For over a century, Sunset Plumbing & Drains has proudly served Portland, OR, with exceptional home solutions, from cooling and heating to plumbing and electrical. Established in 1922, our legacy of quality workmanship, outstanding customer service, and community support distinguishes us as a premier company in the region.
We’re staffed by the most experienced and qualified plumbers in the area who offer premium plumbing services. We ensure 100% satisfaction with every project.
Different Types of Sewer Line Repairs
When it comes to maintaining a functional home in Portland, OR, ensuring the integrity of your sewer line is crucial. Sunset offers comprehensive sewer line repair and sewer line replacement services to address any issues promptly and effectively. If you suspect damage to your home’s sewer line, the first step is to request a professional inspection. Our technicians use advanced digital cameras to check for clogs, leaks, and cracks. Owners of older homes should consider having their main sewer line inspected at least once every 10 years.
Traditional Sewer Line Repair
For severe damage, such as tree root penetration or significant breaks, traditional sewer line repair may be necessary. This method involves excavating a trench around the damaged sewer line to access and repair it. Here's how the process typically works:
- Survey and Marking: The area is surveyed, and underground utilities are marked. Traffic control devices may be put in place if needed.
- Excavation: Technicians excavate trenches along the sewer line path using backhoes or excavators. Walls are shored up for safety when digging deeper than 4 feet.
- Removal and Replacement: The damaged pipe sections are disconnected and lifted out. New pipe sections are laid and sloped for proper drainage, then fused or sealed together.
- Reconnection: The lateral pipes from your home are reconnected to the new sewer main using flexible couplings. Maintenance holes are installed if required.
- Backfilling: The trenches are backfilled with gravel and compacted. The surface is patched or repaved to match the surroundings.
- Final Inspection: A final video inspection checks for proper installation and drainage flow before activating the new system.
Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
Not all sewer line damage requires extensive digging. Trenchless sewer repair is a cost-effective and less disruptive alternative, ideal for urban areas. The trenchless sewer line repair method uses special machinery to repair the pipe with minimal ground disturbance. Two common trenchless repair techniques are pipe bursting and pipe lining.
Pipe Bursting Repair
Pipe bursting involves replacing the old pipe by fracturing it and pulling a new pipe into place. The process typically includes:
- Entry and Exit Pits: Pits are dug at the entry and exit points along the pipe path.
- Bursting Equipment Setup: The bursting equipment is lowered into the entry pit, and the new HDPE pipe is attached behind the bursting head.
- Pipe Bursting: The bursting head is launched into the old pipe, breaking it apart and pulling the new pipe behind it.
- Connection and Restoration: The new pipe is connected to the plumbing system, the pits are filled, and the surface is restored.
Pipe Lining Repair
For minor cracks and leaks, pipe lining repairs involve installing a new liner inside the old pipe, extending its life by 50 years or more. The steps include:
- Inspection and Cleaning: The old pipe is inspected and cleaned typically using a hydro-jetting method.
- Liner Insertion: A liner tube saturated with resin is inserted into the old pipe. An inflatable bladder holds the liner against the inner walls.
- Curing: Hot water or steam cures and hardens the resin into a smooth, jointless pipe liner.
- Reconnection: Robotic cutting devices reopen the lateral connection points, and the ends of the liner are sealed.
