Sewer Line Repair Provo is a complex task best left to professionals who have the right tools and training. They can ensure your home’s plumbing stays functional and sanitary for years to come.
For pipes with minimal damage, technicians can use a less invasive method called pipe lining. In this process, a plumber inserts an inflatable tube covered in tough epoxy resin.
While almost every homeowner has dealt with a slow drain or toilet at one time or another, when multiple fixtures start acting up simultaneously it’s usually an indication of a problem with your sewer line. Since the lines are so far underground, it’s not uncommon for them to become damaged by extreme weather conditions or shift in soil. This can cause a variety of issues from minor to severe and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Thankfully, most clogs are temporary and can be remedied by professional plumbers using tools like plungers or drain snakes. In some cases, the clog may be too severe for at-home fixes and may require hydro-jetting which uses high-pressure water to dislodge and clear debris from the pipes. The most serious clogs often come from tree roots which invade and occupy the space in the pipe. This is especially common in older systems with segmented pipes. Trees are looking for water and nutrients and can easily squeeze through the gaps. Over time, this can cause the pipe to crack and break.
A sagging sewer line is another serious issue which occurs when the pipe starts to lose its support. This is often caused by heavy loads on the line or shifting of the soil around the pipe. The low spot eventually becomes a bottleneck where waste can collect and eventually clog the line.
If you notice that the wastewater in your toilets is starting to bubble, this is a sign of a major clog which requires professional attention immediately. Other warning signs include a foul smell coming from your toilets or basement, standing water in your yard and noticeable damage to the landscape around your home.
Sewer line repairs and replacement can be costly, but there are ways to keep the costs down. In recent years, less invasive methods have been developed which allow plumbers to replace sections of the sewer line rather than the entire length. One method is called pipe lining which involves inserting an inflatable tube covered in epoxy into the pipe. Once the epoxy hardens, it will be able to hold the pipe in place and restore strength to the area. Another option is to use a trenchless method such as pipe bursting or hydraulic cutting which allows the plumber to replace only the damaged section of the line.
Sewage Smells
Over time, your drains will collect hair, soap residue and other waste that can clog them. This can lead to a foul odor that can seep into your home. If you have a sewage smell, it’s important to find and fix the cause as soon as possible. This will prevent the problem from becoming worse and even causing a sewer backup that can be hazardous to your health.
A major cause of a sewer smell is a broken or damaged pipe. Cracked pipes can leak sewage into your home, releasing toxic gases that can make you sick. In this case, it’s critical to call a plumber right away to have the issue fixed as quickly and effectively as possible.
If the sewage smell is coming from your bathroom, first check to make sure that all P-traps are fully filled with water. You can also try using baking soda or vinegar to remove any buildup. If the smell persists, you may have a broken or clogged vent pipe. In this case, a plumber will need to clear the blockage and ensure that the vent is covered and angled properly.
In some cases, a sewer smell will dissipate on its own if the underlying cause is temporary, such as a dry P-trap. However, if the odor is coming from other parts of your home, it’s likely that there is a serious problem with your plumbing or the sewer line. In this case, a professional plumber will need to use tools such as a gas leak detector or smoke testing to pinpoint the source of the sewage odor and resolve it immediately.
Another common source of a sewer smell is the presence of a leaking or broken toilet wax ring. The seal around the base of your toilet should be watertight and airtight, but over time this can break down. The solution to this is to replace the wax ring. A plumber will need to disassemble the toilet, inspect and replace the ring, then reinstall it properly. In some cases, the rotten egg smell caused by a broken toilet can even extend into the rest of your home.
Water Damage
Having a broken sewer line can cause major problems for your home and yard. You’ll likely experience sewage backups, water damage, and other issues that require professional help. A professional plumber can diagnose your issue and choose a repair option that fits your needs and budget. Some options include spot repairs, pipe replacements, or a combination of both.
When the problem is a sewer line break, the first step is to remove any standing water from the area. This will help minimize property damage and make the repair process easier. If necessary, you can use buckets or towels to get rid of excess water. It’s important to do this as soon as possible because the longer water is left in the area, the more likely it is to cause mold and mildew.
Once the area is dry, it’s time to assess the damage and make a plan for repairs. If you’re lucky, the break may be a single section of pipe and can be repaired with a trenchless method. However, if the entire line is damaged, a full replacement will be necessary.
Older homes often have cast iron or clay piping that are prone to breaking down. These pipes are often corroded and cracked from years of wear, and they’re more likely to break than newer plastic lines. If you own an older home, it’s essential to have the pipes inspected regularly for signs of damage.
Invasive tree roots are another common cause of sewer line problems. Roots seek out sources of water, and sewer lines provide an attractive target because of the nutrient-rich environment inside them. They can pierce holes in the pipes, break them apart, or wrap around them and crush them, leading to costly repairs. Keeping trees and shrubs away from the sewer line and performing regular visual inspections can help prevent this type of damage.
When there’s minimal damage to the pipe, a less-invasive method known as pipe lining may be enough to fix it. This method involves inserting an inflatable tube covered in tough, flexible epoxy resin. Once the tube is inflated, it presses against the damaged area, hardens, and seals the leak.
Trenchless Methods
Sewer lines are pretty deep under the ground, so digging up a whole line to replace or repair it can be expensive and invasive. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Trenchless methods offer a less destructive, more affordable option that’s often completed in just one day.
The most common trenchless method is called pipe lining or cured-in-place pipe (CIPP). Pros feed an inflatable tube covered in tough, flexible epoxy into your existing sewer line and inflate it to press against the damaged area. As it cures and hardens, the new liner patches up the leaks or cracks that could be causing sewage to back up into your home.
This technique can even be used on old cast iron, clay or concrete pipes. The epoxy doesn’t affect the liner’s strength, so the repaired section will last for years to come.
Trenchless methods don’t just save time and money—they also improve the function of your entire plumbing system. In fact, new piping installed using these methods can be larger than the original lines, which adds more flow capacity to your sewer line.
While trenchless options can solve most issues, they won’t work for severe damage or a clogged line that requires more serious work like removing and replacing the old line. If you have a major problem with your sewer line, such as sagging or bellying, a trenchless replacement will likely be necessary.
Traditional sewer line replacement involves carving large trenches across your property to expose the entire length of your piping. This invasive process can require tearing up driveways, sidewalks, patios and lawns to access the broken line. Once the line is replaced, you’ll need to repair any damage caused by excavation and refill and restore these areas.
With trenchless methods, you don’t have to worry about any of this. These techniques only require digging a few strategic access points to insert the new piping, so you don’t need to dig up or redo your landscaping or hardscaping. They’re also much faster—often just a single day—and they’ll save you the cost of replacing or repairing any landscaping and hardscaping that’s disturbed by traditional digging methods.