Plumbing Express, Inc. is a vital industry, distributing water and removing waste. Learn about this complex system that is essential to our daily lives.

State-specific regulations govern the licensing and certification of plumbers. These differences highlight the importance of understanding and adhering to local laws.

Clogged pipes can lead to expensive repair bills. Keep your drains clear by avoiding flushing wipes, paper towels and cooking oil.

Pipe bursting is a newer technology that replaces underground pipes without traditional excavation. It’s faster, more efficient and can be used in a wider variety of projects than traditional methods. It’s also less disruptive to homeowners and businesses. It can fit in tight spaces and avoid tearing up yards and driveways. And it’s much cheaper than traditional line repair services.

It works by inserting an expander head into the existing pipe. The expander head “bursts” the existing pipe into small pieces, allowing the new pipe to be pulled through the space. This method can be used to replace sewer, water or gas pipes and is a good choice when the existing pipe is damaged beyond repair or in need of major renovations.

Before the work begins, the team must identify an entry point and receiving pit. The pits must be dug in a location that is accessible and can accommodate the large equipment that will be used. Next, the crew must clear away any trees, sidewalks or other obstacles that will interfere with the work. Once the area is prepared, the insertion rod is put into place and the expander head is attached to it. Once the expansion head is in place, the insertion rod is pulled back. The bursting head is then guided into the damaged line, further breaking the old pipe into small pieces. The resulting space is then filled with the new pipe, leaving behind the pulverized remains of the old pipe.

There are three main types of pipe bursting systems: static pull, hydraulic and pneumatic. The type chosen depends on factors like soil and groundwater conditions, the existing pipe materials and depth. In any case, the system must be carefully calibrated to ensure that it’s not only effective but safe and durable. The advantages of this technology are considerable and its use is growing, as more and more homes and businesses need to have their sewer lines repaired or replaced. The best way to determine if pipe bursting is right for you is to talk to a professional.

Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is another trenchless technology that is becoming more popular as it offers a more efficient solution for pipe repair. This method is especially useful for clogged pipes and those that have experienced damage over time. It is a great preventative measure that can help protect your home from structural damage in the future, and it won’t cost as much as tearing out your old pipes and installing new ones.

Your sewer & water lines are a network of pipes that ferry wastewater to & from your home, and over time they can become cracked or damaged. If they do, it could cause sewage to leak into your property and even backflow problems. While drain cleaners & snaking can help ease these problems, if they are happening frequently it’s likely that your pipes need to be relined.

Using this technique, a plumber will apply an epoxy resin to the interior surface of your damaged pipes. This will reline the inside of the pipes, covering any cracks or holes and sealing off any leaks, resulting in a smooth interior surface that allows for better flow.

To start, a plumbing expert will use a CCTV camera inspection to check the extent of your pipe’s damage and determine whether or not it would be best to reline it. Once the decision has been made, your pipes will be cleaned with a hydro-jetter to remove any grease and oils that may interfere with the resin’s bonding process. This is important because resin will not bond with any residue left behind in the pipe.

The plumber will then insert the custom liner into your pipe and inflate it with compressed air. This will mold the epoxy to the inside of your pipe, relining it just like it was originally.

Because it is a non-invasive and efficient method, it can take less than a week to reline your entire home’s plumbing pipes. However, relining is more complex than simple drain cleaning and should not be attempted as your first Do It Yourself project. It’s recommended that you hire a professional plumber to handle the task of relining your pipes, especially if they are underground.

Root Invasion

Root intrusion is one of the most common, yet least understood, sewer drainage problems that homeowners face. As roots reach for a bountiful supply of water and nutrients, they will often invade your sewage line and cause blockages that lead to major repair and clean-up bills.

The best way to prevent this is by planting trees far enough away from the sewage lines. However, if you already have trees on your property, regular inspections are essential to spot potential issues early. Signs of trouble include excessive moisture around your home, slow draining sinks and toilets, gurgling noises when flushing the toilet, and foul odors.

When tree roots enter your sewage pipe, they may cause a blockage that can lead to sewage backups and serious damage. They can also weaken and crack the piping, leading to collapsed pipes that are prone to leaks and bursts. If left untreated, these problems can become worse and even threaten the structural integrity of your home.

Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent this from happening to your home. A professional can perform a camera inspection of your sewer line to detect the presence of roots and recommend the appropriate repair solution. A simple tree root removal can be a cost-effective fix, or if the damage is more severe, you may need to replace sections of the sewage line.

Although it may seem counterintuitive to remove healthy, living trees from your property, doing so can significantly reduce the likelihood of future problems. If you notice that a large tree is too close to your sewage lines, consult with an expert to have it removed. In addition, when planting new trees or shrubs on your property, choose species with less aggressive root systems and keep them a safe distance from your sewage lines.

Back Pitch

Back pitch occurs when your sewer line slopes incorrectly and causes sewage to stop flowing through the line. This can be due to dirt settling under or around the pipe and creating a negative slope. Water, waste, and debris that should be going downhill will stop in the sunken area and over time can create a blockage. Many drain cleaners will diagnose back pitch and suggest you get it fixed. It is important to speak with a licensed master plumber before making this type of resolution. It is possible to resolve the section that is back pitched but the sewage may still be stopped further down the line on your property or separated under the sidewalk or roadway. This would require you to replace your entire sewer line from the house to the city sewer line.