Plumbing excavation is used when pipes below ground need to be repaired. It may be necessary to dig down to the pipes to repair them and then refill the area to protect the pipes from the elements again. If there is any suspicion that excavation may be needed, it’s crucial to call for professional help. Calling right away will prevent the issue from getting worse and make sure the repair is done right, which can help prevent future problems. Some of the main signs that a plumbing excavation may be needed include the following.
Clogged or Blocked Drains
Blockages in drains can happen at any time, and usually, a plumber can remove the blockage easily. However, if multiple drains are completely blocked, the clog is likely further down in the pipes, so excavation may be needed. If the issue is cleared through normal techniques but happens again within a short period of time, it may be a sign that more extensive methods like excavation are needed to completely fix the problem.
Roots from trees on the property could end up growing into the sewage system, which can damage the pipes. At this point, it could be difficult to remove the roots without digging. Excavation may be needed to completely remove the roots from the pipes and repair them, so they work properly once again.
Slow Drains
Sometimes, drains will start to drain slower than expected. Sinks may end up draining over a few minutes instead of instantly, or toilets may need to be flushed multiple times to empty. If this happens to multiple drains at once, it could be a sign that there is a blockage further down the pipes. Though water is still getting through, if the issue is not corrected quickly, it will become fully blocked. Excavation may need to be done to find the blockage and remove it before the drains stop working.
Damaged Pipes
Over time, sewer lines can start to break down. There are numerous types of pipes used, and older ones may end up breaking due to age or corrosion. Eventually, they will need to be replaced, which will require excavation. This is more common in older homes or in areas with older pipes, but it can happen in newer homes, too. If something was done incorrectly during the installation or the wrong material was used, excavation may be needed sooner than expected to replace the pipes.
Sewer lines can also be damaged if they are broken during landscaping jobs or when digging for any other reason. Though it may be easy to spot the damage in these cases, it may require some excavation to be able to remove the damaged section and replace it with new plumbing.
Can Smell Sewer Gas
It shouldn’t be possible to smell sewer gas around the property. If the smell appears, it’s a sign that the sewer line has been damaged and that the smell is being released. When this happens, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact spot that has been damaged without professional assistance. Once the location is determined, excavation may be needed to repair the pipe and fix the smell.
Indentations or Sinkholes
Sewer leaks can cause erosion or other issues, removing soil from the area. Indentations can appear in areas where the sewer line is leaking as the soil is pushed away or compressed. If this is ignored or the issue progresses rapidly, it could cause a sinkhole on the property. This can be dangerous, so it is crucial to have it fixed fast.
During the freeze and thaw cycle for the area, the ground can shift. Most of the time, this won’t be an issue, but it can cause the sewer line to crack or collapse. If this happens, the soil above the damage will sink, and excavation may be needed to repair or replace the damaged pipes.
Healthy Grass
Healthy grass throughout the yard takes a lot of hard work. If the grass looks thicker and greener in one area, especially if there hasn’t been a focus on improving the grass there, it could be due to a sewer line break. The wastewater can fertilize the grass, helping it grow better in that area. This can happen if there are small leaks or larger damage to the pipes that need to be fixed.
Damage to the sewer lines does happen, and when it does, it’s vital to seek professional help for repairs. A professional will be able to determine exactly where the issue is located, enabling the amount of excavation done to be minimized as much as possible, so there is less damage to the yard. If you have noticed any of the signs mentioned here, call for professional assistance now to make sure the issue is fixed quickly.
