Most times, sewer line issues aren't noticeable until sewage starts to back up from the sinks and tubs. But, if not checked, sewer problems can lead to health complications among your family members and water damage problems. When repairing a broken sewer pipe, your plumber will take different steps to resolve the issue. Learn more about them in this guide.
Clear Clogs In the Drain
Since many things pass through the sewer line, it is prone to blockages. Items that often block the drains include kitchen grease, hair, and soap scum which accumulate over months. Remember that you can quickly resolve most clogs using a drain snake or plunger. If this doesn't help, your plumber will use professional skills and tools to eliminate the clog.
Find the Damaged Pipe
Usually, plumbers employ specialized tools like a snake inspection camera to identify a defect in a sewer line. And if your home has a crawl space, your plumber will quickly inspect the line for damage. This procedure is possible for a home constructed upon a slab foundation. In addition, they can identify the source of damage in the sewer line by tracing the entry point of bugs into your home. Usually, a crack in the drain offers an excellent entrance for pests into the house.
Inspect the Damage
Once your plumber establishes the area where the pipe is damaged, they'll help you understand the cause of the damage. For example, perhaps the roots from the nearby tree grew into the pipes while seeking water and nutrients. Other common causes include the continuous use of harsh chemicals in sewer lines or pipes that have reached the end of their useful life. Regardless of the nature and extent of damage, the professionals will advise you on the ideal repairs.
Repair or Replace the Damaged Pipes
Many plumbing professionals prefer the pipe lining method when repairing sewer line damage. In this method, they lay an inflatable tube coated with an adhesive into the sewer line. They'll then inflate the tube, which presses against the pipe, creating a sealant. Finally, they'll leave the tube for a few hours to let the adhesive cure and seal the damage before they deflate and remove it. Plumbers prefer this approach for minor issues. Another repair technique is the use of trenchless pipe installation. Here, the residential plumbing expert will fit a cone-shaped bit in your pipe, removing and replacing the old pipe with a new one.
Fixing a defective sewer line quickly averts sewer backups that can cause significant damage to your home. An experienced residential plumbing expert will handle this process quickly and efficiently to avoid additional problems.
Speak to a residential plumbing service to learn more.
