One of the most common problems that plumbers face on a daily basis is a malfunctioning sewer line. When standard drain cleaning is not sufficient for the issue at hand, it may become necessary to repair a part or replace an entire sewer line. Here are some red flags that likely indicate a desperate need of a sewer line repair or replacement.
Warning Signs of Sewer Line Damage
- Pipes that are cracked or shattered because of soil that has shifted or ground that is frozen.
- Sunken sections of pipes that create a lower than normal portion of the line where waste can collect.
- Roots in the sewer line that can’t be easily removed or cleaned out.
- Old and corroded pipes that have burst.
- Joints that leak at connecting points and allow waste to escape.
The easiest method for determining whether or not the entire line has to be replaced, or if just one section of pipes requires replacement, is through the use of an in-line video inspection device. This camera is inserted into the sewer line and video is captured to find the exact location of the problem and the extent of the damage.
Two Methods for Fixing Sewer Lines
There are two primary ways to complete your sewer repair. The first method involves employing a backhoe to dig up the ground surrounding the sewer line. Once the problem has been solved, the backhoe refills the space and the issue is resolved. Unfortunately, this can cause significant damage to the yard and driveway encompassing the sewer line.
Another popular method for fixing sewer line problems is through the use of trenchless repair procedures. This involves creating small holes at the beginning and end of the sewer line, then inserting a new pipe through the old one. This breaks the old pipes apart, while also laying brand new pipes at the same time.
From the traditional method of digging up the ground to repair one portion of pipe to replacing the entire line through a trenchless repair, sewer line maintenance is sometimes essential for a properly working plumbing system. For more information on sewer repair or to talk to a reliable Las Vegas plumber, give us a call today at (702) 710-7388.
