How to Repair Broken Drain Pipes in Underground Drainage System

People think that a broken drain pipe isn't something to be fussed over. This line of thinking is actually complicated. If a broken pipe is left to fend for itself, it can cause more damage than anticipated. Therefore, one should act now to repair the problem.

There are several ways to repair a broken drain pipe underground. Some of the best repair methods are discussed below, but first, you'll need to look out for signs of broken pipes.

Signs your pipe is broken underground

There are several signs that your drainage pipe could be broken underground. Beware of those signs to prevent further damage later on. Some of these signs are:

• The growth of molds in your walls;
• Rat infestation;
• Blockages;
• Foundation cracks;
• Sinkholes;
• Slow drainage;
• The foul smell wafting from your drainage holes;
• The pooling of water in your septic tank waste.

If you're not the best spotter of these signs, it's best to leave the "investigation" process to experts. Call a credible private drainage agency.

How to repair broken drain pipes in the underground drainage system

It's best to leave the repair of serious underground pipes situations to professionals and agencies unless you've earned certifications and years of public drainage repair education.

Before we start fixing the problem, we investigate and locate the root of the problem first and start from there. We do this via CCTV drain inspections.

CCTV drain inspection is a technology where a little camera goes underground and gives a live feed of images and videos up to our engineers.

Professional drainage agencies usually employ the following standard of pipe repairs:

Trenchless Technologies:

The modern way of repairing underground pipes is by using the trenchless technique or what we call patch lining. Through the trenchless technology, we can repair pipes without drilling a massive hole in the ground.

We insert a tube and patch liner inside the broken pipe then inflate the patch to let it bond with the damaged wall of the pipe. Once it hardens, we pull the inflatable tube out of the pipe. The process doesn't take a day and is super effective. Patch lining can fix cracked, broken, or leaking pipes.

Drain relining

When an underground pipe's damage is too huge for a patch lining service, you'll need a drain relining service. Drain relining involves inserting a resin-impregnated liner inside the drain and inflating it via water or air pressure.

How to repair underground pipes yourself

If you and your buddies are in the mood for some soil work, here's a crash course on how to repair underground pipes yourself.

Locate the damaged pipe:

Utilize these signs to spot a broken pipe:

• Wet patches;
• Extra grass;

Once spotted, dig until you locate the broken pipe. Be gentle into your digging because you might damage the pipe further. Dig another six inches underneath the broken pipe. These six inches will give you space for your repair works.

Cut the pipe and remove the broken area:

Measure exactly two inches on either side of the broken area of the pipe and mark them. Then cut accordingly.

Measure then cut a new pipe.

This is the time to replace your cut out pipe with a new one. A PVC pipe is usually the go-to pipe for drainage systems. Measure the length of the area you cut through so you'll have an idea of the measurements of the new pipe piece you'll install. Take note, the diameter of the new pipe should be the same as the broken pipe.

Fit the rubber couplings to the existing pipe ends. Place the new piece of PVC and slide the couplings over so you could cover the new section. The pipe should have no exposed holes, leaks, or cracks then.

Refilling the hole for support

Refill the hole by pouring fine gravel around your pipe. This adds support.