Whether you’re a DIY-er dabbing your feet in plumbing work for the first time or an experienced veteran dealing with a tricky broken sewer line issue, repairing a sewer line under a slab can be quite intimidating. It requires skill, patience and special tools to get it done right.
But don’t worry this blog post will take you through the repair process step by step so that even if you have little experience working on sewer lines, you can still fix it like the pros do!
We’ll show you how to identify where and why the problem is occurring, navigate around tight spaces safely when entering your space underneath slabs of concrete, and explain what techniques should be used while digging up pipes from loss of tension. Keep reading for more tips and advice about how to repair broken sewer line under slab!
Needed Materials
Given below are the materials you’ll need for repairing a broken sewer line underneath slabs of concrete:
Sewer Line Repair Kit
This includes all the necessary tools and fittings that you’ll need to repair or replace your broken sewer line.
Safety Glasses
Always wear safety glasses when working on any type of plumbing work, especially when dealing with broken sewer lines underneath a slab of concrete.
Gas Mask
Wear a gas mask to protect yourself against potential noxious fumes that can be created while digging up your sewer line from beneath the slab.
Gloves
Always wear heavy-duty gloves when working on plumbing projects, they will help protect your skin and keep you safe from potential contamination.
Shovel
You’ll need a small shovel to help break up the soil around the broken sewer line.
Utility Knife
This will be used to cut through any tough roots that may be blocking your access to the sewer line.
Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench will be used to remove and/or tighten fittings on your broken sewer line.
Pipe Snake
A pipe snake will be used to help clear any debris or blockages that are in the line.
12 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Repair Broken Sewer Line Under Slab
Step 1: Locate the Broken Sewer Line
This can be done by using a sewer line inspection camera. This device will be inserted into the pipe and used to visually inspect the interior of the pipe. It will identify the location of the break and any other damage. You may also need to use a pipe snake to help locate the breach.
It will help to pull the camera through and identify any blockages that may be preventing you from seeing the breach. But make sure to use a snake that is designed for this specific application.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply
Before you begin repairs, make sure the water supply is shut off. This will avoid any potential flooding should you accidentally open up a hole in the pipe while repairing it. Heating the pipe can also help make it easier to work with. You can use a heating torch to do this.
It will help to soften the pipe and make it easier to work with. You should also wear a gas mask when heating the pipe as this will help protect you against noxious fumes.
Step 3: Make Room for You to Work
Depending on where the broken line is located, you may need to dig out a space large enough for you to work. This may require digging through the concrete slab itself, so be sure to take all necessary safety precautions when doing so.
But remember to take your time and not rush things. Take small steps and use the right tools for the job, otherwise, you may end up causing more damage than you intended!
Step 4: Inspect the Break
Once you’ve cleared a safe area to work in, inspect the broken sewer line and determine what needs to be done to repair it. Make sure all of the surrounding pipes are tightly sealed and that the broken pipe is cut cleanly before attempting to repair it.
This will help ensure that the repair is done properly and prevent future leaks. If the broken pipe is too damaged to be repaired, then it will need to be replaced.
Step 5: Repair the Broken Sewer Line
Using your sewer line repair kit, you can either patch or replace the broken section of the sewer line. If you’re patching a section, make sure to use an epoxy sealant on all of the edges of the patch to ensure a tight seal.
If you’re replacing a section, make sure all of the fittings are tightly secured. It’s also important to use a pipe wrench to ensure that the fittings don’t shift while you’re working.
Step 6: Re-inspect the Line
Once you’ve finished patching or replacing the broken sewer line, re-inspect it with your pipe snake and camera to check for any additional problems that may have been missed during the repair process.
But remember to use a pipe snake that is designed for this specific application. You don’t want to damage the line further by using the wrong equipment! It’s also important to test any repairs or replacements that you make before putting them back into service.
Step 7: Replace and Secure the Pipe
Once you’ve inspected the line, replace the pipe securely in its original position and make sure all of the fittings are tightly secured. It’s also important to use a pipe wrench to ensure that the fittings don’t shift while you’re working. This will help to ensure that the repair is done properly and prevent future leaks.
Step 8: Fill in Around the Pipe
Carefully fill in around the pipe with dirt and ensure that there is no soil or debris left in the hole. You may also need to use a tamping tool to compact the soil around the pipe. This will help ensure that it is securely in place and prevent any future shifting. It’s also important to use a level when filling in the hole to make sure that it is even and level.
