How can I take care of underground pipes?
Many structures for businesses and homes in and around the area are built on land that shifts. All across the country, structures shift because the ground is a part of nature, and nature does what it does. We can’t control everything, but when it comes to broken or clogged plumbing lines, we can do repairs with methods like trenchless pipe bursting. In Saint Louis, MO professionals like those on our team can take care of underground pipes using these specialized processes. If you’d like to learn more, just read on for answers to some common questions.
What is trenchless pipe bursting?
Trenchless pipe bursting is a process that expands the existing pipe and bursts it apart with a bursting head that has been inserted, usually at the cleanout. Then, in simultaneous timing, it inserts a high-density polyethylene material, also referred to as HDPE.
When is trenchless pipe bursting used?
In the years past, when there were problems with sewer lines, the plumbing crew would have to dig the landscaping and yard up until they found the problem areas. Today though, this method has almost become non-existent thanks to trenchless pipe bursting and lining.
The only digging needed today is a small hole at one end of the sewer line, minimizing the amount of property damage. The piping materials used to replace or line the existing sewer line have been improved and have a lifespan of 50 years or longer.
What are the benefits of trenchless sewer bursting and repair?
In addition to having your landscaping and lawn dug up, this method of trenchless sewer bursting can get to those hard-to-reach areas like under driveways or under structures. The environment isn’t harmed by trenchless pipe bursting because there aren’t any chemicals used. And you won’t have to leave your home during the process!
Are there disadvantages to trenchless pipe bursting?
Trenchless pipe bursting is an excellent advancement in plumbing and has become an excellent alternative to the old-school method. However, it does have some disadvantages that should be considered before proceeding with the process.
For example, if the sewer lines and pipes are severely damaged, trenchless pipe bursting or repairing isn’t possible. The plumber will do a video process first to examine the situation that awaits underground.
What is the video process that is done before trenchless pipe bursting is considered?
The plumber will use a specialized camera that is made to go into and through sewer lines and water lines. It is attached to a flexible cable and it sends images back to a computer or small television screen. With that image, the plumber can see exactly what the interior of the sewer lines and plumbing lines looks like. From that, they can determine if trenchless pipe bursting or repair is a possibility.
How do underground sewer lines get broken or clogged?
Several possible factors can contribute to breaking or clogging a plumbing or sewer line. Some of the most common causes are:
- FOG (fats, oil, grease)
- Debris waste (feminine or baby items like feminine napkins, diapers, wipes, etc.)
- Tree roots
Are there indications of a broken or clogged sewer line?
Yes, and as a homeowner, you want to be diligent about watching for these possible indications your home may need trenchless pipe bursting and repairing:
1. Frequent Backups
When the toilet(s) frequently backs up and floods the bathroom floor(s), it isn’t just disgusting and nasty, there may be a broken, clogged, or collapsed sewer line.
2. Multiple Clogs
A clogged kitchen sink or bathtub ever so often isn’t anything to be concerned about. But, if you are experiencing multiple clogs at the same time, you probably have a collapsed sewer line. This means that all the wastewater coming from multiple fixtures has nowhere to go. Plunging the sinks or toilet may help temporarily, eventually, the pipe will completely collapse, and you’ll have a bigger problem. Getting a plumber out to inspect the situation and perform a trenchless pipe bursting or repair now is recommended.
3. The Mind of A Plumbing System
The drain system in your home can be impacted by broken, clogged, or collapsed sewer lines. s, it can impact your drain system in surprising and disturbing ways. The drainage system is a complicated tapestry of bends, connections, and turns and a break, clog, or collapse in any of those can create strange sounds, and nasty odors, or even cause the sewer or water draining to bubble up. The plumber would need to perform a video camera inspection that can help pinpoint the exact problem area and then perform a trenchless pipe bursting or repair as needed.
4. Rotten Egg or Sewer Odor
If you are smelling rotten eggs or sewer in or around your home or business, this is the most common tell-tale indication there is a problem with the sewer line. A plumber will perform a video inspection and determine if trenchless pipe bursting or repairs are possible.
5. Green Grass
If you have an area in your yard that with lush, green grass, even without any rain, or there is water pooling up in the lawn, you probably have a sewer or water line problem. What may be a slow water seepage, eventually will become a bigger problem as the sewer line breaks and collapses. A sewer camera inspection and trenchless pipe bursting or repair can resolve this problem.
Other indications your home may need trenchless pipe bursting or replacement include a sudden infestation of critters and insects. Even the smallest crack that allows water to seep out will attract critters and insects, who will get their way into your home and nest.
Keep It All Flowing!
To prevent having to pay for trenchless pipe bursting and repairs, you can take steps to minimize the chances, starting with what you flush down the toilet and pour down the sink. In the bathroom, do not flush diapers, wipes, or feminine products. In the kitchen, avoid pouring any fats, oils, and grease down the drain. These will coagulate, stick to the sides of the pipe, and the clogs start building.
In the bathroom and kitchen, pour one cup of each baking soda and white vinegar down the drain. This mixture will begin foaming, simply place the stopper over the drain and let it sit for one hour. Then run hot water in the drain for 10 to 15 minutes. By doing this weekly, you can prevent clogs from forming and requiring trenchless pipe trenching and repairs. And remember – if you need trenchless pipe bursting in Saint Louis, MO you can always get assistance from our team. Just give us a call at 314-348-7503 to schedule a consultation with our professionals!