Trenchless Sewer Repair in Spokane Wa 509-954-5273

Shaw Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to offer our customers competitive rates on financing for their trenchless sewer repair project. We understand that sewer repair can be an urgent issue and sometimes can’t wait on paychecks. Our easy application process can get competitive terms and promotional rates for qualified home owners. Together with some of the best lenders for home repair finance, We’re here to help you get the funds you need to get your sewer when you need it.

Vitrified Clay and Cast Iron

Vitrified clay had the advantage of being readily available to large population centers, including Spokane and it’s surrounding areas. Cast Iron initially unlined, and later lined with corrosion resistant coating became a popular choice over clay in the mid-20^th century. Both these materials have their draw backs, cast iron can become rough and corroded inside and lead to debris and waste becoming caught on sharp edged. This can lead to blockages, clogs and even burst or broken sewer lines.  Vitrified clay pipe or VCP is strong and has longevity, in fact it’s use dates back over 5000 years. However, it is extremely susceptible to root attacks. A city like Spokane with a wide variety of large and historic trees makes this weakness of VCP become an all to common problem for residents of the lilac city.

Orangeburg Pipe

Orangeburg pipe was a product produced between the 1860 and 1970s. It was composed of wood fiber bound by waterproof adhesive and sealed in coal tar. This type of pipe was heavily used during and after world war two when iron was rationed, and not readily available for building sewer pipes. Between 1945 and 1972 Orangeburg pipe was heavily used in Washington state and Spokane.  Orangeburg can be problematic for several reasons, including susceptibility to moisture, roots, deformation and even flattening over time. Orangeburg pipe was replaced by PVC in the 70s due to all these problems. If your property has Orangeburg pipes, addressing the problem before the point of disaster is advisable. The solution is Trenchless pipe bursting. Most pipe bursting operations will still require a small amount of digging. The pipe launch pit will need to be created (Street or property line), which will require a small amount of ground disturbance. However, it will be nothing compared to the enormous trenches dug for traditional open-top excavation operations. When you choose pipe bursting as your trenchless pipe replacement method of choice, you are helping ensure that your yard remains relatively undisturbed. It can also prevent the need to dig up the street and sidewalk outside your home and pay for those repairs as well once the job is over.

Pipe Lining

If your sewer line damage is minimal, a trenchless sewer repair technique called pipe lining or pipe relining is the best and most cost-effective solution. The pipe lining process works by inserting an inflatable capsule coated in epoxy into the current damaged sewer line. The tube is expanded and the epoxy bonds and cures to the old sewer line, repairing the leak. The epoxies used for this kind of repair are extremely durable and have an expected life span of over 50 years.

Pros of Pipe Lining:

• Minimal Downtime: Repairs usually take less than a day.
• Non-Intrusive: Less-intrusive techniques compared to traditional methods.
• Preservation: Keeps your lawn, landscaping, patio, and more intact.
• Cost-Effective: Saves you both time and money.
• Long-Lasting: Repairs are permanent and meet industry standards.

Pipe Bursting

When a sewer pipe is structurally damaged to the point where pipe lining is no longer feasible, pipe bursting can be the best option.  Trenchless pipe bursting is an innovative technique for replacing old and damaged pipes. In the process, we dig small access points at both ends of the pipe and send a bursting tool into your existing pipeline. The tool breaks the old pipe into small pieces, sends those pieces into the nearby soil, and clears a path for the new pipe. The new pipe is pulled into place as the bursting head moves along, and because the old pipe is being removed, the diameter of the replacement pipe can actually be larger than the diameter of the original pipe to better serve your specific needs. When the process is completed, you’re left with a new pipe that is seamless, strong, and ready to serve your Spokane and surrounding area home or office.

This lower ground disturbance also usually means a shorter working time. It means less work in re-seeding grass over the operation site. It means less time waiting for grass to grow back in over the sewer line and less time staring out at the unsightly site where the operation took place.

Traditional Excavation

In the past sewer line repair consisted of digging up the old lines and replacing them with new lines. As you can imagine, this took quite a bit of time and was extremely invasive. In extreme cases excavation may be the only option to repair a sewer line, however the advent of new technology and extremely skilled technicians allows for the use of trenchless sewer repair techniques.

Yes, trenchless sewer repair methods are both permanent and compliant with industry standards. These modern techniques involve the use of high-quality replacement pipes designed to endure for over 100 years.

Key features of these pipes include:

• Durability: Constructed to resist chemicals and roots, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Leak-proof: Engineered to provide a watertight seal, preventing leaks effectively.
• Code Compliance: Fully adhere to all current plumbing codes and regulations, guaranteeing they meet all necessary legal requirements.

By choosing trenchless methods, you’re opting for a solution that not only meets but often exceeds industry expectations.

Trenchless sewer repair, while innovative and effective for many issues, generally cannot fix sewer line bellies.

What is a Sewer Line Belly?

A sewer line belly occurs when a section of the pipe sags, creating a negative slope that disrupts the natural flow of wastewater.

Why Trenchless Technology Falls Short

1. Follows Existing Path: Trenchless methods, such as pipe lining, typically adhere to the current pipe’s structure. If the existing pipe has a belly, the new lining will also conform to this shape.
2. Negative Slope Issues: The sag or dip in the line poses a significant problem because the negative slope would persist, causing ongoing drainage problems.

Trenchless technology offers many benefits, but when it comes to fixing sewer line bellies, traditional excavation methods might be the more effective solution. These methods allow for realignment and proper slope adjustment, resolving the belly issue for good.

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your sewer system running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. Here are several key services that can help:

Plumbing Inspections / Sewer Camera Inspections 

• Routine Inspections: Professional plumbers can conduct regular examinations to identify potential issues before they become severe problems. Inspections often include checking for leaks, assessing pipe conditions, and evaluating overall system efficiency.

Drain Cleaning

• Hydro Jetting: This method uses high-pressure water to clear out clogs and debris from pipes, ensuring they remain clean and efficient.
• Snake Drain Cleaning: Utilizing a specialized tool, plumbers can remove blockages caused by hair, grease, and other buildup.

Maintenance Solutions

• Pipe Relining: A non-invasive technique to reinforce existing pipes, creating a durable lining that can prevent cracks and leaks without digging up your lawn.
• Root Removal: Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines, causing blockages and breaks. Professional removal services can prevent this issue from escalating.

Preventative Measures

• Backflow Testing: This service ensures that contaminated water does not flow back into your clean water supply, protecting your health and your plumbing system.
• Grease Trap Maintenance: Regular cleaning of grease traps in commercial kitchens can prevent fats, oils, and grease from clogging the sewer lines.

By incorporating these maintenance services into your routine, you’ll not only extend the life of your plumbing system but also avoid the headache and expense of sewer problems.

Shaw Trenchless sewer repair provides sewer line inspections, not only are these necessary to determine how extensive damage may be in a sewer line repair but also may be an excellent idea when purchasing a home. Call us today to schedule a sewer line inspection at 509-954-5273.

Why Shaw Trenchless Sewer Repair?

Shaw has an unmatched reputation for customer satisfaction. Our commitment to getting the job done right, on time and on budget are pride in number one. That’s why we have hundreds of 5-star google reviews. Remember we’re here to help you get your home or business back in working order and give you the peace of mind knowing that you have a dependable, noninvasive, and long-lasting solution to your sewer repair needs.