Pipe Collapse? Here’s What Plumbing Services to Look For

Three Common Causes of Pipe Collapse

• Corrosion and Deterioration: Over time, pipes, especially those made of older materials like cast iron or clay, can corrode and weaken. This deterioration reduces the pipe's structural integrity and makes it susceptible to collapse under pressure from surrounding soil or water.
• Tree Root Intrusion: Tree roots can infiltrate pipes through small cracks or joints and cause them to crack or collapse.
• Soil Shifting and Ground Movement: Changes in soil composition, ground settling, or seismic activity can exert excessive pressure on underground pipes. This pressure can lead to cracks, breaks, and pipe collapse.

Four Ways To Rehabilitate Collapsed Pipes

• Pipe lining

This is one of the common trenchless techniques plumbers employ to fix collapsed water lines and sewer pipes. Also known as cured-in-place pipe lining, this trenchless technology involves creating a new pipe within the old one. Essentially, a plumber inserts a flexible liner coated with epoxy resin into the existing pipe and inflates it so that it adheres to the pipe walls. The liner is then hardened to form a new lining inside the collapsed pipe. Pipe lining is recommended for fixing minor collapses, meaning it may not be ideal for severely damaged pipes.

• Pipe bursting

This method is recommended for restoring heavily deteriorated pipes or those that have extensive damage beyond what pipe lining can repair. Pipe bursting involves pulling a same-size or larger pipe through a collapsed pipe, causing the old pipe to break apart and make way for the new pipe. This technique allows plumbers to rehabilitate collapsed and damaged pipes without digging large trenches.

• Sectional pipe replacement

If only a small section of the pipe is collapsed, a plumber won’t need to replace the entire line. They will simply excavate and replace that specific section, saving you time, money, and the disruption of a full broken pipe replacement.

• Full pipe replacement

If your pipes are severely damaged or it’s time to upgrade to newer materials, a full pipe replacement is recommended. Trenchless methods may not work in this situation because the existing pipe’s integrity is too compromised or the desired material change necessitates complete removal and replacement. A full pipe replacement may be more invasive, but it provides a long-term solution. Repiping your home is a worthwhile investment that will improve the value of your home and eliminate most of the problems that come with failing pipes. If you’re looking for professional plumbers in Andale, KS to help you repipe your property, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita.

How To Prevent Pipe Collapse In Your Home

• Plant trees at least 10 feet away to minimize the risk of root intrusion and damage to pipes.
• Maintain proper water pressure—excessively high pressure can stress pipes.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces.
• Know the location for your pipes so that you can take precautions during home improvement projects.
• Ensure your pipes are installed correctly from the outset—properly installed pipes last longer.
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners.
• Replace aging pipes once they reach the end of their lifespan or exhibit signs of wear and tear.
• Schedule regular plumbing inspections.

Get In Touch With Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita for Pipe Repair

If you have a collapsed pipe in your home and need dependable pipe repair or replacement, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita for professional services. Our plumbers are equipped with top-of-the-line tools to perform inspections and rehabilitate your pipes without destroying your lawn or yard. Our team can also help you with pipe installation for new properties.