Contact us for your sewer repair or replacement needs!
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A: 14205 North Mopac Expressway
Suite 504
Austin, TX 78728 - T: 512-797-2462
- E: info@starrsd.com
Austin, TX
Sewer repair and replacement
When you need sewer repair, it is best to call a specialist. At Starr, our master plumbers have proprietary knowledge uniquely associated with sewer repair and replacement.
Certified by NARI
for sewer repair and
replacement done right!
Get a free quote now!
What is Sewer Repair?
The term sewer repair refers to the wastewater repairs performed outside your home in your yard. The sewer line connects the lines beneath your home to the Austin city sewer system typically found on the street.
Warning Signs of Sewer Failure
Pipes that need repair show warning signs such as blockages, backups, foul odor, slow drainage, overflowing, and gurgling sounds.
What Causes Sewer Failure?
The need for sewer repair is often due to blockages caused by grease, the buildup of solids, lodged foreign objects, tree roots, and scaling on pipe walls. More serious causes are cast-iron deterioration, shifting soil, improper installation, and pipe settlement. These issues may result in bellies, back-fall, breaks, and joint separations.
Cast-Iron Deterioration
Strong chemicals (for clogs) and continuous exposure to water will inevitably cause corrosion. Cast–iron pipes are strong with thick walls but are worn away over time by wastewater. The base of the pipe becomes thin and easily cracked.
Shifting Soil & Pipe Settlement
Central Texas is known for its cycle of seasonal rains and drought, this cycle causes soil expansion and contraction. As a result, soil around the pipe shifts causing pipe settlement, bellies, backfall (back-pitch), breaks, and separation.
Improper Installation
Pipe installation in its simplest form requires a primer, glue, bedding, and proper ¼-inch “fall” per foot. Poor application of primer and glue can result in line separation. The lack of sufficient bedding (sand or crushed stone) can contribute to the line shifting creating bellies and backfall. The movement of waste in your line requires gravity, improper fall on the line will slow the movement of waste causing debris buildup, and as a result clogs and backups may occur.
Types of Sewer Repairs Performed
The need for sewer repair is common, often requiring an immediate solution such as spot repair, hydro jetting, and auguring.
Spot Repair
A spot repair is relatively less expensive compared to replacing an entire line or the entire sewer and drain system. The repairs are performed by digging around the specific location of the damaged line and performing repairs.
Hydro Jetting
Very similar to power washing but designed for drain lines, a hydro jetter machine uses pressurized water to clear pipes. This process will remove debris and clogs from the interior of the pipes. Hydro jetting is considerably very efficient in clearing the build-up and reducing the chance of recurring clogs. It will break up the sludge and debris, pulverize roots, cut through and flush hardened scales, and emulsify grease.
Auguring
Auguring is used to clear clogs and debris from pipes and is sometimes used in conjunction with or prior to hydro jetting. The auger has a flexible tubular line that is inserted into your drains. The auger motor spins the blades at the end of the auger, making a cutting motion without causing damage. As it snakes through the pipes, it clears clogs and debris.
Snaking
As a quick and easy solution to clogs, we may snake lines to clear clogs. A plumbing snake is a less sophisticated tool but operates on the same principle. A flexible tube with a soft blade is inserted into your drain lines and typically spun by hand. As it spins, it can be pushed forward and retracted through drains without causing damage.
Sewer Replacement Austin
Your sewer replacement project will be supervised by our master plumber, Matthew Martinez. Matthew and our plumbing staff have the skills and training specific to sewer replacement. Throughout the process, you will be provided with clear communication and any concerns and questions you have will be answered.
The first step in sewer replacement starts with excavation, in our case that means hand digging. As compared to heavy equipment that would cause extensive damage, hand digging will limit the damage to your yard by containing the work site to a limited area. Following excavation, your new line will be installed in accordance with national and local plumbing codes and regulations.
Excavation and Backfill
We always strive to make excavation as contained as possible to limit dust, mud, and damage to landscaping. To maintain a clean worksite, we will place soil as close to the excavation area as possible and by placing tarps under and over the soil excavated. Following excavation, your old line will be removed, hauled off, and recycled.
Once the replacement has been completed, the excavation will be backfilled. The techniques associated with the backfill process are very important. Backfilling should be performed carefully to not disrupt the fall of the new line.
Engineer Verification
Once the repair has been completed, if required, an independent certified Engineer will review the project. The engineer will ensure that your home’s foundation has not been compromised. The engineer will produce a report to be shared with both the city inspectors and the homeowner. After passing the Engineer and city inspections, we will backfill the excavation and patch all concrete access holes
Warning Signs and causes of Sewer Failure
Sewer replacement becomes necessary when the line is compromised and fails to flow properly. Pipes that need repair show warning signs such as blockages, backups, foul odor, slow drainage, overflowing, and gurgling sounds. The causes of sewer failure include aging and deteriorating cast-iron lines, shifting soil causing breaks, bellies and backfall, improper installation, and tree root intrusion.