Throwing money down the drain may seem like a terrible idea, but investing in drain pipe repair could actually save you thousands of dollars and add decades of use to your property.
Your drainage pipes, the ones running beneath your home or business, need to function properly or you could face costly and unpleasant consequences. Also known as sewage pipes, drain pipes are designed to allow wastewater and its contents to be directed away from your building. But when a blockage, age deterioration, tree roots, or other issues occur, wastewater could enter areas it should not.
What is wastewater?
A simple definition of wastewater is used water. This can include human waste, food waste, oils, cleaning products, chemicals, and more. Water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers all contribute to the wastewater coming from your home. Businesses, municipalities, and industries also generate used water.
Now that we understand what wastewater is, we certainly want to ensure it is properly removed from our homes and buildings. Your drainage system should facilitate a swift exit for the used water contents. However, if the waste pipes are not in good working order, you could be in for serious (and gross) problems.
Is my property at risk?
Many buildings, especially those built before 1980, have cast iron pipes. Depending upon the region, cast iron pipes can experience deterioration such as scaling, rust, and decay in 30 years or less. If decay is allowed to continue, it can lead to channeling; this is when the bottom of the pipe erodes, creating an opening. Channeling allows wastewater to escape and pool in areas inside of or under your home/property.
Channeling can also allow access for insects and rodents to enter your home or business. If you have an otherwise unexplained pest problem, a video camera inspection of your drainage pipes could indicate an opening. When you’re finished with drain pipe repair, you should benefit from both better wastewater removal as well as the elimination of unwelcome pests.
Backups can occur at any time, no matter how new the pipes are or what they are made of. PVC, Orangeburg, galvanized steel, and cast iron are all susceptible to blockages. And stoppages aren’t always due to an overload of toilet paper or “flushable” wipes; greasy buildup from fats and oils can form inside the system and narrow the pipe opening.
Be proactive
Preventive maintenance and routine care of the sewer pipes can save you from an unexpected interruption of your drainage system. Here are some of the ways we recommend to invest in drain pipe repair and maintain your property’s wastewater removal. Yes, you should throw smart money down the drain!
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Get an inspection
If you’re buying a home or haven’t had your pipes evaluated in years, get a video camera inspection of the sewer system. Once performed, you’ll know the actual condition of the pipes and be able to address issues before they become a huge problem. Hint: You can enter your zip code at PipeLining.com and find local contractors ready to help.
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Have your pipes jetted
Occasional backups? Slow drainage? Hydro-jetting can clear debris from your lines and allow for better flow. A high-powered, rotating jet of water is used to dislodge foreign objects, clumps of hygiene products, and blast away tree roots *although they will grow back if the pipe is not repaired). Be sure to ask for a camera inspection once the pipes have been jetted. Damage such as cracks or decay can be better seen once the debris has been cleared with hydro-jetting.
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Choose pipe lining over pipe replacement for smart drain pipe repair
When a video camera inspection reveals damage in your sewer pipes, consider installing structural pipe lining. Unlike pipe replacement, trenchless pipe lining can restore and repair your existing drainage pipes without requiring major demolition to your home or business. The quick lining process (as little as one day) essentially builds new pipelines inside the failed ones. No-demo/low-demo installation can save thousands over the cost of remove-and-replace methods. Most pipe lining products carry a 50-year life use expectancy, making it a perfect long-term fix! Learn more about trenchless pipe lining here.
Like the rest of your property, routine maintenance and care of your drainage system will help it last longer. So, that’s why we recommend wisely throwing money down the drain!
When you discover your pipes have deterioration, cracks, leaks, root intrusion, etc. remember that you have options! You no longer need to go through the hassle of removing and replacing the aged or damaged pipes. Structural pipe lining has been around for 50 years, can last for decades and save your flooring, walls, and cabinetry from demolition. Generally, trenchless pipelining (also known as cured-in-place pipe or CIPP) can save 30%-60% over the costs of pipe replacement and follow up home repairs.
