A functioning drainage system is one of the most important parts of a home. It helps ensure that wastewater is managed correctly, keeping your home free of infections, odor, rodents, and other pests. However, like any other home system, the drainage system also requires proper maintenance to function well. This can become susceptible to water flow backs, broken pipes, worn-out lines, and blockages.
One of the major causes of a damaged sewer system is broken or damaged drainage pipes. While distinguishing between broken and clogged pipes can be challenging, some telltale signs should warn you about damaged drain pipes. Once you start noticing these signs, you should deal with them as early as possible to prevent dealing with a bigger problem around your home.
Signs Of A Damaged Drain Pipes
Some of the significant signs to watch for include the following:
- Mold starts growing on surfaces, such as walls and floors
- Cracks on the foundations and walls
- A foul odor around your home
- Sinkholes in the garden or lawn
- Extra green patches of grass or more vegetation growth in your house
- Sewage blockages leading to flow back or slow drainage
Dealing With Damaged Drain Pipes
There are different ways of dealing with damaged drain pipes. This article looks at some of those methods below.
Evaluate The Damage
As with any emergency, it’s crucial to assess the situation and determine what next step to take. Is there a leak? Are the pipes frozen or simply dripping? A plumbing company may be able to help you with some of these issues, but many basic repairs can be done yourself to save on costs.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to turn off the water at its source. If the problem is localized or small, you can usually find and shut off the valve controlling that pipe. Otherwise, turn off the main water supply to your house.
Do Pipe Lining And Repairs
Pipelining and repairs provide an excellent solution to the problems of damaged drain pipes. They allow you to fix the problem without digging up yards and lawns, ripping floors and walls, or smashing concrete. Pipelining is used to repair pipes that are cracked, broken, or have holes in them. It’s also used to prevent pipe damage from happening in the future.
Pipelining is done by inserting a flexible resin tube into the damaged drainpipe and inflating it with an air bladder. This method can fix both small and large cracks in the pipe. It’s also a much cheaper option when compared with digging up the pipe and replacing it.
It’s always good to hire pipe lining specialists as they’ll know how to deal with such problems. They’ll know what tools and equipment to use, which chemicals work best, and how to treat any surface to keep it from getting damaged again.
Call For Professional Plumbers
If your drain pipes are already damaged, it might be tempting to tackle this problem on your own. Still, you should consult a professional plumber before attempting any repair work yourself. Trying to fix a plumbing issue on your own may only worsen the problem or even cause serious injuries if you don’t use proper safety precautions.
Sometimes, it can be difficult for the average homeowner to tell whether their drain pipes need repairing or replacing. In those cases, it’s always best to consult with a professional plumber who has experience diagnosing issues like these and can help recommend a solution that fits your budget.
Replace The Damaged Pipe
If you have a small section of the broken pipe, you may be able to remove the damaged part and replace it with a new piece. This is only an option if you can access the broken pipe from one end. If you can’t access both ends of the damaged pipe, you may need to dig up the entire line for replacement.
However, if you have an older home, you might want to consider replacing your damaged pipes altogether. This can be a more costly option, but it’s usually preferred if your plumbing system is older or experiencing other problems, like leaky taps or clogged drains.
Drain relining won’t fix these issues, but replacing the damaged pipe will. Plus, it allows you to upgrade to a new plumbing system altogether, which could help reduce your energy bills.
Unclog The Drain
Damaged drain pipes are usually caused by clogs from tree roots and other debris entering your home’s draining system. When dealing with a damaged pipe, you should first unclog the drain to get a clear picture of where the pipe is damaged and the extent of the damage.
The simplest way to unclog it is to use a plunger. Depending on the severity of the blockage, this may take several attempts. Make sure to cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth while plunging. If you have a clogged drainpipe caused by tree roots, grease, or hair, it can cause sewage to go back up into the house because of blockage in the pipe. In this case, you need to call a plumber to help you unclog the drainage system. Also, to prevent it from happening again, regularly use drain cleaners.
Conduct Regular Inspection
It would help to keep an eye out for signs of leaks in the bathroom plumbing system. You might notice damp areas on walls or floors, peeling paint or wallpaper, or musty odors. If you see these signs, then it’s best to call in plumbers as soon as possible to prevent further damage and more expensive repairs down the road.
After repairing the pipes, you should still monitor the area you’ve fixed to ensure that the damage has been adequately repaired. This includes monitoring for leaks or improper flow of water in the pipes. Also, you can have an annual video inspection of your drainage line to identify corrosions or other signs that may damage the pipe.
Conclusion
There are different ways to deal with a damaged drain pipe in your home. Such tips include evaluating the extent of the damage, replacing damaged times, and calling for professional help. When properly dealing with damaged drain pipes, you can be assured of a working drainage system.