Learn How to Fix a Broken Drain Pipe Underground

Discovering a broken drain pipe underground can be a homeowner’s nightmare. This issue disrupts your plumbing system and can lead to severe damage and costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

Whether it’s tree roots invading the pipe, ground shifting, or simply the aging of an old pipe, knowing how to fix a broken drain pipe underground is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose, repair, and prevent future issues with your underground pipes, ensuring your drainage system remains in top condition.

Understanding the Causes of a Broken Drainpipe Underground

Understanding the common causes of damage to underground pipes is important for effectively fixing a broken drain pipe. Knowing what leads to these issues can help prevent them in the future and address them correctly when they occur.

Common Causes of Underground Drain Pipe Damage

Tree Roots: Tree roots are one of the most common culprits behind broken underground pipes. As trees grow, their roots spread out and can invade underground drain pipes, causing cracks and blockages. The pressure from expanding roots can break a pipe, leading to severe damage and requiring immediate underground pipe repair.
Ground Shifting: Natural ground movements, such as soil erosion, earthquakes, or heavy construction nearby, can cause the ground to shift. This shifting can put stress on underground drain pipes, leading to breaks or misalignments. Ground shifting is particularly problematic for older pipes that might not be as flexible or robust.
Corrosion or Aging Pipes: Over time, pipes, especially those made from materials like metal, can corrode or weaken. An old pipe that has been in place for many years is more susceptible to cracking and breaking due to the constant wear and tear from water flow and environmental factors.
Poor Installation: Improper installation is another major cause of broken underground drain pipes. If pipes are not laid correctly or if the wrong materials are used, they are more likely to break. Issues like incorrect pipe material choice, inadequate support, or improper connections can lead to failures in the drainage system.

Understanding these causes can help you take preventative measures, such as regular maintenance and choosing the right pipe material, to avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with a broken underground pipe.

How to Fix a Broken Drain Pipe Underground: Step-by-Step Guide

Fixing a broken drain pipe underground may seem daunting, but it can be manageable with the right tools and knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Diagnosing the Problem

Before you start digging, it’s essential to accurately diagnose the issue. Here are the common signs of a broken drain pipe:

Wet Spots in the Yard: Unexplained wet patches or soggy areas in your yard can indicate a leak in an underground pipe.
Unpleasant Odors: Foul smells emanating from your yard or basement often suggest a broken sewer pipe.
Slow Drainage: Consistently slow drainage in your sinks, toilets, or showers can be a sign of a broken underground drain pipe.

Tools Needed for Diagnosing the Problem:

Shovel: This is for initial digging to expose the pipe.
Pipe Camera: To inspect the inside of the pipe for cracks, blockages, or other damage.
Leak Detection Equipment: Advanced tools to precisely locate the leak without extensive digging.

Excavating the Area

Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, the next step is to safely excavate the area around the broken pipe.

Steps to Safely Excavate the Area:

Mark the Area: Identify and mark the area where you need to dig, considering the pipe’s path.
Dig Carefully: Use a shovel and digging bar to excavate around the pipe, ensuring you don’t cause further damage.
Wear Safety Gear: Always use gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp objects and debris.

Tools Needed for Excavation:

Shovel: For digging and moving soil.
Digging Bar: To break up hard ground.
Safety Gear: Gloves and safety glasses for protection.

Repairing the Broken Pipe

With the pipe exposed, you can proceed with the repair. The method you choose depends on the extent of the damage.

Types of Repairs:

Pipe Patching: Suitable for small cracks or holes.
Pipe Replacement: Necessary for more extensive damage.

Materials and Tools Needed for Repair:

Pipe Repair Kit: Contains materials for patching small sections.
Replacement Pipe: A new section of pipe if the existing one is too damaged to repair.
Pipe Cutter: To cut out the damaged section.
Pipe Glue or Sealant: To secure the replacement or patched section.

Testing the Repair

After repairing the pipe, it’s crucial to test it to ensure the fix is successful.

How to Test the Repaired Pipe:

Run Water Through the Pipe: Turn on the Water to check the flow.
Check for Leaks: Inspect the repaired area for any signs of leakage.

Filling the Excavated Area

Once you’ve confirmed the repair is successful, the final step is filling and restoring the excavated area.

Steps to Properly Fill and Compact the Soil:

Backfill Gradually: Fill the hole with soil in layers, compacting each layer as you go to prevent future sinking.
Restore the Landscape: Replace any grass, plants, or other landscaping features that were disturbed.

Following these steps, you can effectively fix a broken drain pipe underground, restoring your drainage system and preventing further damage.

