When we find ourselves dealing with the challenges of an unforeseen home repair, the first question we have is, “How much is this going to cost?” That question is usually followed by another: “Will my homeowner’s insurance cover any of this?” Below we offer some of the knowledge we have gained in our decades of experience providing professional sewer repair. … Read More
What Is Sewer System Smoke Testing?
Property owners in Oakland and Berkeley may experience “random city smoke testing.” Local ordinances require sewer lines to be tested for code compliance. What Is Sewer System Smoke Testing? Underground smoke testing is used to detect deficiencies in sewer pipes and the sewage system. Smoke tests can be especially important after episodes of heavy rainfall. Smoke testing is a low-cost … Read More
Sinkholes: When Sewer Repair Goes Wrong
Some homeowners find themselves dealing with an unexpected and worsening problem on their property: sinkholes. Sinkholes are usually an artificial problem typically caused damaged sewage pipes and drainpipes, broken septic tanks, buried trash, or soil that was not properly compacted after excavation work. Sinkholes can appear where underground sewer pipes have been damaged. This is especially noticeable when the soil … Read More
How to Identify and Repair a Sewer Line Belly
Sewer line bellies are a common problem with sewer pipes and can be a real headache for homeowners. A belly or sag in a sewer pipe will eventually lead to standing water and sediment collecting inside the sewer line, which over time results in erosion, blockage, and ultimately a major sewer line backup. What Is a Belly in a Sewer … Read More
How to Identify the Symptoms of a Sewer Line Break
The sewer line is a part of your house. Just like your roof, your doors and your windows – it serves a particular function and purpose. If left unchecked, breaks and fractures can cause a lot of distress and property damage. Learning how to identify the symptoms of a sewer line break can prevent these issues. Common Symptoms and Solutions … Read More
10 Questions To Ask A New Sewer Contractor
Selecting an experienced plumber can be a challenging task. Making the right choice for your project can consist of a lot of factors and you’ll want to know how to screen for the best service you can find. Dealing with underground plumbing issues often requires a fast response. You want a company that is reliable and can communicate effectively so … Read More
Safety First: Why Pipe Spy’s Confined Space Certification is So Important
Sewer line repair or replacement is physically demanding work and not visible to us above ground. Though we have tools that help us gather information about where the sewer line is located, its depth, surface areas that need to be restored, and other utilities in proximity, the total story is not revealed until we dig the ground up where necessary to complete the project. … Read More
Utility Easements: Getting Your Neighbors’ Blessing
Sometimes neighbors share utility spaces underneath their properties, and it’s not always a welcomed realization. By law, an easement is a right to cross or otherwise use someone else’s land for a specified purpose; and lots can get lost in the translation of this law when it comes to property lines, neighbors, and the cost to resolve issues related to it. To … Read More
Open Trench Excavation: Why We May Have to Do It
Open trench excavation is the traditional and was the most common method for sewer lateral repair or replacement. Open trench excavation consists of excavating a trench for the manual installation of each piece of pipe. This type of sewer work is applicable to collapsed pipes, severely broken pipes, and heavy root blockages. The open trench method is, on average, more … Read More
How We Replace Sewer Lines in the Basement or Under a Slab Foundation
One of the most unfortunate places for a sewer line leak is in your concrete basement or especially under a slab foundation home. These leaks can exponentially increase your water bill and cause long-term property damage if unresolved. But don’t panic if you notice signs of sewer line damage in your basement. Pipe Spy may be able to help you … Read More
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