A practical way for homeowners to gain insight into real-world projects is by searching for services like Sewer Line Repair near me. Witnessing a project’s progression from start to finish provides a clear understanding of the work involved and helps homeowners evaluate the expertise of different plumbing professionals. Cast iron pipes typically do not experience a single clean break that requires repair while the rest of the system remains in good condition. When one section of a cast iron pipe is broken or deteriorating, it is common for other parts of the system to also be in a similar state of deterioration

The highlighted project of the day took place in a conventional residence in central Plano close to the intersection of Custer Road and Park Boulevard. Constructed in 1971, this 1,800-square-foot house had undergone renovations. It offers four bedrooms, two and a half.

Homes constructed in central Plano during this period often exhibit similar characteristics. The area was experiencing a surge in residential development, driven by demand from Dallas families seeking functional, budget-friendly homes that offered a convenient commute to the city.

Fox and Jacobs, well-known for their cost-effective construction methods, built numerous homes in the areas located to the north and south of the current President.

Today’s case study illustrates a common situation where Plano homeowners are required.

Calling a Plano Plumber for a Clogged Drain

Contacting a plumber in Plano to fix a blocked drain was the initial step Advocates took when they scheduled the appointment. The issue at hand was a bathroom drain that was blocked, which is a common occurrence. However, certain signs and details suggested that there might be more extensive issues to uncover, possibly requiring Sewer Line Repair near me.

The home’s age was a red flag indicating potential plumbing issues. Since it was built in the early 1970s, before PVC pipes became widely used, the original drain pipes were likely made of cast iron. Although cast iron pipes are strong and dependable when new, they are prone to corrosion, making the question not if they will need to be replaced but rather when they will eventually fail due to rust and wear. This could lead to the need for Sewer Line Repair near me.

It was not the initial instance of a clog happening in the drainage system, particularly in a specific bathroom. Having a recurring history of clogs in a cast iron sewer line significantly raises the likelihood of underlying problems that may require professional attention for Sewer Line Repair near me.

History of Past Sewer Repairs

Beyond the recurring blockages, the residence’s sewer system had undergone repairs in the past. Notably, the homeowner was aware of an instance where a slab-embedded drain pipe had been excavated and repaired by a Sewer Line Repair near my service.

Cast iron pipes typically do not experience a single clean break that requires repair while the rest of the system remains in good condition. When one section of a cast iron pipe is broken or deteriorating, it is common for other parts of the system to also be in a similar state of deterioration, often necessitating Sewer Line Repair near my assistance.

Shifting Slab Foundation

Another indication was the homeowner’s report of a foundation that was experiencing movement or instability, suggesting that the underlying structure of the house was compromised.

Plano homeowners frequently encounter foundation problems, largely due to the unstable nature of the region’s clay soil. This issue is the fact that slab foundations prone to shifting can also lead to cracked and damaged pipes beneath the house.

In some cases, the unstable foundation can lead to a leak as the ground movement fractures the sewer line. Conversely, the leak may originate from a corroded drain pipe, with the escaping water infiltrating the surrounding clay soil and causing it to swell, thereby triggering the foundation shift.

The Discovery of a Cast Iron Pipe Slab Leak

A Chrome Air Conditioning expert, Kelly, was sent to investigate the original problem of a blocked drain and determine its underlying cause. Kelly began to try and dislodge the obstruction.

A Clogged, Broken Sewer Pipe

Kelly encountered difficulties shortly after beginning to use the drain cleaning equipment. The high-powered sewer machine started to slow down when the cable started to get tangled up inside the drain pipe.

 Kelly said: failed attempts to clear the blockage, Kelly pulled out the drain cable and inspected the tip. Regrettably, it was clogged with a dense, stubborn mixture of Texas clay and mud. Kelly then commented

I used a cable but couldn’t remove the blockage because my ⅞” cable fell into the trench rot, which caused a tough blockage due to a deteriorated pipe.

Following multiple failed attempts to resolve the blockage mechanically, Kelly realized that a more in-depth investigation was necessary to identify the underlying problem.

The Sewer Camera Inspection

The Visual Pipe Assessment Following the initial assessment, a camera was inserted into the pipe to visually examine the interior.

After realizing that I was unable to remove the obstruction and that my cable would sink into the ground we used a sewer camera to examine the line. As the camera descended, I observed a specific location where it would descend incorrectly.

Put simply, the base of the old cast iron pipe had entirely disintegrated bottom, but as it approached the obstruction, it suddenly fell through the gap and landed in the soil beneath the pipe.

Kelly identified the root cause of the frequent drain blockages and then talked to the homeowner about the problem and the availability.

Options for Cast Iron Sewer Repair

There are various choices available for fixing a damaged cast iron sewer line. These options range from replacing only the specific damaged section to completely replacing the entire drain pipe.

At Chrome Air Conditioning, our approach is centered around empowering homeowners with choices and providing a thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each option, enabling them to make an informed decision that aligns with their unique needs and priorities. Specifically, this homeowner was weighing two distinct possibilities.

Spot Repair of a Cast Iron Sewer Line

This approach entails targeting the specific area of the pipe where damage is the affected section and substituting it with a new one. While this method can be viable, it’s often more practical to replace the entire pipe if the damage is widespread and fix a limited segment.

