Whether you’re a residential or commercial property owner, there are many things that can go awry with your building’s infrastructure that you need to be wary of. One of the most aggravating and messy problems you can potentially run into is sewage and drain issues. It is important to be informed of possible sewer complications, as well as what you should do if repair is needed, in order to avoid a serious headache in the future.
What Should You Look Out For?
The most common symptoms (for both home and business owners) of sewage acting up include sewage water backup through toilets or drains, gurgling, and bad odors. Often times you’ll know something is wrong by walking past areas where your sewage is connected like bathrooms, sinks, or showers.
Commercial properties typically take more wear and tear than residential homes and are therefore more prone to blocks, leaks, and breakage. Damaged drain and sewage pipes can cause groundwater contamination and flooding which could lead to a severe environmental hazard. Commercial property owners are solely responsible for maintaining their properties’ sewage lines and, because of this, they should be especially mindful of sewage issues.
What Causes Problems In Sewage Lines?
Believe it or not, there are quite a few culprits lurking and waiting to cause issues for your sewage lines. Some of the most common sources include:
- Older pipes – In the early 1900s it was common for property builders to use clay pipes when creating the sewage lines. Over time, tree roots grow into the material and cause the clay to crack, therefore creating holes or blockage.
- Tree roots – If they’re strong enough, roots can also create holes or blockages in other, more common, pipe material.
- Low areas – Pooling may occur if the ground soil around the sewage line moves or if a pipe was installed incorrectly.
- Foreign objects – Excess garbage in your plumbing can create blockages.
If you own commercial property you should also make sure to avoid grease and food particle buildup in your plumbing.
How Do I Fix Issues With My Sewage Lines?
If you experience any of the above complications with your sewage line, you will need to call an experienced professional to assess the situation. Alpha Environmental’s trained experts will evaluate what types of measures need to be taken in order to ensure your lines are back in working order. Whether it’s as simple as unclogging a drain or as difficult as repairing a broken pipe, Alpha Environmental utilizes a state-of-the-art Video Scope method to inspect each unique case. If your pipes are in need of repair we will use one of two methods: trenchless repair via pipe bursting or directional drilling.
Pipe bursting is a way of snaking the new pipe in through the old pipe and bursting the old pipe away. This method is trenchless as it’s unnecessary to build a trench along the old sewer pipe to install the new one. Instead, only two holes are created and the process is more efficient.
Directional boring or drilling is a steerable trenchless method that allows us to install piping by using a surface-launched drilling rig. This method has minimal impact on the surrounding area and is used when trenching or excavating aren’t practical.
By using the most contemporary methods and materials an Alpha Environmental skilled professional will be there to help with your sewage inspection and repair. We know it gets messy, so call in the specialists with years of experience to help with your residential or commercial property needs.
