing with me directly from the investigation through to the repair.
I’ll show you what the camera found before we decide what happens next. I dig by hand where I can to reduce the risk around other underground services, and I won’t leave you with a bigger excavation than the repair actually needs.
The goal is simple: find the damaged section, repair it properly and disturb as little of your property as practical.
Broken drain pipe repairs across Adelaide's western and coastal suburbs.
Wakeline Plumbing is based in Taperoo and provides underground drain and pipe repairs across Adelaide’s western and coastal suburbs.
Taperoo • Largs Bay • North Haven • Semaphore • Port Adelaide • West Lakes • Henley Beach • Woodville and surrounding areas.
Not sure if your area is covered? Give Dan a call and check availability.
Broken drain pipe repair FAQs
How do I know if my drain pipe is broken?
Repeated blockages, tree roots that keep returning, sections of the drain that won’t clear properly, or problems identified during a CCTV inspection can indicate damaged pipework. A CCTV drain inspection is the best way to see what’s actually happening underground.
Can tree roots damage underground drain pipes?
Yes. Tree roots can enter through cracks, damaged joints and other openings in underground pipes. Hydro-jetting can clear the roots from the line, but if they keep returning, the damaged section of pipe may need repairing.
Do you need to dig up every broken drain?
No. The right repair depends on where the damage is, how accessible the pipe is and what condition it’s in. Some situations may be better suited to pipe relining, while accessible damaged sections can often be excavated and replaced directly.
Is pipe relining better than digging?
It depends on the location of the damaged pipe. Relining can be useful where excavation would mean cutting through a slab, driveway or other difficult area. Where the pipe is easily accessible, excavation and replacement may be the more practical solution.
Do you use CCTV before digging?
Yes. I use a CCTV drain inspection to locate the damaged section and understand how far the problem extends before excavation begins.
How long does a drain excavation repair take?
It depends on where the damaged pipe is, how deep it is, how much of the pipe needs replacing and how easy it is to access. I’ll explain what’s involved before the repair starts.
Do you repair collapsed sewer pipes?
Yes, where the damaged section can be safely accessed and the repair is suitable for excavation. I’ll inspect the drain first and let you know whether digging and replacing the section is the right option.
What areas of Adelaide do you service?
Wakeline Plumbing is based in Taperoo and services Adelaide’s western and coastal suburbs, including Largs Bay, North Haven, Semaphore, Port Adelaide, West Lakes, Henley Beach, Woodville and surrounding areas.
Think your drain pipe
may be damaged?
Speak directly with Dan.
Family-owned local business
Direct communication with Dan
Honest advice. Practical solutions.
If you’ve had the same blockage cleared more than once, tree roots keep coming back, or you’ve been told there’s damage somewhere in the line, I can help work out what’s actually going on.
You’ll deal directly with Dan from the first conversation through to the repair.
Request a callback
Tell me what you’ve noticed, whether the drain has blocked before, and if you’ve already had a CCTV inspection. I’ll get back to you.
Phone: 0403 626 998
Email: contact@wakelineplumbingsolutions.com.au
Licensed & insured plumber
ABN: 25 204 084 108
LICENSE: PGE 307434