Residential sewer repair is often needed due to problems with the sewer pipe that might include cracking caused by tree roots, digging, or soil movement. If the sewer pipe is damaged, sewage and drain water will leak out in your yard, so repairs become important. In fact, you'll probably need to have repairs done promptly to keep the city's sanitation department or codes office from getting involved. Here's a look at the two options for residential sewer repair.
Digging Out The Broken Pipe
At one time, digging out a broken sewer pipe was the only option. Now, your plumber might do trenchless repairs. Still, there are times when trenchless repairs may not be possible and the old pipe has to be dug out.
This involves digging a long trench in your yard right beside the old pipe so the pipe is exposed. If the pipe just has an isolated area of damage, the plumber might not need to dig up the entire pipe. Instead, patching the broken area might be possible.
However, for a long crack or a pipe that's corroded and ready to fail, digging up the pipe could be the best option. Once the pipe is fully exposed, it can be disconnected, pulled out of the ground, and hauled away. A new pipe is then put in the trench and attached at both ends so sewage can flow from your home to the city's sewer line.
Leaving The Old Pipe In Place
If it's possible to do trenchless repairs, the plumber leaves the old pipe in place and pulls a liner through it. The plumber doesn't need to dig a hole for this, but they might need to dig access holes at each end of the pipe. First, if the old pipe is full of tree roots, the plumber has to use a hydro jet to get them all cleaned out. Once the pipe is dry, a liner is blown through or pulled through so it fills the old pipe.
The liner inflates and cures in place to form a new plastic sewer line. This method of residential sewer repair might be less costly and less disruptive to your yard. No matter which method the plumber chooses, the result is the same. You'll have an entirely new pipe, so the pipe should last for many years to come. Plus, if you get a plastic pipe or liner that doesn't have any joints, then there won't be any places for tree roots to get inside and damage the new pipe or clog it up.
Contact a plumber for more information about residential sewer repair.