Damaged or broken plumbing can be a major or a minor headache, depending on the nature of your particular problem. Sometimes the source of the trouble is easy to find and sometimes you think you might as well just put in an entirely new system. Before you decide to just chuck it all and call in the backhoes and dozers, there are a few things to try.
One method of pipe repair is known as trenchless piping repair. Trenchless repair is an accepted method of repair and replacement that has come into vogue in recent years. Now, there is some digging involved, but it is minimal compared to other fixes. Entire sections of pipe don’t always need to be pulled and replaced when you go with trenchless work. Instead, once the trouble spot is pin-pointed, an epoxy is injected, which forms a mold and a type of pipe-in-pipe solution. If the break is located near a clean-out very little excavation may be involved because the epoxy can be poured through the cleanout itself.
The epoxy is strong but relatively thin so that flow is not significantly reduced, and in some cases can be injected so as to increase the pipe size. Most homeowners won’t have the equipment or technical proficiency to do this kind of work and will need to hire a pro. But, with much less disruption to the ground and little excavating, the cost effectiveness can make this a good option. Your sewer professional will be able to tell you if trenchless work is feasible or advised. And, as always, you’ll want to make sure your sewer professional is properly certified and that all work meets local codes and requirements.
