The sewer pipes that connect your house to the main sewage line in the street can get damaged from many causes. Call your local plumber if you notice sewage backups or other signs of a damaged sewer pipe.

Repairing or replacing a sewer line is possible without extensive digging. Some of these methods are trenchless, while others involve traditional excavation.

Trenchless Methods

The wastewater and sewer systems in residential homes remove waste from the house to the septic tank system or city sewer lines. Eventually, however, these pipes are going to need repair or replacement. When this happens, traditional methods involve extensive excavation and destruction of property. Trenchless techniques are less invasive, though. Your landscaping, driveway, lawn, and other property elements are not destroyed or disturbed.

One of the most common types of trenchless sewer repair is pipelining. This technique involves running a composite epoxy liner into your existing pipes. It creates a new line inside your old tube and can fix cracks, gaps, holes, corrosion, channeling, or root intrusions. The process is fast and can get your lines back to working in a matter of hours.

Another trenchless method is pipe bursting, which pulls a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) replacement pipe into your old lines. It does not require breaking up your property, but it can take a week or more. Ultimately, the replacement pipe will provide you with decades of worry-free performance.

Pipe Lining

The network of pipes that ferry wastewater to and from your home is vital but also susceptible to damage over time. Cracks, root intrusion, and ground movement can all lead to broken or damaged sewer lines that create leaks, clogs, and sewage back-ups.

If you’re experiencing slow drains, sewage backups, or a spike in your water bill, it could be time to call for professional help. Sewer line repair is a complicated job that requires special equipment and training to perform correctly.

Fortunately, several trenchless methods exist for fixing your sewer lines without digging up your yard. These non-invasive techniques are also more cost-effective than traditional pipe replacement.

Two popular options for sewer line repair are slip lining and CIPP lining. Both involve inserting a new resin-coated liner inside the old damaged sewer pipe. Your plumber will use a camera inspection to find the location of the damaged pipe; then, they’ll clean the existing line with hydro-jetting and prepare the new lining. CIPP liners are usually made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), but they can be constructed of fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or another material. Once the lining is in place, it will be inflated and hardened using hot air or steam, creating a new seal expected to last for decades. These methods are excellent for repairing many cracks and leaks in buried pipes.

Pipe Replacement

The network of pipes ferrying wastewater to & from your home can become cracked or damaged over time, causing sewage to leak into the ground or back up into your property. Thankfully, modern technology offers homeowners several different options when it comes to replacing or repairing these lines.

One popular method is pipelining, which involves inserting new epoxy-saturated pipe tubing into existing pipes to create a robust and durable seal. This technique eliminates the need for yard excavation, sidewalk destruction, or digging up trees and is often a more cost-effective option than traditional sewer line replacement.

For more extensive damage, technicians can use a trenchless “pipe bursting method.” This process involves feeding a cone-shaped bit through your existing sewer line, which bursts apart the old pipe while simultaneously pulling in a new one. It’s more costly than relining, but it allows you to avoid digging up your entire yard and can be completed quickly.

If you suspect that your sewer line needs repair, contact us today. We’ll send a technician out to locate your problem using a sewer camera and devise a plan for fixing it. With our help, you can rest assured that your sewage system is in good hands. Contact us for more information on our Brooklyn sewer line repair services or to schedule an appointment!

Sewer Inspection

Most homeowners only think about their sewer lines once they’re having problems, but a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping these essential lines in good condition. A professional plumber can inspect sewer lines using a specialized camera that sends live footage to the plumber’s monitor. This allows the plumber to pinpoint the problem and determine the best repair method.

Many older pipes are made from clay or cast iron and are prone to cracking or breaking down over time. When this happens, it creates space for fast-growing tree roots to enter and cause blockages. Other common causes of blockages include flushing items that should go in the trash, like grease, disposable wipes, or non-disposable paper products. Even newer pipes can develop issues. A sewer line can shift and belly (sag) in areas with expansive soils or seismic activity. This can also lead to a break or crack in the line that wastewater seeps into.

A skilled plumbing contractor can use trenchless sewer repair to restore your damaged pipe. Once the plumber has determined the best course of action, they’ll begin the process. The camera will enter your home through one of the cleanouts, usually located on your foundation or near where your sewer line exits your house. They may want to do a “walk-through” of your home before beginning the inspection to understand your plumbing layout better and locate any other access points they’ll need to reach the affected part of the line.