Responsive SEWER LINE Repair in Dallas, TX

Generally speaking, in order to prepare the ground for a concrete slab the first step is to remove all the organic material such as sod and topsoil, it is preferable to excavate down to clay. In order to create a proper base a minimum of 6 inches of compacted Flex Base should be installed under the slab so you must take into account the thickness of the slab plus the 6 inches of flex base and excavate to the desired depth. If you have not removed all the organic material at this point it is best to continue excavation and then build up with select fill or flex base to the desired elevation. The flex base must be installed in layers and properly compacted with a plate tamper or roller.

Historically, there was only one type of septic system, and it consisted of a septic tank and a leechfield. This type of system is now called a ‘standard’ or ‘conventional system.’ As information has improved about how soil structure reacts to wastewater, the septic system industry has improved too, and the technology has evolved to treat wastewater more effectively. This is great news, not only for the sake of improved technology and reliability for consumers (you!), but because our groundwater resources are now much better protected from contamination. There are many types of septic systems, with a conventional or standard septic system being the least complicated kind. The other most common types of OSSFs are: -Aerobic Systems with Spray irrigation -Aerobic system with drip irrigation -low pressure dosing (LPD system) These models are more complex than the standard system and need more maintenance, but they may be necessary to treat wastewater properly. The type of system you need for your own property depends on the properties of the soil and the regulations set by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

An on-site sewage facility or septic system, disposes of wastewater on-site. All of the wastewater must seep into the soil on the property and not rise to the surface of the ground or discharge into a roadside ditch or stream or gully. Since all systems do not use septic tanks to treat wastewater, these systems are called on-site sewage facilities (OSSF).

If your property is not within reach of a public sewer line and if your project will generate wastewater, then the answer is yes. A building equipped with bathrooms, sinks, kitchens, washing machines, etc., will generate wastewater. Older properties with inadequate or malfunctioning facilities are required to have a new facility installed or the existing facility upgraded.

If you live in an older home it is a good idea to have have a camera inspection done on your line at least once every year in order to detect any issues prior to them becoming major problems. Before you purchase a new home, you should have a camera inspection on the sewer line.

Typical signs a line needs to be replaced are sewage backups, slow draining of your sinks and other fixtures. Sometimes there are no signs at all. It is always recommended to have an inspection done prior to a problem arising to determine the condition of your line. This is a quick and inexpensive thing to do and will give you peace of mind or at the very least warn you of any potential issues.

First thing you would want to do is solve the current problem. You should start with a drain cleaning company or plumber, if you are having a problem contact us and we can arrange this. Next you will want to contact your home insurance to arrange cleanup. And then you will want to find out what the problem is and correct it, the drain cleaning or plumbing company will be able to tell you what the problem is.

Pipe bursting is a method that can be used to replace a sewer line. The process is simple in theory, an access pit is dug either in your basement or outside your home to reach the sewage line. Another pit is excavated at the city connection point for your home. The existing pipe is then cut and removed at each end. A steel cable is then fed into the pipe from one end and a coned cutting head is then pulled through the old line with a hydraulic puller. The steel cable is then re-fed through the old pipe where a larger head is then attached. On the other side of this head the new seamless plastic pipe is attached and then it is all pulled into place at once. Once pulled though the old line the new pipe is connected on both ends, the holes are backfilled, and you are now up and running with a new sewer line.

There is no one answer fits all, it is always dependent on the condition of your existing line and the number of obstacles present on your property. If your existing line runs under a structure such as a deck or garage of expensive landscaping then pipe bursting will generally be the best option. If your line does not run under any structures then it depends on the condition of your existing line. If you have any long sags in the line or if it is already collapsed then pipe bursting may not be the best option, even though it is less invasive it is not always the best method to replace your sewer line.

Generally, for most residential lines it is a 2-day process from start to finish. You can expect to be without water and sewer services for 4-5 hours total from start to finish.

There are different grades and types of pipe used to replace a sewer line, polyethylene pipe is generally what is used. When pipe bursting, we use HDPE (high density polyethylene pipe) this is preferred because it can be fused together to make a seamless pipe as long as is required. When doing open excavation, we recommend SDR-35 poly pipe it is typically green, PVC schedule 40 pipe can also be used. SDR-35 is more flexible and the joints have rubber seals to avoid leaks during movement. Schedule 40 pvc is glued together however if the ground shifts the connections can crack and leak, we prefer these products over HDPE when doing open excavation as it is more rigid and much easier to ensure a constant 1 percent slope when installing the line. There are many different products available for use however we choose to only use the best quality and highest grade available to us as this should be a repair that lasts the lifetime of your home.

Yes, you need a permit in order to replace a sewer line in the state of Texas, In some cases small repairs may be completed without one however most work will require a permit in order to be properly completed.

In Dallas underground utilities need to be installed by a bonded utility contractor, or in some cases a master plumber is able to pull a permit in order to install them. If you need more information, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.