Signs of Sewer Pipe Damage
Most people will smell a problem before they see anything. Sewer gas can seep up through the yard before anything reaches the surface. If your yard floods, you very likely have a broken pipe.
You might also find multiple drains in your home clogged or emptying slowly. If you hear gurgling coming from the toilet, that’s a sign that air is being pushed back up the line and into your home.
Causes of Broken Sewer Pipes
Tree roots are the most common cause of damage to sewer pipes. Over time, roots growing around pipes will weaken the pipes and can cause them to break. Steel and cast-iron pipes may corrode over time, just from normal use.
Putting debris and foreign objects into the sewer will also cause problems. Only water, human waste, and toilet paper should go through your sewer lines. Avoid flushing wrappers, paper towels, food, or cooking grease down your drains.
Sewer Line Pipe Break Repair
The traditional sewer pipe repair involves digging a trench around the pipe in order to see the damage. Then they can either repair or replace the pipe. This invasive repair is both expensive and time-consuming.
A trenchless sewer pipe repair is a more time- and cost-effective option. A video camera is put into the pipe so the technician can see the issues inside the pipe.
If the damage is minimal, they may recommend a trenchless sewer pipe relining. An inflatable tube covered in epoxy is inserted into the sewer line. Once in place, the tube is inflated so the epoxy cures and hardens against the pipe to repair the leak. Then the tube is removed.
For more severely damaged pipe repair, you may need to use the pipe-bursting method. First, they feed a cone-shaped bit into the pipe. Then, hydraulic power drags the bit through the pipe, breaking up the old pipe and replacing it with a new smooth, and seamless plastic pipe.
Most trenchless repairs can happen in a matter of days and will last up to 50 years.
Fix Sewer Pipes Quickly
A broken sewer pipe can be an expensive and unexpected repair that needs to be addressed immediately. You will definitely need professionals to help you with a pipe break repair. But when the issue is caught quickly, you have less invasive and less expensive repair options available to you.
Check out our site for more how-to information to keep your home in top shape!
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