Hidden Breaks
Hidden Breaks | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Lancing
When the water pressure drops unexpectedly or a patch of the yard never seems to dry, the culprit is often lurking deep beneath your property. At HEP’s Hidden Breaks Plumbing in Lancing, we specialise in diagnosing and resolving main line issues that other companies overlook. Using cutting-edge acoustic sensors, precision cameras and decades of trench-work know-how, our team pinpoints leaks, cracks and root intrusions without guesswork—saving you from unnecessary digging, sky-high water bills and avoidable property damage.
From the first phone call to the final pressure test, you’ll notice our neighbour-next-door service mentality. We explain every finding in plain English, show you live video from inside your pipes and present honest repair options suited to your budget and schedule. Whether your home dates back to the Victorian era or sits in a modern estate by the coast, HEP’s Hidden Breaks Plumbing has the tools, talent and tenacity to keep your water flowing freely and your peace of mind intact. For Lancing residents facing main line issues, one call is all it takes to get life back on track.
FAQs
What are “hidden breaks” in a main plumbing line and why are they a concern in Lancing homes?
A hidden break is an unseen crack, fracture, or collapse in your main sewer or water line that occurs underground or behind walls. In Lancing’s older housing stock and clay-rich soil, shifting ground, tree-root intrusion, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can cause lines to fail without obvious surface signs. Left undetected, hidden breaks allow water or sewage to escape, leading to foundation damage, sinkholes, high water bills, and potential health hazards.
What warning signs suggest I may have a hidden break in my main line?
Common red flags include: 1) frequent or simultaneous drain backups, 2) gurgling noises from multiple fixtures, 3) unexplained wet spots, lush patches, or foul odours in the yard, 4) sudden drops in water pressure, 5) skyrocketing water bills, and 6) foundation cracks or indoor mould growth. If two or more of these appear together, schedule a professional inspection immediately.
How do professionals locate a hidden break without digging up my whole yard?
Reputable plumbers in Lancing use non-invasive technologies such as CCTV sewer cameras, acoustic leak detection, ground-penetrating radar, and tracer gas testing. A miniature waterproof camera is fed through an access point to visually inspect the line in real time, pinpointing the exact location and nature of the damage so that only the affected section needs repair.
What repair options are available once a hidden break is found?
Depending on the pipe’s material, depth, and extent of damage, you may choose: 1) Spot repair (traditional excavation) to replace the damaged section, 2) Trenchless pipe lining (CIPP) that inserts an epoxy-saturated liner to create a new pipe within the old one, or 3) Pipe bursting, which breaks the existing pipe while simultaneously pulling in a new HDPE line. Trenchless methods are popular in Lancing because they minimise landscape disruption and are often completed in a single day.
How much does it cost to fix a main line hidden break in Lancing?
Costs vary by depth, pipe length, and repair technique. As a rough guide: camera inspection £150–£250; small spot repair (excavation) £500–£1,200; trenchless pipe lining £80–£120 per metre; full pipe bursting £100–£150 per metre. Always request a written estimate that includes labour, materials, reinstatement of landscaping or paving, and any local authority permits required.
What can I do to prevent hidden breaks in the future?
1) Schedule a CCTV inspection every 2–3 years or before purchasing property. 2) Avoid planting large trees or shrubs within 3 m of your main line path. 3) Never flush wipes, fats, or harsh chemicals. 4) Install a pressure-reducing valve if your incoming pressure exceeds 60 psi. 5) Address minor leaks promptly to prevent pressure swings that stress the pipe. 6) If you have an older clay or cast-iron line, consider proactive trenchless relining before a failure occurs.