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how to repair broken sewer line under slab

by Jessie Oberbrunner Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Fix a Broken Sewer Pipe in a Slab Foundation

  • Locating the Break. A cement slab is porous. ...
  • Making a Spot Repair. Once the pipe break has been located, a small area of concrete slab directly over the broken pipe must be removed with the use of a ...
  • Replacing Pipe Sections. In older homes, sewer pipe can degenerate and rust over time. ...
  • Relining. ...

Part of a video titled How to Repair a Sewer Pipe Under a Concrete Slab - YouTube
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Down the cut ahead at the end of the drain snake will scrape the inside of the pipe. And remove theMoreDown the cut ahead at the end of the drain snake will scrape the inside of the pipe. And remove the last of those tree roots to leave a nice clean pipe.

Full Answer

How to replace sewer line under concrete slab without digging?

  • tile and concrete cutting (anywhere from $30 to $50/lineal metre cut or $125-$135/hour with minimum call outs of $250)
  • excavation of broken or damaged pipes ($40-$100/hour depending on whether you have another tradesman to dig or if you leave it to the plumber)
  • removal and replacement of any bathroom fittings required

More items...

How do you repair a sewer line?

  • Insulate your pipes. This is fairly easy to do – simply wrap your pipes with insulation and secure with electrical tape.
  • Seal off outside vents. Preventing cold air from entering your basement or crawlspace will help keep your pipes from freezing.
  • Check the temperature of your water heater. ...
  • Keep water running. ...
  • Keep your drains clear. ...

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line?

Your final bill will vary based on the type of repair your setup requires. Here are the main options and their costs: Digging and replacing sewer line: $50-$250 per foot. Trenchless sewer line replacement: $60-$250 per foot. Cured-in-Place (CIPP) lining (trenchless): $80-$250 per foot.

How to repair a broken sewer line?

Ways to Manage a Broken Sewer Line

  • Finding Where the Sewer Line Broke. A broken sewer line causes a lot of problems like drain clogging and stinky air. ...
  • Cleaning the Sewer. Once the damaged portion of the sewer line is revealed, perhaps a little cleaning may fix the problem or at least provide a way for wastewater to ...
  • Fixing the Broken Sewer Line. ...

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How do you replace a sewer line under a basement floor?

1:3118:41Fixing Sewer Pipe Under Basement Floor D.I.Y. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd yeah when you run it you have to buy your own diamond blade to cut the concrete. So I alreadyMoreAnd yeah when you run it you have to buy your own diamond blade to cut the concrete. So I already got the diamond but it's a good thing I talked about the saw. So I could cut the concrete.

How do you fix a broken sewer line?

2:0514:05Life of a Plumber - Replacing Broken 2-Way Cleanouts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to cut that line out eliminate. It put our four by three reducing coupling on there andMoreWe're going to cut that line out eliminate. It put our four by three reducing coupling on there and then put our two way clean-out.

How do I replace the drain pipe under my house?

1:375:25DIY Sewer Line Repair Under House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to move the black coupling. Run the snake down the iron pipe make sure we clean out anyMoreWe're going to move the black coupling. Run the snake down the iron pipe make sure we clean out any clog that might exist and replace that black coupling and get out of here unfortunately.

How do you find a sewer line under a concrete slab?

1:028:09SIMPLE WAY TO FIND A SEWER LINE UNDER CONCRETE SLABYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what it is is it puts a signal into the line or conduit you're trying to locate and then withMoreSo what it is is it puts a signal into the line or conduit you're trying to locate and then with this wand you're able to go along and detect it under the slab or underground.

How do you fix a crack in a cast iron sewer line?

3:458:12How to Repair Cast Iron Pipe Cracks, Avoid Plumbing Fails - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you kind of knead it. Around. Make sure you've gotten all the way. Through. It and i'm going toMoreAnd you kind of knead it. Around. Make sure you've gotten all the way. Through. It and i'm going to scoop it here. And apply it right on the area where the crack.

