Active leakage, sinkhole indicators, undermined structures or unsafe access require prompt isolation and assessment by the responsible asset and engineering teams.
Recognise the combined pattern
Possible indicators include local depressions, cracking near drains or services, pumping at joints, wet or stained areas, loss of fines, recurring repairs, sudden level change and movement following rainfall or process discharge.
Reconstruct the water system
Review drainage drawings, pipe materials and ages, manholes, pits, falls, connections, overflow routes, maintenance records, blockages, repairs and changes in surface runoff or process water.
Investigate pathway and consequence
- Map surface condition and levels.
- Inspect accessible drainage and service assets.
- Use appropriate testing to identify leakage or flow anomalies.
- Investigate suspected voids, disturbed ground and affected foundations.
- Correlate findings against rainfall or operating history.
Sequence the response
Immediate safety or operational controls may come first. Permanent planning should coordinate drainage repair, erosion control, replacement of lost support, structural review and surface reinstatement.
Set separate acceptance criteria
Drainage performance, ground-support restoration and structural or slab response require their own evidence. Passing one check does not automatically verify the others.
Monitor recurrence
Define post-work inspections around rainfall, process cycles or other relevant events. Record residual uncertainty, inaccessible sections and triggers for renewed investigation.