Everything You Need to Know About Sewers

Everything You Need to Know About Sewers

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Introduction

Sewers are an essential part of any modern society. They help to transport wastewater and sewage from homes and businesses to treatment plants, where they are cleaned and then discharged into the environment. However, like any other infrastructure, sewers can deteriorate over time and become clogged or damaged, leading to problems such as sewage backups, leaks, and flooding. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about repairs, inspections, and replacements.

What Are Sewers?

Sewers are underground pipes that are designed to transport wastewater and sewage away from homes and businesses to treatment plants. They are typically made of concrete, clay, or plastic and come in different sizes, depending on the amount of wastewater they need to transport. This wastewater is classified as either stormwater or raw sewage and is usually expelled into two separate sewage systems.

Sewers can be either gravity-fed or pumped, depending on the terrain and the distance to the treatment plant. As a homeowner, you are responsible for the section of sewer that exists beneath the surface of your property. If you need assistance with this contact Harb Plumbing by clicking here.

Why Do Sewers Need Repairs?

Sewers can deteriorate over time due to various factors such as age, weather conditions, tree roots, and soil movements. When they become damaged, they can cause problems such as sewage backups, leaks, and flooding. Repairs are necessary to fix these problems and prevent them from happening again in the future.

Sewer Repairs

There are several types of sewer repairs, depending on the severity of the problem. The most common types of repairs include:

• Patching: This involves repairing small cracks or holes in the pipe by applying a resin patch. It is a quick and affordable solution for minor damages.
• Lining: This involves inserting a flexible liner inside the pipe and inflating it to create a new pipe inside the old one. It is a cost-effective solution for repairing cracks, holes, and corrosion.
• Excavation: This involves digging up the damaged section of the pipe and replacing it with a new one. It is the most invasive and expensive solution but is necessary for severe damage such as collapsed pipes or root intrusion.

Sewer Inspections

Regular inspections are essential to identify potential problems before they become severe. Inspections can be done using various methods, such as:

• CCTV Inspection: This involves inserting a camera into the pipe to inspect the inside of the pipe for damages or blockages. Camera inspections are affordable and can save you thousands of dollars.
• Smoke Testing: This involves injecting smoke into the pipe to identify leaks or breaks in the pipe.
• Hydro Jetting: This involves using high-pressure water to clean the inside of the pipe and remove any debris or blockages.

If you need assistance with drains or sewers contact Harb Plumbing by clicking here.

Sewer Replacements

When a pipe is severely damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan, a replacement may be necessary. Replacements involve digging up the old pipe and installing a new one. There are several types of pipes available for replacements, such as:

• PVC: PVC pipes are lightweight and durable, making them an excellent choice for replacements.
• Clay: Clay pipes are durable and can last up to 100 years, however, with recent findings, clay pipes are known to collapse in areas with unstable soil conditions.
• Cast Iron: Cast iron pipes are heavy-duty and can last up to 100 years, making them an excellent choice for replacements in areas with high traffic.

Conclusion

Sewers are an essential part of our infrastructure, and it is essential to maintain them regularly to prevent potential problems. Being informed gives you peace of mind which is why we have a speedy sewer plumbing service prepared to assess the condition of the sewer pipe and create an action plan. Regular sewer inspections and repairs can lower the risk of basement floods from sewer backups. Get your sewers checked with our specialized plumbing team in Burlington. Simply contact Harb Plumbing by clicking here and live comfortably with peace of mind.