Damaged sewer lines are one of the most common causes of sinkholes on private properties. A sewer line that is leaking waste into the ground right under your property, causes the ground to shift – compromising the integrity of your foundation. Fortunately, long gone are the days when repairing a broken sewer pipe that runs under a concrete slab, meant digging up your entire property. While certain cases, require some digging, modern, trenchless methods eliminate or minimize excavation, cutting down turnaround time and costs, without sacrificing quality. Here are a few trenchless sewer repair methods for sewer lines that run under concrete slabs.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe Bursting is a trenchless method that involves inserting a cone-shaped bursting head into a damaged pipe, The bursting head on one end is larger in diameter than the pipe and on the other is attached to a new pipe. When the head is inserted into the old pipe, it expands and bursts the old pipe, while pulling in a new pipe in its place. This method can be used to replace sewer, water, or gas lines, without digging up the entire line.
Epoxy Brush Coating
Epoxy brush coating is an alternative to pipe replacement, extending the life of an existing sewer line. This method of restoring and rehabilitation is ideal for damaged sewer lines that cannot be easily accessed. Epoxy is a chemical compound used to coat and infuse your sewer line. Epoxy brush coating works by applying an even coat of epoxy to the inside walls of your sewer line, to cover and fill any cracks and corrosion. This provides waterproofing while increasing strength, and durability. Once cured, the epoxy coat is three times as strong as concrete and can withstand up to 10,000 PSI meaning that high-pressure water will not disturb its integrity. It is a trenchless method, performed without digging up your sewer line making it simple, fast, and practical.
Sewer Pipe Relining
Sewer linings are a great, trenchless method of rehabilitating pipes into an almost brand-new condition, often extending the pipe life by another 50 years and saving you money on complete pipe replacement. Sewer pipe relining is the process of repairing a damaged sewer pipeline by inserting a resin-saturated felt tube made of polyester, fiberglass cloth, or any of a number of other materials suitable for resin impregnation, into a damaged sewer line. No excavation is needed for sewer lines smaller than 60 inches and the liner is installed through a manhole or other existing access point.
Hydro Jetting
For sewer lines that are not yet leaking, but are severely clogged, hydro jetting is a trenchless method that allows to break up even the toughest buildup, without the need to dig. Hydro Jetting is a superior method of drain cleaning because it uses high-velocity water pressure to break up clogs, and blast away years of accumulated scale, sludge, debris, silt, sand, roots, and grease buildup on the inside walls of your pipes. The hydro jet nozzle is inserted into your pipes through a cleanout meaning no digging is necessary to access the problem area, wherever it may be located.
Sewer damage under concrete slabs and the foundation of your home can pose a serious risk to your property and yourself. Neglecting the problem or mishandling can cause further damage not just to your plumbing system but to the entire structure of your home. Here at VIP Drain Services, we have over 25 years of experience in the plumbing industry and are well-equipped to handle any sewer or drain problem, no matter the size. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!