Solving Sewer Line Problems
Sewer problems are one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. Drains are a vital component of home infrastructure, but it is easy to forget about them until they begin to cause problems — culprits can be tree roots, line cracks, or simply the toll of years of water and debris wearing the pipes away.
Your neighborhood might be on the list of Sacramento city sewer projects but often, you are left dealing with the problem on your own.
Aging Sewer Infrastructure
Like most cities, Sacramento used cast iron and clay sewer pipe in years past. These old pipes have hubs that fit together leaving room for tree roots searching for moisture. The roots then clog the pipe and can rupture them after time. Clay and cast iron sewer lines have a life span of about 50 to 60 years and eventually they will all need replacing.
Newer ABS plastic sewer lines are glued together at the joints and are much less likely to have this problem, but many places in Sacramento still have the older clay and iron pipes.
Trenchless Sewer Technology
The new technology of trenchless sewer replacement can make these repairs easier and less expensive.
The invention of trenchless sewer repair means that it is no longer always necessary to dig up an old sewer line in order to replace it. Specialized Sacramento plumbers use high tech cameras for looking into clogged lines before work begins. Often, there is no longer a need for digging or removing pavement at all.
The new trenchless repair technology is able to run pipes under driveways or in inaccessible areas of the house. Without the need for digging, this less invasive route can save walkways and landscaping plus ease the inconvenience of lengthy sewer work to the home.
How Trenchless Works
A trenchless repair is done by sending a bursting head into the old sewer line. This tool breaks up the old pipe and pushes it outward, creating room for the installation of a new pipe. A new type of pipe called HDPE is then pulled into the space with a cable. This pipe has joints that are permanently fused, so there will be no gaps for tree roots to work there way in.
Trenchless Limitations
However, there are some situations where this new system will not work. Gas lines or other utilities that are too close to the sewer can make trenchless repair inadvisable. An experienced Sacramento plumber will know about locating adjacent utilities, as well as other factors like soil type, which could cause problems with the trenchless solution.
At Ace Plumbing, our experts are happy to provide an honest assessment of your situation and the best solution to meet your needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help or would like more information.