How do you tell if your sewer line is broken?

4 Signs That Your Sewer Line Is BrokenSlow drains. A slow drain in one fixture usually means you have a simple clog that can be resolved with a plunger or drain snake. ... Weird odor or gassy smell. ... Mold and mildew. ... Crawlers and critters. ... Sewer line repair and replacement.

How deep are plumbing pipes under a slab house?

You will find your sewer lines 12 to 24 inches below the concrete slab in a slab house. All homes require a foundation to help support the weight of the house. A slab house uses a concrete slab as its foundation.

Do sewage pipes run under houses?

They are usually behind the houses by a few metres. Sometimes people build extensions over them (this is not actually allowed). In terraces they usually run behind all the houses, parallel with the road, then come forwards to join the sewer under the road at the end of the terrace.

Can you concrete over sewer pipes?

In most instances, yes, providing the sewer pipe has sufficient depth to allow an in-ground pool to be constructed over it. You will be required to concrete encase the sewer pipe, and if the pool is of concrete construction, you may need to have concrete piering under the base of the pool.

How do you replace a sewer line under a concrete slab?

1:225:12How to Repair a Sewer Pipe Under a Concrete Slab | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown the cut ahead at the end of the drain snake will scrape the inside of the pipe. And remove theMoreDown the cut ahead at the end of the drain snake will scrape the inside of the pipe. And remove the last of those tree roots to leave a nice clean pipe.

How do you fix PVC pipe in concrete?

0:025:32How to Repair pipe in concrete slab - fixing broken, repairing ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to put your tip. In here and then rotate it until it it aligns with the head so just likeMoreYou want to put your tip. In here and then rotate it until it it aligns with the head so just like that until you feel it. There he goes and push.

How do you run a PVC pipe under concrete?

0:043:43Running Sprinkler Pipe Under A Sidewalk or Driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAt least twice as long as the width of the path you'll be tunneling under some PVC cement a TVC pipeMoreAt least twice as long as the width of the path you'll be tunneling under some PVC cement a TVC pipe cutter and you'll also need a water hose or a shovel or mattock for digging a trench.

Can you patch a cracked sewer pipe?

Trenchless pipe lining is another innovative and cost-effective option for repairing failing sewer pipes. Instead of replacing the pipe, trenchless pipe lining repairs the broken sewer pipe from within. The plumber inserts an epoxy resin into the pipe, which coats and repairs any damages or cracks from inside the pipe.

How do you fix a cracked underground pipe?

Underground Pipe Relining If the existing pipe has a wide enough diameter, the plumbers may be able to insert a new liner into the pipe. This technique works for pipes that are cracked, broken or displaced. The pipe lining cures in place and can be used to repair pipes made from clay, cast iron, PVC, HDPE or concrete.

How long do PVC sewer pipes last?

100 yearsThe Water Research Foundation reported that 100 years is a conservative estimate for a properly designed and installed PVC pipe.

How do you fix a broken ground pipe?

4:0010:44EASILY Repairing Broken PVC Pipes(Least Amount Of Digging)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClear a little bit of soil or sand out of the way. The next thing you're going to do is take aMoreClear a little bit of soil or sand out of the way. The next thing you're going to do is take a coupling glue it onto the pipe that you cut over here push it all the way down until it meets the stop.

How much does it cost to dig up a 3 bedroom house?

The reason is simple. The plumbers get to keep the all the money. Digging up a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house typically costs $25,000, whereas pipe relining will cost about half that much. plumbers do not want to give up the $25,000 in revenues.

What are the disadvantages of digging under a house?

Another disadvantage of digging under a building is that a collapse could occur and people could die on your property. That has legal liability issues, apart from moral issues of having someone buried underneath your home.

What happens when water is leaking from a pipe under a concrete slab?

Additionally, if warm water is leaking from a pipe under your slab, it can create hot spots or small pools of water on the concrete floor. Sounds of leaking or running water: When a faucet is on, you can hear the water running through the pipes in your home.