A previous repair had been made in the vicinity of the current damage, which suggested that the cast iron pipe was experiencing widespread deterioration rather than a localized issue.

Full Under-Slab Drain Pipe Replacement

The homeowner opted to overhaul the entire drainage system rather than patching up a small portion or a larger segment. This approach would entail removing all existing horizontal cast iron pipes and installing a new network of PVC drain pipes, providing a complete and modernized solution.

After replacing everything under the slab, the entire house will operate without any drain issues being resolved for the long term Ultimately, this option was chosen.

We provided an estimate for repairing a specific area and for completely replacing the plumbing system in the entire house. I to go ahead with repiping the entire house.

Laying Out A Drain Pipe Reroute

One major benefit of replacing the entire system simultaneously is the increased flexibility it offers. The new pipes can be configured to follow a different route than the original, allowing for a more optimal layout.

With the entire sewer drainage system beneath the house being overhauled, Kelly seized the opportunity to reconfigure the layout, redirecting the kitchen, laundry, and adjacent half-bathroom drains to exit through the side yard. This strategic redesign significantly reduced the need for extensive digging, resulting in a lower excavation accessible system for future maintenance.

Digging the Tunnel For Cast Iron Pipe Replacement

Excavating drain pipe

Following the homeowner’s decision to proceed with a comprehensive drain system overhaul, Kelly launched the project. Adhered to its meticulous standards, ensuring every step of the process was executed with precision.

Kelly began the process by obtaining a permit from the building department in Plano. This permit would prompt a city inspector to visit the site after the new been put in place and ensure that the installation complied with both the state of Texas and local plumbing regulations.

Setting Up A Tunnel and Trench Excavation

Kelly worked with the chrome air conditioning excavation team to complete tunneling beneath the house and trenching in the yard. They dug a tunnel spanning 68 feet under the foundation and excavated a trench of 85 feet in the yard. The excavation took approximately two and a half days to finish this task.

Chrome Air Conditioning excavators use manual labor to dig up everything. They work efficiently and neatly on the dug-up dirt on plastic sheets and carefully store any landscaping that has been moved for easy reinstatement. The tunnels are constructed with safe dimensions, with access pits measuring 3 feet by 3 feet and the tunnels themselves being dug out in a square shape, providing ample space for safe and efficient work.

Replacing the Old Cast Iron Pipe with New PVC Pipe

Replacing the drainage system beneath a house using a tunnel approach is a complex and physically demanding task that necessitates expertise and finesse. Fortunately, Kelly and his skilled apprentice formed

The aged pipes were meticulously removed from the locations where they emerged to supply the house’s bathtubs, toilets, sinks, and other fixtures. Some of these connection points were embedded in concrete and required delicate removal. After taking out the cast iron pipes, the new piping was then installed.

Connecting to Old Cast Iron Pipe

To link up with the old cast iron pipe, Kelly started by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the vertical pipe connections to ensure a leak-free seal. He then employed stainless steel band-re, which were securely tightened.

Other companies may opt for a more affordable alternative to this adapter coupling, which may be sufficient for a limited time, but lacks the stability and durability to withstand shifts in the ground, making it more prone to misalignment.

Supporting the New Drain Pipe in the Tunnel

Kelly opted for the more durable, solid-wall PVC piping for the new installation, eschewing the less substantial “foam-core” alternative that some competitors have adopted.

To ensure the pipe’s stability and maintain its correct angle, Kelly fitted steel hangers that were securely fastened to the concrete slab, preventing any potential shifting. Notably, chrome air conditioning exceeds industry standards by installing double the number of support hangers required by building codes.

Slab Leak Repair Testing and Inspection

Following the installation and proper sloping of the new pipes, Kelly conducted thorough testing to ensure his work was accurate and prepared the system for a city inspection. Legacy facilitates the inspection process, coordinating with both the city and the homeowner to find a mutually convenient time, thereby reducing the duration of system downtime.

The primary step is to communicate with the homeowner, informing them about what will happen during the inspection.

Testing Sewer Repair For Leaks

The assessmentanean drain pipes are commonlyhydrostatic testing”. It requires blocking the primary drain pipe temporarily and saturating all of the recently fixed piping with water. By doing so, any leaks become evident promptly as the water level will begin to decrease.

Documented the connections and piping beneath the slab through photographs valuable resource for the homeowner’s records and facilitated future inspections by the city.

Plano City Inspection

Once the city inspector successfully completed the inspection and confirmed that the installation met city plumbing regulations, the project received an official “green tag” and was authorized for back-filling. Following this, Kelly removed the test and the newly installed system was now operational. The final steps involved replacing the soil and completing.

How The Slab Leak Tunnel Repair Affected the Foundation and the Yard

The aftermath of the slab leak tunnel repair project was surprisingly minimal, with little to no disruption to the home’s interior. In fact, Kelly’s work was largely confined to the exterior, with the only interior work being the reinstallation of the bathroom toilets on new PVC flanges. The rest of the repairs were carried out from beneath the house, eliminating the need for invasive concrete work or messy dust-generating procedures.

Engineer’s Slab Tunnel Compaction Report

The engineer’s report on tunnel compaction for the slab foundation indicates that the effects on the home’s interior finish were minimal, mir on the foundation itself.