Just like we humans are mortal, fatal drain failures expose your plumbing system to mortality. A clogged drain can have similar consequences to your body when an artery is blocked. Find the hidden dangers of damaged drains and realise when excavation becomes mandatory to prevent your plumbing system from collapsing.
A severely damaged drain can bring your entire household to a standstill. Drain cleaning techniques like Hydro Jetting and Relining provide an effective solution for minor blockages, but some drain issues are beyond repair and need invasive solutions. If you notice cracks, collapses, or severe corrosion in your drains, it is high time to replace damaged areas through excavation and repair work no longer. From collapsed drain solutions to sewer line excavation, Drain excavation Adelaide experts provide all types of complex plumbing services and ensure the longevity of your plumbing system.
This blog provides you with all the necessary details to address a neglected, damaged drain and to elaborate on signs that your drains are beyond repair and need excavation. Must Read!
When Drain Repairs No Longer Work
Temporary Fixes vs. Permanent Solutions
Choosing between the temporary and permanent solutions for drainage repairs is a big dilemma. If every time you get your drains repaired, it fails, drainage excavation can be a dead end to the road of your drainage woes. For better resolution, seek advice from a professional Plumber Adelaide to suggest the best approach tailored to your situation.
Cycle of Temporary Repairs
Temporary fixes are like putting a Band-Aid on the broken bone, which seems good on the surface, but underneath, the problem deepens. Realise that repeated minor repairs prove costly in the long run. It weakens the plumbing structure also. Hence, it is wise to invest once in permanent excavation rather than paying for an ongoing repair cycle.
Overview of Drain Excavation
When temporary repairs are needed every now and then, it becomes a permanent cycle. To break this, go for the permanent solution when you see the damage is extensive.
What You Can Expect From Drain Excavation
Drain excavation Adelaide offers a complete drainage package, which includes blocked drain replacement, collapsed drain solutions, and sewer line excavation. It assesses the damage and provides the best solution needed. It requires digging the ground to locate access to the affected damaged area. It involves the replacement of the damaged pipe, followed by backfilling the area with soil. Excavation is the best solution if you are tired of repeated repairs; it relieves you once and for all.
Top Signs a Drain Needs Excavation
Recurrent and Worsening Blockages
When Stubborn and shameless blockages keep bothering you every now and then, it is a sign of some deeper issue in the drainage system. Buildup of debris, grease, or other substances can be the possible reasons for drain clogs; however, if the problem persists, take it as an indication of some serious issues like misaligned pipes or internal damage. Ignoring recurrent blockages may prove costly and lead to further damage, like pipe bursts or sewage clogging. Hire a professional blocked drains cleaning service in Adelaide and try to find out the root cause to control further damage.
Collapsed or Broken Pipes
Pipes are the lifeline of the plumbing system, just like the veins in the human body. Broken or collapsed pipes need your immediate attention. Otherwise, the consequences can worsen the situation, leading to significant drainage disruption. Aging infrastructure and tree root intrusion are common factors behind collapsed pipes. If you observe soggy patches around plumbing fittings or in the yard, sinkholes, or any weird noises from the pipes, it is a clear sign that you need professional help to check up the pipes.
Extensive Tree Root Invasion
Tree roots have the power to damage your drainage system by infiltrating the structure. When tree roots grow, they wrap around the pipes and cause cracks, resulting in blockages and backups. If the case is even severe, tree root invasion can even cause pipes to collapse. If your home drains are flowing slowly, frequent blockages, or if you notice unusual vegetation growth near pipes, it is a sign that there is tree root intrusion. The best way to find out is by using CCTV inspection, which locates the exact problem and helps in restoring the drainage system’s integrity without wasting time.
Sewer Backups & Foul Odours
Sewer blockage and foul odour are not normal; it is a sign that something’s gone wrong within the drainage system. Sewer blockage is more severe than you think; it not only poses drainage problems, but blocked wastewater also creates health hazards and unhygienic living conditions. If you see sewer blockages quite often at your home, and foul odour becomes persistent, it is a sign that you should get an appointment with a professional Plumber Adelaide and seek prevention of your health and plumbing damage.
Structural Shifting or Sinkholes
Sinkholes are a clear indication that your property is facing serious drainage issues. The technical reason and fact are that when pipes break down or collapse, soil erodes in the surrounding area, which creates sinkholes. This is a threat to the safety and stability of your property, so if you notice such changes in your home, investigate deeper and find out the real cause to take prompt action to prevent further damage. For collapsed drain solutions, contact a professional emergency plumber in Adelaide immediately.
