Welcome to Alexander Plumbing, your trusted partner in maintaining the health and efficiency of your home’s most crucial systems. We understand that a functional sewer line is more than just a convenience; it’s an essential part of your daily life. That’s why we specialize in comprehensive sewer line repair and replacement services in O’Fallon IL, designed to keep your plumbing system running smoothly and reliably.
Our team of certified licensed professionals bring over 10 years of experience and a commitment to excellence to every job. Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue like a clogged line or need a full sewer line replacement, Alexander Plumbing has the skills, equipment, and dedication to get the job done right. We pride ourselves on offering prompt, efficient service with minimal disruption to your home or business.
With Alexander Plumbing, you can rest assured that your sewer line problems are in capable hands. Trust us to provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your sewer line is functioning as it should. After all, nothing less than your comfort and satisfaction is at stake.
There are several types of materials used for sewer lines, each with its unique pros and cons:
- Cast Iron: Before the 1970s, cast iron was a popular choice for sewer lines due to its strength and durability. It’s resistant to most chemicals and doesn’t melt easily. However, over time, it can rust and corrode, leading to leaks.
- Clay or Ceramic: Clay or ceramic pipes are highly resistant to chemical deterioration and are environmentally friendly. However, they can be brittle and prone to breakage, especially under pressure or due to ground movement.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is currently one of the most commonly used materials for sewer lines. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and resistant to corrosion and tree root intrusion. However, it can become brittle over time, especially in colder climates, and is not as sturdy as metal pipes.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Similar to PVC, ABS is a type of plastic that’s lightweight and easy to install. It’s slightly more flexible than PVC, which can make it less likely to crack under pressure or due to ground movement, but it is susceptible to degradation from sunlight if not properly protected.
- Orangeburg: A type of fiber conduit pipe, Orangeburg was commonly used from the 1860s through the 1970s. It’s lightweight and easy to cut, but it’s also soft and can deform under pressure, making it less common today.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): HDPE is a flexible, corrosion-resistant plastic pipe that’s often used for its ability to be fused together, creating a seamless, leak-proof system. It’s durable, but it can be more expensive than other options.
- Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel was often used for sewer lines in the past, but it’s less common today due to its susceptibility to corrosion and rust.
When choosing a material for your sewer line, it’s important to consider factors like the local climate, soil conditions, and local building codes. Alexander Plumbing can help you choose the best option for your specific situation.
There are several reasons why a sewer line might eventually go bad:
- Age: Sewer pipes, like everything else, have a lifespan. Depending on the material used, they can last between 30 and 100 years. Cast iron pipes, for instance, have a lifespan of 75-100 years, while Orangeburg pipes can only last up to 50 years.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines, causing them to crack or become blocked. This is especially true if the sewer line is older and has small cracks or leaks that attract tree roots.
- Blockages: Over time, grease, hair, food waste, and other substances can build up in the sewer line and cause blockages. If not cleared regularly, these blockages can lead to significant damage.
- Ground Movement: Changes in the soil around your sewer line, such as shifting, settling, or erosion, can cause the line to break, crack, or collapse.
- Improper Installation: If the sewer line was not installed correctly to begin with, it can lead to ongoing issues and eventually cause the line to fail. This could be due to poor craftsmanship or use of substandard materials.
- Corrosion: Pipes, particularly those made from metal, can corrode over time. This corrosion can lead to leaks and breaks in the sewer line.
To prevent these issues, it’s important to have regular maintenance and inspections of your sewer line. If you notice signs of a problem, such as slow drains, sewage backups, or unusual smells, it’s essential to get it checked out right away. Properly clearing the sewer lines can help increase the life of your sewer line as well. If you have water that is sitting in the sewer line due to a backup or tree roots, that can cause the pipe to deteriorate faster. Sewer line repair O’Fallon IL is the next step if the line has a break in it.
Signs that your sewer line might be broken:
- Persistent Clogging: If your pipes are constantly clogging up, it could be a sign of a major blockage or break in your sewer line.
- Sewer Smell: A strong sewer odor in your house, particularly in the basement, can indicate a broken sewer pipe somewhere along the line.
- Cracks in the Foundation: Large visible cracks in the foundation of your house could be a symptom of a leaking sewer or drain line.
- Lush Lawn Patches: If certain areas of your lawn look unusually green and lush, it could be due to sewage leaks from a broken sewer line.
- Soggy Lawn: Similarly, a consistently wet or soggy lawn, especially when it hasn’t rained, can be a sign of a broken sewer line.
- Mold or Mildew: Excessive moisture from a broken sewer pipe can lead to mold or mildew growth in your house.
- Indentation in Lawn or Under Pavers: An indentation in your lawn or under pavers can indicate a cracked sewer main line that’s continually saturating the ground and is causing excessive settling to occur in that area.
- Slow Drains: If your drains are draining slower than usual, it might be a sign of a blockage or break in your sewer line.
- Foul Odors: Persistent foul smells, especially in your yard or basement, could be a sign of a broken sewer pipe.
- Clogs and Backups: Regular clogs or backups can also be a sign of a broken sewer line.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact Alexander Plumbing immediately to diagnose and address the problem. A Sewer Line Repair O’Fallon IL project can be completed in a matter of days with the right equipment. We can send out a technician with a set of tools and cameras to snake the line and determine if there is a problem. If we do locate a break on camera, we can use a metal detecting probe to identify exactly where the break has occurred. We can then dig down to that location and make a repair to the line. In some cases, a trenchless sewer line repair may be necessary.
Trenchless sewer line repair and replacement is an innovative method used to fix damaged sewer lines without the need for extensive digging or disruption to your property. Here’s how it typically works:
- Access Points: To start the process, two small access holes are dug at the beginning and end of the length of the pipe. This significantly reduces the amount of excavation needed compared to traditional sewer repair methods that may involve digging up your entire yard.
- Pipe Inspection: A camera is then inserted into the sewer line to assess the damage and determine the best course of action. In many cases, the repair is just necessary at one single location, but in the event that there are multiple breaks or that the pipe is showing excessive degradation, we may need to replace the entire length.
- Cleaning the Pipe: The existing pipe is thoroughly cleaned to remove any roots or debris that could interfere with the repair process. In some cases, cleaning the line might solve the issues.
There are two primary methods of trenchless sewer line repair:
Pipe Lining: Also known as Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining, this technique involves inserting a flexible tube coated with epoxy resin into the damaged pipe. The tube is inflated, pressing the resin against the inner walls of the existing pipe. As the resin cures, it forms a new pipe within the old one, effectively sealing off leaks and cracks. This method is less commonly used only due to the likelihood that the resin might fail in the shorter term.
Pipe Bursting: In this procedure, a cone-shaped bit is pulled through the old pipe. The bit destroys the existing pipe while simultaneously laying a new pipe in its place. This method is commonly used when the existing pipe is too damaged for pipe lining or needs to be replaced entirely. Depending on the situation, this method may be the more commonly used option due to pipes being older and needing full replacement.
Trenchless sewer repair is a minimally invasive method to rehabilitate or replace damaged sewer lines. However, the exact cost can vary depending on factors such as the length of pipe, repair method. Trenchless sewer line repair is used in situations where the pipe has limited accessibility. Excavation with heavy equipment is normally the less expensive option.
Sewer Line Repair O'Fallon IL Services
It is important to contact Alexander Plumbing as soon as you notice any of the problems listed above. Sewer line breaks can cause excessive damage quickly, and they need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Give Us A Call
618-227-4320
Our Email
info@aplumbingllc.com
Our Address
702 Donna Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269, United States