A broken sewer pipe problem can stem from a variety of causes, from a simple clogged line to a damaged pipe. Although some of these concerns might be addressed by calling a plumber, there are sewer pipe issues that can be solved on your own. First, you have to know the signs that something is not right with your sewer line. Are you having a musky or unpleasant odor in the house or noticing weak water pressure or flow when taking a shower? These are some tell-tale signs your sewer line might be damaged or has a leak and work must be done. If you think this is a job you can use your handy skills on, here are some tips to help you out.
1. Locate The Broken Sewer Pipe.
You can manually inspect the line in your home and check for leaks in your pipeline. If there is no evident leak from the inside, you can check the pipe just outside your home so long as it has not reached the city sewer outside your property. If there is water accumulating in a certain part of your lawn where the line located, chances are there is a leak caused by a broken pipe. You can use a shovel to dig the soil and exposed the pipe. In cases where there is a concrete slab, a jackhammer will come in handy.
2. Clean And Repair The Pipe.
If the problem is simple clogging, a plumber’s snake is what you need to fix it. By snaking through the pipe, you can push the gunk and solid materials that have built up to clear the drain pipe. Remember to wear rubber gloves as you might also be using your hands to remove debris and dirt to give you a better view of the pipe. After the clog has been removed, you can now put back the soil and apply cement for the concrete slab you have removed. On the other hand, if the solution is to seal the leak, a pipe sealant is what you need. It is available in any home improvement store or the local hardware and is not expensive. You might also want to wait overnight before covering the pipe and close the water line that will pass through this pipe to ensure the seal will be dry in the morning.
3. Replace The Pipe If Needed.
If the problem requires more than just clearing the clog, replacing a portion of the pipe can be the best solution. Depending on the pipe material, you will have to cut the damaged pipe and replace it with a new one. You can use PVC, which is more common now and is easily replaceable. However, if you are living in an older house, your home’s sewer line might be made of steel or galvanized material. In any case, see to it that you have rubber or metal couplings with a steel band to connect the old pipe to the new one.
Fixing a broken sewer is easy if this is just a simple problem. Why pay for more all you need to do is clear the clogging or replacing a part of the sewer line. Of course, if you know the work will be too much for you to handle and will need an expert to get it done, you can always do so.
