Drain Repair Near Me is a tricky thing to do because most of the plumbing lines are buried underground. The traditional method involves excavation which disturbs the surrounding environment.
One of the first steps in drain repair is to diagnose what needs to be fixed. Many plumbers use a variety of tools to find out what is wrong with the pipe.
Drain pipes are hardly ever thought about until they’re having trouble, but once that happens, the need for professional drain repair is immediately apparent. Many do-it-yourself remedies can produce paltry results at best and damage the pipes at worst, so it’s always a good idea to call in an experienced plumber right away.
The first step in any drain repair is unclogging the clogged pipe. This can be done with a few simple tools and supplies that are typically around the house, depending on which drain is clogged. For kitchen sink drains, a quick pour of boiling water can dislodge problem-causing buildup and get the pipes flowing again.
For toilets and other drains in the home, a plunger is a great tool for breaking up and pushing apart clogs. Just plunge up and down several times to create a suction effect that breaks up and dislodges the clog. After using the plunger, run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining gunk.
Another great way to unclog a drain is with a wire drain snake. These devices are available at most hardware stores and work by chopping up and pushing through clogs with a coiled metal wire that has a broader gap at one end. To use a snake, remove the pop-up assembly in the drain and insert the metal cable down the pipe. Turn the handle on the snake to crank it down the drain while feeding a few feet of wire at a time until you feel resistance or the clog is gone.
For more serious clogs, or for drains that seem to be in need of an overhaul, professional plumbers may have to employ some high-end equipment. They might start by unclogging the clog using various methods, including powered drain augers and high-pressure water jets. Then they might try a more in-depth drain cleaning or even replace the entire pipe if needed.
Pipe Patching
A leaking drain pipe may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to significant property damage, malodor and the contamination of soil or groundwater. As a result, it is imperative that you have any leaks repaired as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can usually do this without calling a plumber by using an epoxy or tape to seal the leak until a plumber can make a permanent fix.
The first step is to find the source of the leak. This can be done by running water through the drain and checking for signs of leaking. If you can locate the location of the leak, the next step is to remove any dirt, mud or debris covering the area. This will prepare the area for the patching.
To patch a drain, use epoxy putty designed for PVC or other plastic pipes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and application of the epoxy. Most types of epoxy set quickly and will be ready for use in about 25 minutes, but you can let it sit longer to achieve full strength.
After the epoxy has set, run water through the drain and check for a permanent fix. If the repair is faulty, you can replace it with a new pipe or fitting. You can also use rubber patches for this purpose, but they should be regarded as stop-gap measures. They should only be used in places where the damage is not too serious and the repairs can be made quickly.
If you can’t afford to wait for a plumber, you can temporarily patch a leak with fiberglass-resin tape. This can be purchased at most hardware stores and is simple to use. Wear gloves while working with the tape, as it will heat up while it’s setting. Once the tape is on, turn off the water and let it set for as long as directed by the manufacturer.
Pipe patching is an effective alternative to excavation and is suitable for a wide range of pipe types. It’s especially useful for drains located under driveways and homes, where traditional digging can cause significant damage to the foundations of a home or other structures.
Trenchless Pipe Repair
Old aging pipes often need to be repaired or replaced because of cracking, leaks, broken joints, age deterioration and other issues. Traditional sewer pipe replacement is a disruptive and expensive process that requires your plumber to dig large trenches throughout your property to expose and access your pipes for repair or installation.
Trenchless Pipe Repair is an alternative that uses no digging to repair or replace your aging pipes. Pipe lining, slip lining, shotcrete, gunite, and cured in place pipe (CIPP) are a few of the popular methods used to perform trenchless pipe repair.
This process consists of inserting a flexible, epoxy-saturated liner into your existing sewer lines. The liner is pushed through your damaged pipes by a specialized winch tool, where it expands to fill the entire pipe interior. This creates a new structural pipe within your old one, fixing problems like leaks, holes, channeling, and root intrusion. The new pipes can also be larger in diameter than your original ones, increasing flow capacity and efficiency.
Preserves Landscaping
Many homes and businesses have their pipes running underneath valuable landscaping that can be destroyed by digging up a yard to access and repair them. Trenchless pipe repair only needs a few small access holes at the entrance and exit of your pipes, which greatly reduces the damage caused to the surrounding environment.
Economical
Using trenchless pipe repair can save you time and money in the long run. Pipe liners require far less maintenance and will last significantly longer than your original pipes, meaning you won’t need to spend as much money on repairs in the future. In addition, the piping can be made out of higher quality materials that will help your pipes function more efficiently and effectively, making them last even longer.
No matter what caused your damaged sewer lines, it is important to talk to a plumber about the options for trenchless repair. Your local plumber can inspect your lines and recommend the best solution. Then you can rest assured that your plumbing will be safe and effective for years to come.
Drain Lining
As a homeowner, the last thing you want to worry about are damaged drain pipes. They not only pose a significant threat to the safety of your family, but they can also damage property by polluting the surrounding environment. In the past, the only way to fix leaks and cracks in drainage pipes was to dig them up and replace them, which is a time-consuming and costly process. Fortunately, modern technology has made it possible to repair damaged drains without the need for digging.
One method is called drain lining and works by inserting an extra pipe inside the existing one. The pipe is made from a strong polymer that will bond with the existing one to create a single, seamless, watertight pipe. This is a less invasive method than traditional excavation and can save you money in the long run by reducing your plumbing bills.
Before the lining process begins, technicians will use jet-washing to clean the pipes and remove any clogs or debris. Then, they will use a camera inspection to assess the extent of the damage and determine the type of lining needed for the job. Once they know what kind of lining to use, they’ll start the repair.
During the lining process, experts will saturate a felt liner with an epoxy resin. Once it’s fully saturated, they will score the outside of the liner to allow it to fit into the pipe. Once the liner is in place, an air bag will be inflated to force it into place and adhere to the walls of the preexisting pipe.
The lining process takes only a few hours, and it’s a much safer alternative to traditional excavation and replacement. However, it’s important to limit your water use during this process. It’s best to turn off sump pumps and only flush water or other liquids sparingly during this period. It’s also a good idea to avoid putting solid items down the drains, such as toys or kitchen waste.
Drain relining is a relatively new technique that allows homeowners to repair broken drainage pipes without the need for excavation. It can be used to fix leaking joints, open or cracked pipes, and even radial or circumferential cracks caused by blockages. It’s also very effective in combating root intrusion, which is common with old clay drains.