Fix a Broken Drain Pipe: Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Pipe Damage

Preventing damage to your underground pipes is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient plumbing system. Here are some effective preventative measures to help you avoid future issues.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Routine Inspections: Conducting regular inspections of your underground pipes can help identify potential problems before they become severe. Tools like a pipe camera for a CCTV drain survey can detect early signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks.
Keeping Trees and Plants Away from Pipes: One of the biggest problems with underground pipes is damage caused by tree roots. To prevent root intrusion, plant trees and large shrubs far from underground drains and sewer lines. If you already have trees nearby, consider installing a root barrier to protect your pipes.
Using Durable Materials for Pipes: When installing new pipes or replacing old ones, choose durable materials like PVC pipe, which are resistant to corrosion and root intrusion. This can help prevent common issues like a broken drainage pipe and reduce the need for frequent repairs.
Ensuring Proper Installation by Professionals: Poor installation can lead to significant damage over time. Always ensure your pipes are installed by a professional plumber following best practices. Proper installation includes using the right materials, ensuring proper pipe alignment, and checking for any potential weak spots.

When to Call a Professional Plumber for Underground Pipe Repairs

While some minor issues with underground pipes can be handled by homeowners, certain situations require the expertise of a professional plumber. Knowing when to call for help can save you from further damage and costly repairs.

Signs That Indicate the Need for Professional Help

Persistent Wet Spots: If you notice wet patches in your yard that don’t dry up, it could be a sign of a severe leak or a broken underground pipe.
Unpleasant Odors: Foul smells around your property often indicate a cracked sewer pipe or a broken sewer line.
Slow Drainage: Continuous slow drainage in multiple fixtures suggests a significant blockage or breakage in the main line or other underground pipes.
Sudden Increase in Water Bill: An unexplained spike in your water bill can signal an underground leak that needs immediate attention.
Visible Damage: If you see visible ends of pipes or significant ground shifting, it’s crucial to seek professional services.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber

Expert Diagnosis: Professional plumbers have the right tools, such as pipe cameras and leak detection equipment, to accurately diagnose the problem.
Effective Solutions: With years of experience, professionals can offer effective solutions like pipe relining or trenchless sewer repair, which might not be accessible to homeowners.
Quality Repairs: Hiring a professional ensures that repairs are done correctly, using durable materials and proper techniques to prevent future issues.
Safety: Professionals follow safety protocols to avoid further damage or health hazards during the repair process.

What to Expect from Professional Plumbing Services

Comprehensive Inspection: A thorough inspection to identify the source and extent of the damage, often using advanced equipment like CCTV drain surveys.
Detailed Plan: A clear explanation of the repair methods and steps involved, including any necessary excavation or use of trenchless solutions.
Efficient Repair: Quick and efficient repair services, minimizing disruption to your property. This can include techniques like pipe bursting or installing a new liner within the existing pipe.
Post-Repair Testing: After completing the repairs, professionals will test the system to ensure the problem is fully resolved and that there are no leaks.
Preventative Advice: Recommendations on how to prevent future issues, such as regular maintenance and using durable materials for pipes.

If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs or if the extent of the damage seems beyond your capability, it’s time to contact a local plumber. Complete Plumbing and Drain provides professional services to diagnose and repair your underground pipe issues, ensuring your plumbing system remains in top condition.

Key Takeaways on How to Fix a Broken Drain Pipe Underground

Fixing a broken drain pipe underground requires careful diagnosis, proper tools, and sometimes professional assistance. Here are the key points to remember:

Understanding the Causes: Common causes of a broken underground pipe include tree roots, ground shifting, corrosion or aging pipes, and poor installation. Recognizing these factors can help in preventing future damage.
Diagnosing the Problem: Look for warning signs like wet spots in your yard, unpleasant odors, and slow drainage. Using tools like a pipe camera and leak detection equipment can help pinpoint the exact location and extent of the damage.
Excavating the Area: Safely excavate the area around the broken pipe using a shovel, digging bar, and appropriate safety gear. This step is crucial for accessing the damaged section of the pipe.
Repairing the Pipe: Depending on the severity of the damage, you might need to patch the pipe or replace it entirely. Using a pipe repair kit, pipe cutter, and sealant can help fix minor cracks. For more severe damage, replacing the broken section with a new pipe is necessary.
Testing and Refilling: After repairs, run Water through the pipe to check for leaks and ensure the repair is successful. Properly fill and compact the soil around the repaired pipe to restore your landscape.
Preventative Measures: Regular maintenance, such as routine inspections, keeping trees away from pipes, using durable materials like PVC pipe, and ensuring proper installation by professionals, can prevent future issues.

Addressing a broken drain pipe underground promptly is vital to avoid further damage, costly repairs, and potential health hazards. If you notice any signs of a broken pipe or suspect underground pipe issues, it’s crucial to take immediate action.

Learning How to Fix a Broken Drain Pipe Underground with Help!

For effective solutions and peace of mind, contact Complete Plumbing and Drain. Our professional plumbers have the experience and tools to handle any underground pipe repair, ensuring your plumbing system functions smoothly.