Do I Need Excavation forBroken Or Cracked Sewer Pipes?
Like many modern conveniences, sewer lines are often taken for granted. They worked before, they’ll work now, right?
Unfortunately, sometimes sewer lines can crack, and the issue must be fixed. Cracks can occur for several reasons, such as:
- Aging pipes
- Earthquakes or shifting soil
- Corroded or deteriorated pipes
- Tree roots infiltrating the line
- Pipes settling
- Improper installation
No matter the reason, the result is the same. You’ll likely notice an unpleasant odor, have perpetually damp, squishy areas in your yard, and your drains will be sluggish. But cracked or broken sewer lines require messy and expensive excavation, and your landscaping will be destroyed, right?
Signs You Have a Damaged Sewer Line
If you notice any of the following, you may have a cracked sewer line:
- Brown or dead areas in your lawn
- Cracks, settling, or sinkholes in your foundation
- Flooding in parts of your yard
- Gurgling noises in toilets
- Low water level in toilets
- Mold problems
- Sewer odor in one or more places
Sometimes, a cracked sewer line can cause significantly greener grass around the cracked area, so if you notice any of the above, you may have one or more cracked sewer pipes. If you live in the Lakeland, Florida area, call Benjamin Franklin for an appointment. Remember, “If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay”.
How Do You Repair a Cracked Sewer Pipe?
Traditionally, repairing a cracked sewer line involved digging up the ground around the cracked sewer pipes, which was messy, inconvenient, and costly. The job required heavy equipment, and it was a lengthy procedure; sometimes, many people were without water for several days.
Once completed, it took several more days and more pieces of heavy equipment to restore the area and the infrastructure, if applicable.
Is Excavation the Only Way to Repair Cracked Sewer Pipes?
Fortunately, technological advances have resulted in trenchless pipe repair that requires no large-scale digging and takes relatively little time. Trenchless pipe repair takes place underground with only a small access hole in the ground at the general location of the crack.
A video pipe inspection will reveal the exact location of the leak and indicate the best method for repair, such as:
- Cured in Place Lining:
This method preserves existing undamaged pipes, can increase the lifespan of the cracked sewer pipes for up to 50 years, and causes little to no damage to the landscape. - QuickLock Point Repair:
This method uses a stainless steel sleeve that’s covered by a seamless compression seal. The sleeve is inserted through a manhole and then pressed against the pipe wall. This method doesn’t require shutting off water access and lasts for about 50 years. - Internal Pipe Coating:
Another trenchless pipe repair method is internal pipe coating, which sprays an epoxy coating on the inside of the pipes to seal cracks throughout the pipe. However, the lines must first be completely drained to eliminate all water.
No matter the type of trenchless repair you use for cracked sewer pipes, it will take far less time, cost less, and be minimally inconvenient as opposed to traditional methods for repairing cracked sewer lines.
What are the Drawbacks to Trenchless Sewer Repair Methods?
When the appropriate method is used and properly performed, there are no real drawbacks to trenchless pipe repair. If you’re interested in trenchless pipe repair and you live in Lakeland, Florida, or the surrounding areas, call Benjamin Franklin for an appointment. Remember, “If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay”.
Especially for those living in an older home, the trenchless solution can be the best way to go. To proactively forestall any problems, you could install the internal pipe coating on your sewer lines to prevent future occurrences of cracked sewer pipes. If you’re planning to sell your older home, one of the trenchless methods applied to your pipes could be a big selling point.
However, there are some situations where a trenchless repair may not be suitable. If pipes are misaligned or have totally collapsed, you may have no option except traditional excavation. Some older homes may not be a good fit for the trenchless solution.
Can I DIY My Cracked Sewer Lines?
Although many projects can be tackled by a homeowner DIY, repairing cracked sewer lines isn’t one of them. Even if you use one of the trenchless repair methods, you need specialized training and specialized equipment for the task. If, however, you live in the Lakeland, Florida area and are interested in a quote or want more information on trenchless repair for your cracked sewer lines, call Benjamin Franklin to schedule an appointment. And remember, “If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay”.
Why Use Trenchless?
Trenchless sewer repair is an environmentally-friendly solution for many sewer line issues, and we’re sure you’ll be happy with the procedure and the results. No matter which type of trenchless repair you select, it will be much faster than the traditional method, less expensive, and you’ll incur considerably less inconvenience in your life. Your lawn and your life will incur minimal disruption, and you’ll be back to your regular routine much faster.
If you suspect you have cracked sewer lines and need a great solution, call Benjamin Franklin for an appointment. Remember, “If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay”. We serve Lakeland, Florida, and the surrounding areas, and we’re sure you’ll be happy with our service!
