As seen in the June 2024 Frisco Style magazine:
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT MY HOME MIGHTHAVE BROKEN SEWER PIPING UNDER THE SLAB FOUNDATION?
There are several indicators that your home might have deteriorating sewer piping under the slab foundation. The most common sign is recurring drain backups or stoppages affecting multiple home fixtures. You may also notice that doors and windows have trouble opening due to ground swelling from a leaking pipe. Homes built before the 1980s might have cast iron pipes, which will deteriorate over time. If you have had to repair your sewer pipes recently or your home has experienced foundation shifting – these are two additional indicators of underlying sewer pipe issues.
HOW IS A BROKEN SEWER PIPE UNDER THE
SLAB PROPERLY DIAGNOSED?
A sewer camera inspection can potentially identify broken sewer lines or places with an apparent root intrusion. However, the definitive test for a leaking sewer line under the slab is typically called an “isolation test.” This test involves isolating or blocking off different branches of the main sewer system to determine which branches hold water and which don’t, minimizing unneeded excavation.
WHAT REPAIR OPTIONS DO I HAVE FOR MY DETERIORATING CAST IRON SEWER PIPES?
Sometimes, a reasonable and lower-cost option is to access a small, damaged drain system section and repair a spot. This is usually accessed by making a floor penetration inside the home, typically in the kitchen or laundry room. However, this solution is usually temporary, and as the cast iron piping continues to rot out, it will result in more costly repairs. For most deteriorated systems with cast-iron piping, the best approach is to replace the affected portion (sometimes the entire system) with tunneling under the slab foundation.
WHAT DOES THE TIMELINE AND SCOPE OF WORK LOOK LIKE FOR AN UNDER-SLAB CAST IRON REPLACEMENT PROJECT?
The timeline can vary depending on the size of the system being replaced, but
the entire process is usually completed in 10-14 days.
- Diagnosis & Testing: this takes a couple of hours and involves creating a bid
for the work. Clarity about the condition of drain piping is critical to choosing the
most sensible repair option. - Excavation: once the plan has been nailed down, excavation can begin in a
day or two. A trusted and insured excavation crew will carefully dig the necessary
access tunnels by hand. Depending on the project size, excavating can take up
to three days. - New PVC Pipes & Fittings: after this, your licensed plumber can replace the
old piping with new PVC pipe and fittings. The system is anchored to the slab
with steel hangers to ensure proper slope and prevent shifting and movement
over time. Tearing out and installing the new piping can take upwards of six days. - Backfilling & Inspections: allow for a day for the tunnels to be backfilled after
everything has been installed, tested, and inspected.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER LIKE LEGACY FOR SEWER REPAIRS?
Legacy Plumbing specializes in slab leaks and has extensive experience handling
sewer repairs, especially those involving deteriorating cast iron pipes. We have
helped hundreds of homeowners repair their slab leaks.
Communication – We prioritize communication with homeowners, providing
options and explanations for each process step.
Quality – We use high-quality plumbing parts and materials, and our installation
methods consistently surpass the minimum required by the plumbing code. Our
work is entirely third-party inspected. Any tunnels are approved with a licensed
engineer’s compaction report.
5-Year Warranty – We back our under-slab sewer line replacement with a 5-year
warranty, ensuring a worry-free new drain pipe system.
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