One of the worst nightmares of homeowners is a broken or damaged sewer pipe. It’s because dealing with sewer line problems can be messy and troubling. From minor sewer issues like a clogged drain to major problems such as burst pipes, there are different ways sewer line problems can be repaired.
In this article, get to learn the signs of major sewer pipe problems and the best way to repair a damaged sewer line.
Signs Of A Broken Sewer Line
Professional plumbers always advise homeowners to invest in proactive maintenance than waiting for major plumbing issues to occur. However, many homeowners fail to do this and end up needing emergency repairs.
When you observe the warning signs below, it means you need to contact a professional plumber to perform emergency sewer repairs in Lorton.
- Strong Sewer Odor: One of the first signs of a damaged sewer line is a strong, unusual smell that must be seriously taken care of. A crack in the sewer line may cause this problem.
- Gurgling Toilet: A toilet that makes unusual noise after flushing could be an indication of a damaged sewer line. The gurgling sound happens because the trapped air is released abruptly. A leakage allows air to go into the sewer line.
- Slow And Clogged Drain: An isolated drain involves one drain that takes a long to clear, which is a minor plumbing problem. However, if all drains are affected, and you’re having a hard time clearing them, it indicates a major sewer line problem.
- Mold And Mildew Formation: Mold growth means high moisture content is present. High humidity levels can aggravate the problem, causing the spread of mold and mildew on ceilings and walls. If this growth is accompanied by sewer odor, then it’s likely a damaged sewer line that’s causing the problem.
- Regular Sewage Backup: If you notice regular sewage backup in the tub or toilet, then something is wrong. A tree root intrusion, crack, channeling, and a misaligned pipe connection are just some of the possible causes of this plumbing problem.
- Other Signs: Also, walls that start cracking, pest invasion, greener lawn patches than usual, indentions on pavers or the lawn, and sewage pooling on the lawn are also possible signs of sewage line damage.
Different Ways To Repair And Replace Sewer Lines
Sewer lines suffer inevitable damage over time, such as corrosion of pipe materials, underground pipe disturbance due to trees and other vegetation, and physical damage. For this reason, prioritizing your plumbing during renovation is an important step whether you’re dealing with an existing plumbing problem or not.
Take a look at the different ways of repairing and replacing damaged sewer lines:
Spot Sewer RepairÂ
This method is a cost-effective way to repair damaged sewer lines, requiring less digging. It’s less invasive and it’s the appropriate solution for common minor sewage line issues. It involves repairing just the damaged part without having to replace the entire sewer line.
Trenchless Sewer Repair
Trenchless sewer repair or traditional trenching includes directional drilling and bursting. This repair method doesn’t require excavation to reach the pipes. Hence, trenchless sewer repairs leave the yard intact. The common sewer problems corrected with the trenchless method include the following:
- Cracked pipes
- Sewage backups
- Broken pipes
- Minor pipe misalignment
- Corrosion due to rust
- Tree roots
Pipe Bursting
This trenchless pipe repair technique allows sewer line replacement without causing damage to the landscaping. It’s a trenchless method that can replace existing pipes without wreaking havoc on the ground.
Here’s how pipe bursting is done:
- A hole is created in the yard to reach the sewer pipes.
- The old pipe is broken down into pieces.
- A new pipe replaces the old pipe on the same exact space once.
Directional Drilling
Directional drilling or boring involves using a high-powered drill to create a path for a sewer pipe. Unlike bursting, this method has a low ground impact which reduces the need for steep restoration.
Best Way to Repair A Damaged Sewer Line
New plumbing technology techniques can fix or replace sewer lines faster than ever, and one of the most recommended methods is CIPP lining which is a form of trenchless sewer repair. A cured-in-place pipe or CIPP seamlessly repairs older pipes through a fiberglass or polyester liner inserted into a damaged pipe, creating or reinforcing a new piping system.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to repair a damaged sewer line. When it comes to choosing the method to repair or replace your damaged sewer line, the answer depends on different factors. While CIPP pipe trenchless lining is a great solution, there are times when a complete pipe replacement method is the best solution. For an extensive sewer line problem, it’s best to talk to a professional plumber with experience in performing all the above methods.
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