If you’re experiencing issues at home that indicate something is wrong with your plumbing system, like water backing up in your shower or around floor drains, it can be frustrating. If you think you may need plumbing excavation to address the problem, this can leave you feeling even more overwhelmed.
At Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we can determine what’s causing your plumbing issues quickly and accurately. If you’re worried about the state of your plumbing system, give us a call at (541) 549-1605 today.
Continue reading to learn more about signs that point to issues that require drain excavation.
What is Excavation Plumbing?
Plumbing excavation, also referred to as “trenching” or drainage excavation, is a plumbing repair service that involves digging trenches to reach underground pipes, such as the sewer line or main water line.
Excavation services are messy and time consuming, but they allow plumbers to locate and repair pipes that are essential to the effectiveness of your home’s entire plumbing system.
When is Excavation Necessary?
Plumbing excavation is often necessary when your sewer line or water supply line has been damaged or becomes clogged. While there are new plumbing techniques that replace excavation in some instances, most of the time these projects require digging.
Plumbing excavation is necessary in the following situations:
- The existing pipe material is too compromised to be repaired with “trenchless” plumbing repair methods.
- An underground pipe has burst and excavation is necessary to locate and repair the problem.
- The soil on your property has damaged your underground pipes.
- There is a severe water line or sewer line clog that is unable to be cleared with traditional clog removal methods.
- An underground pipe has been blocked/damaged by tree roots.
If you’re interested in learning more about how excavation works, or you’re concerned about the integrity of your underground pipe system, contact our plumbing professionals today.
What is “Trenchless” Plumbing Excavation?
Traditional plumbing excavation requires digging to expose damaged pipes. This is costly and can ruin landscaping, hardscape, or even the foundation and walls of your home.
Trenchless plumbing excavation is a much less invasive and more affordable alternative to traditional excavation. However, it’s not feasible in every situation.
There are different types of trenchless plumbing excavation methods available. The professionals at Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical will tell you which option is best for your underground pipe system.
Pipe Stent
Pipe stent repair involves building a span of new pipe within the old, damaged one. This is done without major demolition or digging.
Pipe stents decrease the diameter of pipes, so they aren’t always an option if a pipe is already fairly narrow.
Pipe Lining
Pipe lining is the process of sealing cracks and leaks by inserting an epoxy resin liner inside the damaged pipe. This liner is inflated and effectively “fills” any cracks or openings in the pipe.
The negative side of pipe lining is that it decreases the diameter of the pipe, like stents. Therefore, it’s not recommended in cases where a line is already narrow or has been previously repaired.
Pipe Bursting
Another method of trenchless excavation is called pipe bursting. Pipe bursting essentially pushes the old, damaged pipe out of the way and replaces it with a new, wider pipe. This allows the underground pipeline to be completely replaced without narrowing the diameter of the system.
Signs You Need Plumbing Excavation
Various plumbing issues can point to underground pipe damage, some of which may seem minor upon first discovery.
Signs that point to a clogged or damaged water supply line include:
- Puddles in the home or yard
- Sinkholes on your property
- Strange noises coming from pipes/drains (i.e. gurgling, hissing, whistling, banging)
- Poor water pressure
- Discolored water coming from plumbing fixtures
- Odors coming from drains/fixtures
- A high water bill
- Cracks in the foundation of your home
- Slow drains
Some of the issues listed above are also indicators you could be dealing with a damaged sewer pipe rather than a damaged water supply line.
Signs your sewer line is clogged or damaged include:
- Sewer odors coming from drains
- Sinkholes on your property
- Slow drains
- Patches of lush, green grass on your property
- Water backing up in drains (i.e. the shower or kitchen sink drain)
- Flooded or muddy yard
- Frequent plunging is necessary to keep the toilet(s) working
- Gurgling sounds coming from drains
- Overflowing toilet(s)
If you’re asking, How do I know if my sewer line is clogged? Call Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical today. You can rely on our qualified professionals for sewer and water line replacement, sewer and water line repair, plumbing inspections, and more.
We also offer clogged drain repair in Bend, Oregon, which can help eliminate minor clogs before they become larger problems.
Contact our team by calling (541) 549-1605 today.
Contact Us for Drainage Excavation and More
If you’re dealing with plumbing issues in Oregon, Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can help. Contact us today by calling (541) 549-1605 if you’re noticing signs that point to a damaged or clogged sewer or water supply line. Fast, effective repairs from our Bend, OR plumbers can help mitigate the fallout of undetected plumbing issues.