Technologies to Confirm Drain Damage
The plumbing sector requires modern technology and the latest techniques to accurately diagnose and repair drainage issues. Every plumbing professional is skilled in using these tools. Let’s explore some of the key technologies used to confirm drain damage:
CCTV Drain Inspection
CCTV drain inspection technique uses the camera as understood. It captures visuals inside the pipelines and inspects the damage accurately. In the scenario of a collapsed pipe, CCTV footage plays a crucial role in showing cracks in the pipe, misalignment, blockages, or any signs of corrosion.
This technology:
- Find out the exact location of the damage.
- Assess the extent of damage and
- Determines the best solution for repairs.
Smoke Testing and Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
As the name suggests, smoke technology uses smoke in the pipe to find the leaks and cracks. This method:
- Locate hidden leaks and damages.
- Trace the areas where pipe integrity is compromised.
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
This technique uses high water pressure in the pipes to test their intactness. This method:
- Check out the strength of the pipe to withstand pressure.
- Identify the root cause of the problem.
What Happens During Drain Excavation?
Once you realise that your drain beyond repairs needs replacement, drain excavation Adelaide is the next step you need to take. This complex process must be undertaken by professionals so that each and every step gets done with safety and precision. It has several steps; the overview of what happens during drain excavation in Adelaide is given below:
Site Assessment & Marking Utilities
As the first step, Adelaide’s professional broken drain excavation service began with a site assessment to find out the exact location of the pipe and the extent of the damage. It is significant to call utility companies like gas, electricity, and water suppliers to mark out the location of underground utilities. With this, the entire area of excavation is marked to make sure that the digging process is precise and safe.
Digging and Pipe Removal
Once the area to be dug is marked and finalised, a professional Adelaide plumber starts digging to expose the damaged pipes. Digging has to be done very carefully to ensure that the surrounding pipes or utilities should not be damaged. The damaged pipe is removed and replaced after cleaning the blockage.
New Drain Installation & Testing
After digging and removing the damaged pipe, a new pipe is installed. During the installation of the new pipe, it has to be ensured that proper fitting is done to align and connect with the other existing pipes. The new drain is tested under various environmental and water pressure conditions for enduring functioning.
Backfilling and Restoration
The final step is to backfill the dug area with the soil and restore the original ground conditions. If any surface, like grassy lawns or driveways, is damaged in the process of blocked drain replacement, such areas should also be repaired. Full and final testing is done to check that everything is executed as planned and expected, and that the pipe excavation work is completed successfully.
Alternatives to Excavation (If Still Possible)
If you want to escape the excavation process for your damaged drains, you may alternatively use less disruptive and cost-effective methods, provided that the damage is not too extensive. Excavation is the only solution for a collapsed drain. Here are the said alternatives:
Pipe Relining
Pipe relining is a process in which professional drain cleaners insert a new liner into the existing damaged pipe. The new liner is then inflated and set in the damaged pipe. This method is feasible when the pipe has internal damage, but structurally it is sound.
Benefits of Pipe Relining method:
- It is cost-effective.
- Less disruptive than Excavation.
- Reduce the risk of damage to connected pipes.
Pipe Bursting or Trenchless Methods
Another method is Pipe Bursting. In this method, the old pipe is broken and replaced with the new pipe. It is a trenchless method where you can replace the old pipe without digging a trench. This method is suitable for people who do not want to dig the ground and can still replace the damaged drain beyond repair.
Cost Considerations & Insurance Coverage
Drain excavation Adelaide digs your wallet too, but a little understanding of what affects the cost may save you from financial shocks. Let us understand further:
What Affects Drain Excavation Cost?
Understanding factors that affect drain excavation cost may help you handle it better. Here are some significant factors that you must look at:
Length:
The longer the pipe, the more it costs to excavate because longer pipes need more material and more labour. In other words, we can say that the cost of drain excavation is directly proportional to the length of the pipe.
Depth:
The deeper the pipe, the costlier the excavation because deeper pipes require specialized equipment for digging and safety precautions.
Material:
Complex pipe structure made up of cast iron or clay is۔more expensive to replace and work with.
