Crossword Genius

Old sewer's part altered having collapsed (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

treadle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'old sewer's part' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'altered having collapsed' is the wordplay.
'altered' can be anagrammed to 'TREADLE'.
Though, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for treadle that I've seen before include "Pedal operating machine" , "Foot pedal for power" , "Rocking lever operated by foot" , "Foot lever that works a machine" , "Bit of machine" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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