Your home or business is more than just a structure – it’s an investment that deserves your attention and care. When it comes to repair and sealing, understanding their impact on your sewer lines is important.
In this article, we will explore the connection between foundation repair and the health of your sewer line system.
Step 1: Discovering the Problem
Unveiling the Hidden Link
The health of your foundation has a direct effect on the sewer lines system. The pipes in your building join the side sewer lines, which then join the main sewer line, which takes sewage to the city’s septic tank. The building is built onto a sturdy foundation, and can be made from concrete, steel, stones, bricks, or another strong material. Because the foundation is above the sewer lines system, any issues that affect the integrity of your building’s foundation will trickle down. Fortunately, knowing what signs to look out for and the causes of these problems is key to avoiding costly fixes in the future.
Early Warning Signs
Your foundation is the base of your building, and it provides support and stability to the structure. When the foundation sustains damage over time, there are some tell-tale signs that are easy to recognize.
- Cracks or breakages in the foundation or floors
- Other apparent visual changes in the structure include:
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps between walls and ceilings
- Windows or doors that get stuck or otherwise operate improperly
The Domino Effect
If the structure of your foundation is compromised, then the building’s structure is compromised, and your sewer line system can be compromised. Since the foundation is in between the home or business and their sewer line systems, everything is connected.
There are several things that can affect the integrity of your foundation. Environmental effects include tree root growth causing disturbances, changes in soil that cause soil movement, and water infiltration. Issues can arise from the sewer line system if there is damage causing leakage, which can also cause sewage to affect the surrounding soil. Also, poor construction can negatively affect the overall health of your home.
Step 2: Fixing the Problem
Sewer Line Repair 101
Damaged sewer lines affect the environment around them. Because the sewer line system is underground below the foundation, any leaks will weaken the soil.
Identifying issues with your sewer line is usually pretty simple:
- Slow drainage affecting your toilet, bathtub or shower, and sinks
- Tree roots growing through the sewer pipes
- Old sewer pipes with cracks and breaks
When the water takes a long time to drain, that is evidence of blockages in the pipes that should efficiently lead water and sewage away from the home. Slow drainage is accompanied by unfavorable smells in the building. The severity of the clog and potential damage in the pipes determines the treatment or sewer repair necessary to solve the problem before it gets worse.
The typical treatments ranging from low to high invasiveness are as follows:
- Hydro jetting: unclogs sewer pipeline system with pressurized water, resuming normal water and sewer water drainage.
- Trenchless Sewer Repair: several methods of sewer repair and reinforcement without excavation, such as pipe bursting or cured-in-place piping.
- Traditional: Excavation and sewer line repair to treat extensive damage to the water lines.
We have a professional team at The Pipe Dr. that are trained in protecting the sewer lines of your home or business in the greater Seattle area!
Related articles:
- “Hydro Jetting Plumbers”
- “Everything to Know About Trenchless Sewer Repair”
- “What You Need to Know About Repairs on Your Sewer and Side Sewer Lines”
Safeguarding Your Sewer Lines
If you have found any of the issues, there is likely damage to your foundation, building, or sewer lines. To get the proper diagnosis, call the professionals. The source of the problems, as well as the most reliable treatment necessary will be determined and put into action!
There are several tips and tricks that are used during foundation repair, as well as sewer repair that will keep your sewer line system safe from potential damage. If your sewer lines are near the site where foundation repair must occur, that area can be reinforced with structural support. This prevents any shifting in the soil around the area as well. If that is not an option, the sewer lines can also be temporarily rerouted to avoid the area where foundation repair will be done.
The Art of Sealing
Once foundation repair is underway, sealing is used as a way to create a waterproof barrier to prevent water infiltration and potential sewer leaks. There are several techniques that are used today:
Waterproof membranes
Your foundation can acquire extra protection with an added layer of hydrophobic material. This creates a barrier between the foundation and the earth around it. Foundation is typically made with porous materials, such as concrete, that can crack over time and allow water infiltration from the environment. Waterproof membranes come in two forms: sheet-based and liquid-based.
- Sheet-based: sheets are laid onto the firm surfaces of the foundation. This water-resistant membrane can be made from HDPE, PVC, butyl, bentonite, or a combination of those materials.
- Liquid-based: this chemical membrane can be sprayed or rolled to bring flexible reassurance to weakened areas of your foundation. It can be made from hydrophobic urethanes or polyurethanes.
Epoxy injections
Cracks in your foundation can be repaired with polyurethane or epoxy injections.
Polyurethane foam is flexible, and great for sealing cracks because it expands upon injection, and is also effective at maintaining a barrier in cracks that are susceptible to moisture.
Epoxy is a stronger resin that is commonly used for long, thin, structural cracks.
French drains
A french drain is a trench system that moves water away from your foundation. Not all soils are compatible with this option, especially in places like Seattle with heavy rains!
Step 3: Proper Maintenance and Expertise
Proactive Maintenance
Periodic inspections of the property and addressing any plumbing or sewer line issues promptly will ensure minimal issues down the line. It is like giving a physical to your property! Preventative care is much less costly than having to get into sewer repair or foundation repair. However, if there is damage to the integrity of your foundation, call the experts.
Choosing Expertise
When you have a problem, who are you going to call? Finding an honest and reliable company is important to return the health of your home or business back to normal. In the greater Seattle area, you can contact The Pipe Dr. to cure those ailments!
We can answer your call day or night with our 24/7 services, whether you are looking for sewer inspections, quotes, drainage solutions, sewer repair options, or emergency services.
If you’re in Seattle, the Pipe Dr. is ready to see you!