The sewer line is an essential component of your home plumbing system. It’s the only way your wastewater can be sent to the city’s sewer mains. If this line becomes blocked or suffers any form of damage, you should immediately take action to have it fixed. Delays in the repair can result in further damage, including spreading foul odors to your home and exposing you and your family to various health risks.
To repair a sewer line or other vital systems that make your place liveable, excavation sometimes has to be considered. Meanwhile, to ensure safety and quality excavation work, you should always settle for professional plumbing experts.
Reasons to Perform Sewer Excavation
Although it’s not something you want to happen, there are many reasons plumbers may need to dig your property and check your pipes. These include:
Broken Lines
Tree roots, grease, and other foreign objects can block and damage the sewer line. This is best confirmed by digging a hole in the ground. Once the damaged section of the sewer line is determined, this can either be replaced or repaired.
Septic System Update
According to a plumber in Colorado Springs, if there have been changes in municipal rules when it comes to the use of your septic tank, new sewer pipes will need to be installed. To do this, excavation will have to be done first.
New Building Construction
Sewage and other underground lines are vital systems that must be installed while you are still constructing your home. Excavation is the best way to have these lines put into place.
Types of Sewer Line Excavations
Plumbers can use different excavation methods to fix your sewage pipes. Below are the more common means.
External
This technique has been used by plumbers and builders for many years and involves excavating a large area on your property. It is one of the most labor-intensive excavation methods, but it is also one of the most reliable and efficient ways to reach your pipes. Plumbers often use a closed-circuit camera to identify the problem faster and minimize damage to the environment surrounding the area.
Rerouting
Rerouting, as the name suggests, is a trench-less repair method where sewage pipes are rerouted to the outside buildings. Unlike external excavation, this process is inexpensive, less time-consuming, and requires minimal digging. Rerouting is also less intrusive and can leave most of your property generally unaffected.
Internal
This technique involves using a jackhammer to dig into the ground or slab to locate and fix a leaking pipe. It is less destructive and more cost-effective than exterior excavations. However, an internal excavation can be invasive, especially if the sewage leaks are located inside the property. When this is the case, your flooring can be damaged and may have to be repaired.
Combination Method
Plumbers will sometimes use several excavation methods to fix a damaged line effectively. This will depend on your property’s sewer system. For many homeowners, however, a trench-less sewer pipe repair might be the best option. Still, even if your plumber recommends this method, drilling access holes remains possible.
Pipe Bursting
It is a relatively recent method of excavation. It has been used for over two decades and is generally a cost-effective alternative to digging trenches. If used, pipe bursting can help reduce lawn damage and labor costs.
The method uses a pneumatic or hydraulic head to remove old broken pipes. These are then replaced with new ones that fit well into the existing pipeline.
Open-Top Excavation
In cases where trench-less sewer line repairs are not possible, open-top excavation is an option you can consider. This is also an inexpensive repair method, although completion time an be an issue.
Both sides of your property may have to be dug to access the pipes in an open-top excavation. Once they are reached, pipe repair or replacement can begin.
Sewer Line Excavation Process
Excavators first mark utility lines before they begin digging. It is because they might accidentally strike utility lines and cause disruptions to service in your area. It could even cause death in some cases. Thus, a plan must be mapped ahead of time to ensure the safety of everyone and allow the excavation work to proceed smoothly.
Plumbers may also use video inspection cameras to initially assess your pipes’ condition. These will help them determine the best way to treat your property and the affected pipes. Also, permits might have to be secured before excavation work can be performed on your property.
Key Takeaway
For many homeowners, having their properties excavated for a sewer line replacement or repair can be difficult. This is understandable because excavation is often associated with high repair costs and can even destroy your lawn.
Nevertheless, if excavation is the best way to have your damaged sewer line fixed, there are several methods you can choose from. From external to open-top excavations, you can choose the type that can deliver the needed results but still allow you to save money.
