6 July 2020
 Categories: , Blog

A leaking sewer line is something you can't ignore. When sewage leaks in your yard, your property may have a foul odor, and there could be toxic conditions that threaten your pets, wildlife, or your kids. Prompt repairs are essential, and you may wonder about the process of sewer line repair. Here are three choices for repairing a leaky or collapsed sewer pipe.

1. Patch The Leaky Area

Your plumber will probably start with a camera inspection of the pipe to get a view of the problem. A sewer pipe can leak for a number of reasons, and a common one is when a gap develops in a joint. Tree roots might invade the gap and make it bigger, or earth movement might cause the gap to expand.

If the leak is in a small area and the rest of the pipe is in good shape, the plumber might recommend spot repairs. This involves patching the leaky area or otherwise repairing it so the leak stops. This might be done by digging up the soil to expose the leak and to make repairs.

The leak can also be patched internally by placing a patch inside the pipe and inflating it so it attaches to the sides of the pipe and creates a bond that seals the leak permanently.

2. Replace The Pipe

If the sewer line collapsed because a heavy truck drove over it, the plumber might recommend digging up the old pipe and removing it so a new pipe can be put in its place. Sometimes, digging up your yard and replacing a damaged sewer line is the best method of fixing the problem.

With an entirely new sewer line in place, you shouldn't have to worry about leaking for many years to come. However, you'll still want to keep heavy equipment off of the line and keep tree roots away from the area.

3. Line The Pipe

Sometimes it isn't necessary to dig up the old pipe to fix a leak. If your plumber decides that lining the pipe is appropriate, you can avoid destroying your yard just to repair the pipe. Putting in a liner involves pulling a collapsed liner through the pipe and then inflating it and holding it in place while it cures into a new, hard pipe. This eliminates joints that can leak, so a liner can put an end to tree root problems too.

A plumber considers the type of damage when recommending the best repair method. Sometimes, you may have a choice. If so, consider cost, including the cost of replacing landscaping if a trench is necessary, the time involved, and the amount of destruction to your property when deciding on the sewer line repair method you want to choose.

To learn more, contact a sewer line repair company.