Accessibility of the Site:
The cost of drain excavation Adelaide can be more expensive when the location of the site is hard to reach or it needs special permit bound by the local laws. Inspection and permit cost further increase the overall cost.
Is Excavation Covered by Insurance?
The insurance industry is quite versatile nowadays. There is insurance coverage available for almost anything and everything that exists. Excavation costs are no exception to this. There are varied types of insurance available to cover the cost of drain excavation. For homes and residential usage, insurance might cover excavation costs due to a sudden or unexpected event. While for commercial usage, insurance policies are more comprehensive. Generally, maintenance costs are not included in insurance coverage.
Tips For Filing Insurance Claims:
Before you file an insurance claim for drain excavation, read these tips:
- Click the clear photos and shoot videos of the damaged area.
- Keep records of all the receipts and invoices for the expenditure incurred on pipe restoration.
- Report the damage to your insurer at the earliest.
- Document everything, even the smallest, and keep it handy.
Why Choose Right Now Plumbing Adelaide for Excavation?
Drain excavation is not an expense; it is an investment that improves the quality of your living and the value of your property. Thus, you need a reliable plumbing service in Adelaide. Right Now Plumbing in Adelaide is one such trustworthy and renowned name that stands out for the following features:
Experienced
RNP has a blend of an experienced team of professionals and new talent. They specialized in handling both planned and emergency excavation services. Be it a scheduled plumbing checkup or a sudden pipe burst, Right Now Plumbing Adelaide is ready to rescue in every situation.
Transparent Pricing
Transparency brings trust, and Right Now Plumbing Adelaide makes sure to provide clear and upfront pricing to its clients. There is no hidden cost or surprises at the end of the job. Everything is just fair.
Local Team
Right Now Plumbing Adelaide is a team of locals, and this blesses them with the advantage of familiarity with the unique challenges and conditions of Adelaide’s local infrastructure.
Latest Technology Equipment
They use the latest technology and equipment to provide you the best, effective, and efficient excavation, which reduces the loss to your property.
Trained Experts
They have highly qualified and trained Experts in the field who are skilled in the excavation technique.
Eco-Friendly Practices
They value the environment, thus are committed to following best practices that are eco-friendly and promote sustainable excavation methods.
Conclusion: Know When to Dig Deep
Drain issues are pesky and need immediate fixing. This informative blog educates you about the major signs that tell you the drain needs excavation and is beyond repair. Notice signs like recurrent blockages, collapsed pipes, tree root invasion, sewer backups, and structural shifting to seek professional plumbing services like Right Now Plumbing Adelaide, which use advanced technologies and provide efficient excavation services to restore your plumbing system’s integrity.
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Drain Has Completely Collapsed?
These signs are a clear indication that your drains have completely collapsed and are beyond repair:
- When Stubborn and shameless blockages keep bothering you every now and then, it is a sign of some deeper issue in the drainage system. Buildup of debris, grease, or other substances can be the possible reason for drain clogs.
- Aging infrastructure and tree root intrusion are common factors behind collapsed pipes.
- If you observe soggy patches around plumbing fittings or in the yard, sinkholes, or any weird noises from the pipes, it is a clear sign that you need professional help to check up the pipes.
- If your home drains are flowing slowly, experience frequent blockages, or if you notice unusual vegetation growth near pipes, it is a sign that there is tree root intrusion.
- Sewer blockage is more severe than you think; it not only poses drainage problems but also creates health hazards and unhygienic living conditions. If you see sewer blockages quite often at your home, and foul odour becomes persistent, it is a sign that you should get an appointment with a professional Plumber.
- Sinkholes are a clear indication that your property is facing serious drainage issues.
Can I Avoid Excavation With Trenchless Relining?
Yes, this method is Pipe Bursting. In this method, the old pipe is broken and replaced with the new pipe. It is a trenchless method where you can replace the old pipe without digging a trench. This method is suitable for people who do not want to dig the ground and can still replace the damaged drain beyond repair.
How Long Does Drain Excavation Take?
Drain excavation duration varies depending on the extent of damage, pipe location, and complexity, typically taking several hours to days.
Will Excavation Damage My Landscaping?
Excavation may damage landscaping, but professional plumbers take precautions to minimise the impact. Discuss your concerns with your plumber beforehand.
What’s The Average Cost For Drain Excavation in Adelaide?
Drain excavation in Adelaide costs range between 15K dollars and 20K dollars. However, the cost might go down to 5K dollars if used in trenches.