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Drain Pipe Repair: How Does it Work?

Apr 10, 2017

From Otay Mesa to Oceanside, Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air has been meeting the needs of San Diego County residents since 1978.

While our plumbing, heating, and air specialties run the gamut—from drain cleaning to septic tank complications—one of the most common issues we address is drain pipe repair.

San Diego Drain Pipe Repair

Unless you work in the building industry—or are a super-savvy DIYer—you probably don’t give much thought to the drains throughout your home.

And why would you? We certainly count on our drains on a daily basis, but few of us give much thought to the way they operate.

Until that is, they stop working as they should.

Perhaps it’s a kitchen sink drain that keeps getting clogged, a shower drain that refuses to empty completely, or a sewer drain that has started to haunt you. And, despite your efforts to clear the drain—possibly even calling in a plumber—the issue persists.

What’s the problem?

Chances are, your home’s sewer and plumbing systems have been in place since the time your house was built. And while vintage (or simply older) homes have great character, the intricate system that lies outside of your vision probably isn’t as adorable as you’d like to think: Those inconspicuous pipes could be as old as 50 to 150 years, and many, if not all of them, may be comprised of ceramic or cast iron—which are more susceptible to corrosion than PVC or CPVC pipes.

What’s more, our pipes—even here in perennially sunny San Diego County—are exposed to water, freeze/thaw cycles, and the behaviors of nature (like shifting soil, settling, and humidity), all of which may lead to age, general wear tear and rust. Age and exposure can also lead to a number of issues, from exceptionally high sewer fees to overflowing toilets.

While you certainly don’t need a thorough understanding of your home’s inner workings, it is wise to have a basic comprehension of your home’s plumbing and sewer system—and the process your local plumbing professionals will undertake, should you require drain pipe repair.

Here’s the lowdown on what to expect:

Location and Cause

The first step of drain pipe repair is discovering the root of the problem.

Here at Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air, we’ll assess whether you need a drainage pipe cleaning or have a more serious problem that requires repair and/or drain replacement.

To accomplish this, we often suggest performing a video inspection—that is, a pipeline investigation to determine the location and cause, whether it’s deterioration due to age or tree roots finding their way to the water.

This is an attractive option for many. The inspection requires approximately two hours to complete.

The best part? In most cases, a professional plumber can be dispatched to your home right away, thereby expediting repairs.

Sewer Repair and Tree Root Removal

Happen to have a gorgeous yard? Lucky you (and thank you—you’re adding to San Diego County’s beauty).

But mature trees can also be, well, a drain on your drains and sewer pipe.

The idea of a sewer pipe may sound unpleasant to us, but it’s mighty attractive to plants, who thrive on the water, oxygen, and nutrients found within. Indeed, tree roots that grow inside sewer pipes are one of the leading causes of drain problems (such as sewer blockages and backups).

With a video inspection, we’ll be able to identify any root intrusions that are creating a pain on your drain and provide you with options for cost-effective pipeline repair.

Trenchless Pipe Repair

Chief among those options? Trenchless pipelining.

Otherwise known as epoxy pipe lining or “cured in place pipe,” trenchless pipe lining has become an increasingly popular option for San Diego County homeowners. Minimal or no digging is involved, thereby rendering the process an environmentally friendlier technique than traditional dig and replace methods, which often require a backhoe, can disturb your landscaping and may cost more money. As Angie’s List affirms, sewer line repairs and/or replacements may force some homeowners to dig up their driveways and garages to get to the lines that run beneath them—a disruptive process that can be ultra-expensive.

Enter trenchless pipelining.

In short, trenchless pipe lining involves creating a new pipe within the existing host pipe (consider it rehab from your drain pipelining). Using a resin-saturated felt tube comprised of polyester, it’s inserted or pulled into the damaged pipe. The resin eventually hardens—usually within several hours—and affixed to the inside edges of your damaged pipe to get it operating optimally again.

Our San Diego County drain pipe and sewer pipe repair professionals receive intensive training on trenchless technology and the specialized equipment required for trenchless pipe repair and trenchless sewer repair—and will leave your property in the same shape as it was before starting (if not better). What’s more, we’re licensed and insured and provide all of our clients with a 100% satisfaction guarantee in writing.

Pipe Burst Repair

When a cured-in-place pipe isn’t viable, a pipe burst method may be recommended for your sewer and drain pipeline repair.

In this case, a plumbing professional will pull a new pipe through the old, damaged one, shattering it outwards into the surrounding soil. This allows for precise alignment. Plus, the new pipes that are installed are super-durable and will last 45 years or more.

Schedule an Appointment Now!

Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air

If you’re a San Diego County homeowner and are experiencing sewer or drain problems that involve more than a drain cleaning, resist the urge to head to Home Depot for a new PVC pipe to attack the issue on your own (or try to finagle a fix from a piece of rescue tape).

A broken main drain can lead to one costly problem after another, from a water backup that can cause major flooding to a congested sink drain that will render your plumbing fixture unsightly.

Instead, call Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air. An expert plumber will be happy to conduct a comprehensive investigation and offer you your options, whether it’s CIPP lining (epoxy), sewer replacement or sewer repair. Your plumbing can work as seamlessly as it can and should with our San Diego drain pipe repair services.

Sink drain to sewer drain, many plumbing problems can occur. Get info on cast iron, PVC pipe, pipelining, trenchless sewer repair, etc. BBB A+ San Diego plumber.

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