Drain problems in your home can come in different shapes, with numerous consequences on your plumbing. The most common drain issues in homes are clogs and blockages due to buildup inside the pipes, says GreaseCycle team. Clearing the drain line solves this problem.
Another drain problem in homes is when the sewer line itself is broken. That is a more complex issue than having clogs inside your sewer line. A cracked drain pipe can destroy your sewer line and compromise the structural integrity of your building.
When dealing with this kind of sewer line issue, accurate diagnosis and well-thought-out solutions are critical. If the problem is not solved effectively, it can result in new issues that will plague the sewer line for the rest of its service life, shortening its lifespan.
What are the steps for repairing a cracked drain pipe? Why do cracks happen in an underground sewer line? Find the answers to these questions below.
Common causes of cracked drainpipes
Extreme temperature changes
In regions with very harsh winters, sewer lines will sometimes freeze. That can happen if the weather is freezing or the pipe is not below the frost line. The frozen contents of the pipe may expand and burst the line.
Corrosion
This is a major problem for drain lines with metal or clay pipes. Metal and clay drain lines are highly susceptible to rust and corrosion. Over time, sections of the line can become brittle and collapse under the weight of the surrounding soil.
Soil shifts
Soil movements around a sewer line can fracture it. These movements are often the result of seismic activities like earthquakes and sinkholes. Soil movements are also rampant in areas with clayey soils and heavy rains.
Human error
If the base soil is not properly compacted before construction, the home may settle unevenly, applying pressure on the sewer line and causing it to crack. Digging and placing heavy weights above the location of a sewer line can also damage it.
Tree roots
Tree roots can penetrate a sewer line through the leaking sections of the line or weak pipe joints. If these roots penetrate inside the line, they will block the sewer line and eventually crack the pipes.
How to fix a broken drain line
A cracked drain pipe will endanger your family’s health, damage your landscaping or house, and pollute the environment. A delay in fixing a cracked drain line gives it time to cause more harm. What are your options for solving this problem?
The options for fixing a cracked drain can be divided into two categories: trenchless repair methods and excavation methods. With the trenchless repair, you don’t have to dig up your yard. Excavation methods are more traditional and require digging.
Full excavation and sewer line replacement are recommended if you have an old metal drainage system or if it is impossible to use the other methods explained above.
Options for repairing a cracked drain pipe
Patch lining
This method is quick, effective and suitable for pipes that are cracked in a few places. The cracked sections of the pipe are first pinpointed by doing a sewer camera inspection. An inflatable tube and patch liner are then inserted into the pipe. The tube is inflated so the patch can stick to the cracked section. The inflatable tube is removed after the resin sets.
Pipe bursting
This method is for larger sections of a broken sewer line or the entire line. Instead of digging up the old line, a steel bursting head is dragged through the old line to break it up. The new pipe is attached to this bursting head and pulls into place as the old line is displaced. This method is suitable when excavation is not possible.
Slip lining
This method will let you replace the entire sewer line without digging up your yard. Before replacing the sewer line, it is inspected to locate the cracked portions before it is cleaned thoroughly. A tubular lining saturated with resin is pulled into the pipe. Before removing the tube, it is inflated, resin activated and left to cure fully.
Full excavation
Although costly, time-consuming and highly disruptive, this method offers the best long-term results. It allows you to correct any errors in the old drain line. Full excavation and sewer line replacement are recommended if you have an old metal drainage system or if it is impossible to use the other methods explained above.
Is your drain line cracked? What is the best repair method for the damaged sewer line?
Your sewer line may be cracked if you have the following problems: sewage odors, wet patches on your lawn, sinkholes on your property and cracked walls or floors. But the only way to be sure is to have a professional plumber do a sewer camera inspection.
Depending on the severity of the problem and the overall condition of your sewer line, the plumber can help you choose the best repair option from the methods outlined in this post.