Dealing with sewer issues can be a frustrating and daunting experience for any homeowner. Understanding what to expect during a professional sewer repair can help remove some of the stress associated with the situation, whether it is a minor blockage or a significant collapse. By breaking down each step in this blog, we hope to demystify the process involved in repairing your sewer. At TR Miller Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Plainfield, IL, we believe in helping our clients understand what is happening throughout each sewer repair service phase.
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
The initial assessment and diagnosis are important first steps in any professional sewer repair process. During this phase, one of our skilled plumbers will comprehensively inspect your sewer system to identify the root cause of the problem. This typically involves using advanced tools such as a sewer camera, which can give them access to your pipes without digging up your yard to expose them. They will look for common issues such as tree root intrusions, blockages, cracks, pest infestations, or collapsed sections.
Our plumber will also want to look at external factors such as soil conditions, aging internal plumbing, and nearby construction activities. It is essential to accurately diagnose the issue to determine the most effective repair method and provide an accurate cost estimate. The inspection is critical because our plumbers need a thorough understanding of the issue to repair it effectively.
Detailed Cost Estimate and Timeline
After the initial assessment and diagnosis, the next step in professional sewer repair is to provide a detailed cost estimate and timeline. As the homeowner, we understand that you want to know how long your plumbing system will be out of commission and how quickly we can fix the issue. Our goal during this phase is to outline the specific repairs needed and explain the materials required, the process to repair it, and the labor costs.
A timeline will cover each stage of the repair process, from preparation and excavation to final inspection and restoration of the affected area. This transparency allows homeowners to understand the financial and time commitments involved, making sure that there are no surprises. A clear, detailed estimate and timeline help in planning and decision-making. For instance, you may have to make plans to stay with family or at a hotel depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done.
Pre-Repair Preparations and Precautions
Before beginning any sewer repair, our plumbers will take the time to go through several pre-repair preparations out of precaution for you and your family. The first step is to contact your local utility companies to determine the location of power or gas lines. We will also obtain permits to do the work if necessary. The work area is typically marked and sectioned off to protect your property, your neighbor’s property, and the workers. Please be aware that we ask homeowners to limit their water usage during this time so that the sewer system doesn’t undergo extra strain.
Excavation and Accessing the Sewer Line
Excavation and accessing the sewer line are important parts of the repair process, especially if our team is using a traditional repair method for your sewer line problem. During this phase, technicians will dig down to reach the damaged pipes. These pipes will be located several feet underground. The amount of excavation required depends on where the problem is in the pipes and the severity of the issue. This phase of repair has to be conducted carefully to avoid damaging landscaping, other pipe sections, and nearby utilities. Once the sewer line is accessible, our repair team can inspect the extent of the damage more closely and begin to make the necessary repairs.
Identifying the Root Cause of the Problem
Identifying the root cause of the sewer problem is a necessary step that guides the entire repair strategy. Our plumbers will re-inspect the area once they have access to the pipes to make sure the issue they identified with a camera is actually the main cause of the problem. It is important to double-check their initial evaluation once the pipes are accessible. Traditional repair techniques will mean that the technician can visually inspect the pipes because they have been excavated, but trenchless repair will involve additional sewer camera inspections before getting started.
Repair Techniques: Traditional vs. Trenchless
There are two primary techniques for sewer repair: traditional and trenchless. Traditional sewer repair involves excavating a trench along the length of the damaged pipe to expose and replace it. While effective, this method can be disruptive, damaging landscaping, and requiring significant restoration work afterward. Trenchless sewer repair is less invasive. This system uses repair techniques such as pipe bursting and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining that make it possible for our team to repair or replace pipes without extensive excavation.
However, some digging will still be necessary. Pipe bursting involves breaking the old pipe into pieces and installing a new sewer line in its place. CIPP lining is an innovative technique where a liner is inserted into the existing pipe, which then hardens, creating a new pipe. Trenchless techniques are modern and faster than traditional techniques. However, this technique cannot be used in many situations, such as when your sewer line has collapsed in multiple places.
Safety Measures and Regulations Compliance
Safety measures and regulatory compliance are critical pieces of professional sewer repair because it’s important to keep workers, homeowners, and neighbors safe. Technicians have to follow strict safety protocols that help them to protect themselves, the surrounding environment, neighbors, and homeowners. Safety measures vary but typically include personal protective equipment such as masks, safety glasses, gloves, and boots for protection against hazardous materials. Proper ventilation is also important to make sure that gas doesn’t accumulate in a tight working area. Regulatory compliance involves obtaining permits and obeying environmental regulations. It’s critical that repair work meets legal standards to prevent potential fines or legal issues.
Testing and Inspection Post-Repair
Perhaps one of the most often overlooked parts of the sewer restoration process is testing and inspection post-repair. After the sewer problem has been identified and fixed, our plumbers will test your plumbing system thoroughly to make sure that everything is working correctly.
Post-Repair Maintenance Tips and Follow-Up Services
After completing the sewer repair and full testing of the plumbing system, post-repair maintenance is something you should consider. Post-repair maintenance helps increase the longevity and functionality of the system. Homeowners should follow specific guidelines provided by the repair team, such as avoiding disposing of grease or harsh chemicals down drains. In addition, your home’s drain lines should be cleaned out at least once every two years to ensure they perform as they should.
Contact Us Today
At TR Miller Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we are a family-owned business that has been serving the residents of Plainfield, IL and the surrounding areas for three generations. In addition to sewer repair, we offer a wide range of plumbing services, such as drain cleaning, toilet repair, and tankless water heater. We also install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
