Do I need to Dig?
Many plumbing companies both large and small will assess your sewer problems and tell you that you need to excavate to repair your problem. Through our experience we have found is that most of these companies don't have the more advanced equipment to open the obstruction or they don't know the new methods and technology that is available to resolve problems without digging up your property.
Methodologies for opening sewers without digging include rodding (snaking), with larger horse power machines, using different types of cutters and accessories in conjunction with these machines. Another process is the compression method that uses air and water under pressure. A third method is hydro-jetting using water with self-feeding, high pressure, hoses that can break up solids and greases moving the debris down the line after liquefying them.
Other critical capabilities that sewer experts must have are video camera inspection and underground pipe locating. These are both significant technologies in that they help determine what and where the problem actually is and how deep underground it may be. It also allows the experts to determine exactly what needs done so you the customer will know what is going on and what it will cost you. It also allows the expert and the customer to actually see the problem, video tape the problem and if necessary seek second opinions.
Once the pipe is open, video camera inspection enables the sewer professional and the customer to see if there is a break or sag in the line or even roots obstructing the flow of solids and semi-solids. With this information, the technician can ascertain whether or not the problem can be solved with trenchless methods or if some digging may in fact be needed. Of course, the "no dig" methods are preferred by most customers. These no dig methods include slip-lining the pipe or point repairs.
Slip lining a pipe is also known as CIPP or "Cured in Place Pipe". With this method a felt fabric is formed into a tube and wetted out with an epoxy compound. It is then delivered into the host pipe, (the existing sewer pipe), expanded to meet the side walls of the pipe and left in place to harden. The finished product is a new pipe inside the old pipe. Interestingly, the new pipe reduces the diameter of the old pipe by about 3% but increases the flow capacity by approximately another 40%.
This method has been used by municipal governments for more than 20 years to repair main sewers from manhole to manhole. Until recently, it was not made available to homeowners because delivery required access at two points and equipment was large and cumbersome. Technological advances have enabled the sewer cleaning companies of today to offer this service at a cost or below the cost of excavating, without the collateral damage caused by breaking through the surface to reach problem sewers and moving large equipment all over your property.
Point repairs are also similar to slip-lining methods but are done in small segments specific to a problem area. There are also mechanical point repairs that are placed in a damaged pipe and expanded with a rubber bladder. The point repair fitting has a stainless steel sleeve that remains in a fixed position and locks into place in the sewer line. After position and expansion are completed with the assistance of a video camera, the rubber bladder is deflated and removed.
Trenchless methods can require some digging to gain access to the host pipe. This digging is typically limited to small access holes or pits to bring equipment down to the level of the host pipe.
One such method is called pipe bursting. In this type of pipe installation, a series of cones are pulled through the existing pipe with a cable or chain. The cones break the pipe from the inside creating a cavity large enough to accept new pipe which follows the cone into the host pipe. At the end of the line, the pipe is pulled or pushed into the pit and equipment removed. Then, final connections are made.
In order to give our customers the best service at the lowest cost we sometimes use a combination of at least two of these methods.
Gangbusters Drain Service are the experts in this field. We have been cleaning, repairing, and replacing sewers for over 30 years. We have the equipment and training to use all of the drain cleaning and repair solutions you may need. Before you make a decision contact us and we will consult to you, we will advise you, and we can work for you. It is your call…so call us at 1-888-8SEWERS.