Any tips Digging my drains

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I am finally getting round to looking at a leak I have.

Every time we use the sink there is a smell that comes back up and
the floor boards are damp inside. Also the area in the cellar in crawl space is damp/mouldy and the area of the back yard is always green and damp.

I think the one or both of the drains have cracked below ground.I have never done this before (but didn't stop me putting in a new bathroom)

I plan to dig down (slowly) and see where the pipes are broken, and then trace the pipes back along the yard for a few feet until I find any cracks/broken pipe. Is this feasible?

I have a pick axe and shovel but what other tools may I need?
What is the likelihood of this going wrong?

All tips and advice welcome.

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[seco services]

wheres does your sink join the drain ?

 

[Stivino]

2 tips.
Dig down deep and throw it well back.
Keep taking the sides of your hole down or it will end up the size of a postage stamp.

 

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HI


Thinking about it, the blue pipe takes the toilet waste.
The open drain is the sink and bath.

My concerns are:
1) house falling in hole (i know sounds silly, but you never know)
2) what tools I will need cut and fit new cermic pipe
3) what specialist knowledge I will need.

Am I attempting something that is paste the average man's DIY skills?

Luckily I can hopefully re-fill if it seems too difficult.

Does anyone know of any good how-to sites, photos, videos etc for doing this type of work?

Cheers