What causes a slab leak?

When there is a break in a pipe that runs under the concrete foundation of your home, a slab leak is in full effect. From the break or crack in the water or sewer pipe line, water or waste seeps into the ground and your foundation. Because of the extensive damage broken drain pipes under basement, garage and other slab floors can cause, ...

How to tell if a concrete slab is leaking?

Warm or wet spots on the concrete floor: Because slabs are porous, you may be able to tell there’s a sewer line break just by looking at the floor. If there is a large water or damp spot, it’s more than likely a slab leak. Additionally, if warm water is leaking from a pipe under your slab, it can create hot spots or small pools ...

What is a slab floor?

If you have a basement or garage, these two spaces are more than likely built on slab floors. A slab is essentially concrete poured over leveled ground. Sewer systems and drain pipes may run beneath the slab.

Can a water leak be under a slab?

A high water bill does not necessarily mean there’s a slab leak, though. If the plumbing inside your home seems sound, then you could have an unseen slab leak beneath your home’s foundation. If you suspect you have a broken drain pipe under your basement, garage or other slab flooring, it’s crucial to contact a licensed team ...

What is a concrete slab?

A slab is made of concrete that's poured over leveled ground and then smoothed flat and cured. It serves as the foundation for the structure built on it. The concrete slab covers the sewer drain pipes located under the slab.

Is a cement slab porous?

A cement slab is porous. Water leaking from a pipe break beneath it will wick upward through the cement floor. Look for wet flooring with no apparent cause; initially, the moisture will be contained to a certain location in the house over the pipe break. A leak detection company can save a homeowner a great deal of time and effort by pinpointing the location of the pipe break with sensitive listening devices.

How much does it cost to repair a drain under a slab?

Typically if you were to excavate your floors to do the drain repair under your slab you should expect to pay about $450 per linear foot. Trenchless drain repair under your slab costs about a $150 per linear foot and takes about two days to do, as opposed to two weeks for excavation for drain repair under the slab.

Can you repair cast iron pipes under a slab?

The good news for you is that there are modern alternatives to repairing the cast iron drain pipes under your slab without having to excavate through the floor or digging from outside of your property. It’s also much less money to do the trenchless pipe repairs than by digging for pipe replacement.

How do I repair a sewer line?

The Methods of Repairing a Broken Sewer Line. There are two main ways of addressing a busted sewer line. Those two methods are pipelining and repiping . In some cases, you can choose which method to use to repair your sewer line.

What is the process of rehabilitating a broken sewer line?

Pipelining. The process of pipelining involves using a special epoxy mixture to rehabilitate a broken pipe, or in this case, a busted sewer line. Pipelining begins with cleaning out the sewer line. The presence of debris could limit the effectiveness of the epoxy mixture, hence the need to clean up first.

What is the term for replacing a sewer line?

Repiping. If pipelining is not enough to remedy your sewer-line related problems, you may need to turn instead to repiping. Repiping is another term for replacing a pipe. Completely replacing a pipe becomes necessary when the one currently in place is beyond repair.

Why is my sewer line aging?

Aging is inevitable for your sewer line. The constant flow of water and substances through the sewer line will cause a buildup of corrosion. Like with the clogs, the corrosion can lead to more pressure on the walls of the pipe. All that increased pressure will cause cracks to form at some point.

Why do tree roots grow in sewer lines?

The tree roots may start to grow as they continually absorb nutrients from your sewer line. Eventually, they will grow and the increase in their size could damage the line itself.

Why is it important to address sewer issues?

That’s why addressing any issues related to your sewer line is so important. It also helps to be aware of the status of your sewer line. Watching out for certain things can help you determine if your sewer line is still in proper working condition.

Why do sewer lines slope downward?

Sewer lines have a downward slope to facilitate the proper movement of waste away from your home and into the main sewer line. As you can probably imagine, problems may pop up inside your home if your line breaks. Your toilet, sink, and other drainage spots in your home may fail to clear.

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