A Guide to Trenchless Pipe Lining

Why Get Trenchless Pipe Lining Done?

When it comes to plumbing repairs, there are none that homeowners like to be forced to deal with. However, sewer line repairs can be particularly frustrating. Sewer lines are cast into slabs and buried underneath the soil, so repairing them can be invasive. Luckily, over the years, plumbers have developed new ways to address sewer line problems, making them easier, faster, and non-invasive to repair. 

By not wasting time and costs with excavation and trenching, plumbers can fix sewer lines with more advantages using trenchless sewer repair methods such as pipelining. This article is a quick guide to trenchless pipe lining so homeowners can understand when it may get used, how it’s done, and its benefits. 

Problems That Trenchless Pipe Lining Can Fix 

Trenchless pipe repairs have become so popular because they don’t require excavation and digging. Since sewer lines are buried underground, when it comes time to fix them, plumbers used to have to dig the line up for repairs. But with trenchless repairs, there’s no need for major excavation. 
Some of the problems that can plague underground sewer lines that trenchless pipe repair, including pipelining, may be used to address are:

  • Damage from invasive tree roots
  • Cracked pipes
  • Minor pipe misalignment
  • Corrosion
  • General wear and tear

How Professionals Perform Pipe Lining

trenchless pipe liningPipelining, also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, is a technique that can be used to repair existing pipelines. This method involves inserting a resin-saturated felt tube into the damaged pipe, often through existing access points to avoid digging. 

The tube is then inflated, and the resin is allowed to cure, forming a new pipe within a pipe. This effectively seals any cracks or breaks, improves the pipe’s structural strength, and eliminates the need for extensive excavation. This process is favored for its efficiency and minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Lining 

pipe liningTrenchless pipe repairs like pipe lining are quickly becoming the repair method of choice for several reasons. Some of their advantages are: 

  • It can be less expensive since it avoids excavation and repairing the areas of a property that have been excavated
  • The repairs can be completed quicker 
  • The repairs are durable, strong, and long-lasting 
  • The landscaping of the property stays intact, and repairs can be done noninvasively

If sewer line problems plague a home, call a plumber to inspect it, determine the issue, and see if trenchless pipe lining can be used to fix it. 

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas. They provide dependable, flat rates, live assistance, and a preventative maintenance agreement. Call them today for trenchless sewer repair services in Annapolis, MD.

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A Brief Guide to Slab Leaks

All About Slab Leaks

Many different types of problems can occur with plumbing. Some are more common, like a clogged toilet or a dripping tap, and others are more serious, like a sewer backup or burst pipe. One of the more challenging plumbing problems is dealing with a slab leak. This blog will discuss slab leaks, their dangers, and how professionals fix them.

What is a Slab Leak?

Slab is a term used to refer to the concrete foundation of a building, typically on or below ground level. A slab leak is a water leak that occurs in the plumbing under the slab of a structure and can cause significant water damage if left unaddressed. Faulty pipes, corrosion, shifting soil, and ground movement are some issues that usually cause these leaks. 

The most common signs of a slab leak are damp spots on the floor or walls, continuously running water sounds from inside the walls or floors, and high water bills due to wasted water. If a homeowner suspects a slab leak, it is crucial to contact a professional plumber immediately and have them inspect the plumbing for signs of a leak and damage.

The Devastating Consequences of Slab Leaks

saveSlab leaks can lead to various consequences that damage a home’s structural integrity. A slab leak can cause water to seep through the foundation, leading to flooding, structural damage, and mold growth. Slab leaks can cause costly water damage, including mold growth and structural damage that can cause cracks in the foundation, leading to cracked walls and uneven floors. 

This is not only dangerous for any occupants, but it can be costly to repair. Slab leaks can also increase water bills due to higher water usage from the leak. It’s important to act fast when suspecting a slab leak in the home to avoid such consequences. Seeking professional inspection and repair services can help address the issue before it causes further damage.

Calling Professionals for Slab Leak Repair

detectionProfessionals specializing in slab leak detection and repair services can help identify and address the problem. These professionals use various techniques to detect leaks, such as acoustic listening devices, infrared cameras, pressure tests, and video inspection cameras. 

Once they have located the source of the leak, they can then determine the best course of repair. This may involve sealing the leak with a pipe liner, replacing a section of pipe, going under the slab, or in some cases, rerouting the plumbing. It is important to note that slab leak repairs should only be done by experienced professionals with the necessary tools and expertise to do so correctly. 

About Heidler, Inc. 

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat rate pricing, live assistance, and a preventive maintenance agreement. Call them today for slab leak repair services in Annapolis, MD

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A Complete Guide To Drain Cleaning

What Drain Cleaning Methods Are Most Common?

At first, it doesn’t seem like much, but it slowly gets worse until it’s impossible to ignore. The kitchen sink starts draining slower than usual, and water pools up in the shower. The toilet isn’t fully flushing on the first try. Whatever form it takes, a clogged drain is no fun. When it happens, the solution can’t come soon enough. 

But what is the solution? Chemical drain cleaners? A plunger? Or is it best to call a plumber and let them handle it? This article will answer all of these questions and compare some common drain cleaning methods to help homeowners find the best one for their situation. 

methods

DIY Drain Cleaning Methods

Homeowners can try several popular do-it-yourself methods before calling in the big guns. An ordinary toilet plunger can be effective at clearing blocked bathroom sink, tub, or shower drains but won’t work in a kitchen sink with garbage disposal. The key is to make sure that the bottom edge of the plunger is completely submerged in water to form a pressure seal.

Pouring boiling water down the drain may help melt or dissolve substances like grease and soap scum forming a clog, but this method should never be used on PVC pipes as it can damage them. Another great way to clear minor obstructions and remove nasty odors is to pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. After waiting 15 minutes while the mixture fizzes, homeowners can run hot water down the drain and repeat the process.

Liquid drain cleaners are another popular method, but it’s best to avoid them. The harsh chemicals they contain can damage the plumbing, release toxic fumes, and interfere with the biological processes in septic systems – plus, they often don’t work against tough clogs. 

Drain Snakessnaking

A drain snake is essentially a long cable with a corkscrew-like auger at one end that plumbers can use for a clog. The line is fed into the pipe until it reaches the blockage, then is rotated using a hand crank, power drill, or large motor, depending on the snake’s size. The auger drills into the clog and allows it to be extracted.

Drain snakes of various sizes are sold in hardware stores so that homeowners can use this method themselves. Still, professional plumbers are experienced in using this method to clean drains and clear clogs without damaging pipes. Drain augers effectively remove clogs but aren’t quite as useful for preventative drain cleaning, as they don’t entirely clean residue off of the pipe walls. 

Hydrojetting Machines

A hydro jetting machine is a little like a pressure washer for pipes. It uses a long hose with a special nozzle to spray water at 5,000 PSI. The nozzle sprays a powerful jet stream forward while simultaneously spraying backward at an angle to propel the hose on and scour the pipe walls. This takes care of any blockages ahead and any residue collected inside the pipe.

Hydro jetting is the ideal drain cleaning solution for preventative maintenance and removing clogs. However, the exceptionally high water pressure involved can damage more fragile pipes (such as those used in landscape drainage systems) and cause serious injury if mishandled. The machines themselves are also quite expensive, as they’re primarily intended for industrial use. For these reasons, this is one method best left to the professionals!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. serves its neighbors in Annapolis, MD, and has been family-owned and operated since 1947. They always provide flat-rate pricing and are available around the clock for emergency assistance, so don’t wait to call them for professional drain cleaning services in Annapolis, MD.