How To Repair Your Sewer Line Without Digging Up Your Yard
In the past, the only way to deal with a broken sewer line was to dig up your yard to fix it. Luckily, with the aid of modern technology, you can fix it with different repair methods. By learning more about these methods, you can determine which option is the best choice for repairing your broken sewer line.
Camera Inspection
Before a plumber can do any work, they need to know how bad the problem is. To determine the severity of the damage, the plumber will use a small, high-definition camera to get a clear image.
The camera, which is attached to a thin flexible line, is placed into the pipe through the sewer cleanout valve. This valve is large tube with a cap that is generally located outside or in the basement of a home.
As the plumber sends the camera into the line, he or she will get a better idea of how big the break is and the location of any clogs. With this information, the plumber will be able to devise a plan for repairing your sewer line.
Clear the Pipe
The next step in the repair process is clearing out the pipe. The first method most plumbers use is to push highly pressured water into the line to break apart tree roots or clogs created by hair and other waste products.
Once most of the debris is no longer in the sewer line, the plumber then uses a large drill to create a symmetrical hole underground for the new piping material. In most cases, the plumber can use the sewer cleanout valve to accomplish both of these tasks.
Pipe Repair
The drill that was used to create the underground pathway also has another purpose such as bringing a relining material through the pipe. This material is flexible and fits directly inside of your sewer line. To get it to adhere to the sides of the pipe, an air tube goes in and pushes the reline material into place. After the material sets, the air tube is deflated and then removed.
An option for larger issues is to attach a new pipe to the drill and then pull it through. With this method, the plumber may only need to dig one additional hole, so he or she can connect the new pipe to the sewer system.
When your sewer line is damaged, you do not have to dig up your yard to repair the problem. Instead, you can choose an alternative repair option that works better for your situation. To determine if these are viable options for your problem, it is best to consult a plumber that offers these repair options to their customers.