Step 9: Test for Leaks
Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks around the pipe. If all is well, you’re ready to move on to step 10. It’s also important to note that if you find any leaks while testing, they should be addressed before moving on. However, if the leak is minor and doesn’t affect the integrity of the repair, you can move on to step 10.
Step 10: Re-inspect with Camera
Re-inspect the repaired sewer line with your camera just to make sure that there are no additional problems. It’s also important to make sure that the repair is secure and functioning properly before putting it back into service. Although it’s unlikely, there is always a possibility that something could have been missed during the repair process.
Step 11: Clean Up
Once the inspection is complete, clean up any remaining dirt or debris around the area and dispose of it properly. But remember to wear the proper safety equipment when working with any broken or leaking sewer lines. This will help protect you from any potential health risks.
Step 12: Test the Line
Finally, turn on all of your plumbing fixtures in your home to ensure that everything is working correctly and that you’ve successfully repaired the broken sewer line beneath your slab. Always make sure to test the line before putting it back into service, just to make sure that there are no leaks or other problems. Doing so will help to ensure the safety of your home and reduce the risk of any future incidents.
Once you’ve gone through all 12 steps of this repair process, you can rest assured knowing that your sewer line is functioning properly beneath the concrete! Furthermore, with a few tips from this blog post and some practice, over time you will become more comfortable and confident tackling plumbing projects on your own. Good luck!
Additional Tips for Repairing Broken Sewer Lines Under Slab
- Always Wear Proper Safety Gear and Take Extra Care When Digging Up Your Sewer Line From Beneath the Slab.
- Make Sure to Double-check All of Your Fittings and Connections Before Replacing the Pipe in Its Original Position.
- If You Are Repairing a Section, Use an Epoxy Sealant on All of the Edges of the Patch to Ensure a Tight Seal.
- Test for Leaks After Each Step of the Repair Process to Make Sure You Are on the Right Path.
- Don’t Forget to Re-inspect Your Sewer Line With a Pipe Snake and Camera After Completing Repairs.
- Clean Up Any Remaining Dirt or Debris Around the Work Area Before Testing for Leaks.
By following the steps on how to repair broken sewer line under slab outlined in this article, you should now have a better understanding of how to repair broken sewer lines beneath slabs of concrete. With the right tools and materials, as well as plenty of patience, tackling plumbing projects on your own can be enjoyable and rewarding. Remember, safety first!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What Tools Do I Need to Repair a Broken Sewer Line Under the Slab?
A1. You will need a gas mask, gloves, shovel, utility knife, pipe wrench and pipe snake in order to successfully repair a broken sewer line beneath a slab of concrete. It is also recommended to have a sewer line inspection camera on hand to help identify the location of the break and any other damage.
Q2. What Type of Sealant Should I Use When Repairing a Broken Sewer Line Beneath the Slab?
A2. For best results, it is recommended to use an epoxy sealant on all edges of the patch in order to ensure a tight seal. This will help prevent any future leaks from occurring. It is also important to double-check all of your fittings and connections before replacing the pipe in its original position.
Q3. How Often Should I Re-inspect My Sewer Line?
A3. It is recommended to re-inspect your sewer line with a pipe snake and camera after each step of the repair process, as well as once you have successfully completed repairs.
This will help ensure that the repair is done correctly and that no additional problems are missed during the process. Additionally, it is always a good idea to test for leaks after each step of the repair process to make sure that you are on the right track.
Q4. How Do I Clean Up After Repairing a Sewer Line Beneath the Slab?
A4. Once you have completed repairs and re-inspected your sewer line, it is important to clean up any remaining dirt or debris around the work area before testing for leaks. This will help ensure that all of the dirt and other debris has been properly disposed of and that there is no risk of blockage in the pipes after they have been replaced.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to wear proper safety gear and take extra care when digging up your sewer line from beneath the slab to avoid any potential injuries that could occur during the process.
Conclusion
Taking action now to fix any issues with the broken sewer line under the slab will put your mind at ease. Knowing what added expenses and steps may be needed can make this repair a smooth operation. The right equipment and expertise can prevent unnecessary stress and provide a greater level of security that will ensure the problem is fixed properly, quickly, and cost-effectively.
If you decide to call in a professional plumbing company, it’s important to pick one with established credentials, experience, good customer feedback for workmanship, and reasonable pricing.
After all this hard work, take a deep breath – you’ve earned it! Even if you’ve completed the repairs yourself or hired professional help to fix the broken sewer line under the slab, there are still many things that you can do to take preventive measures against future damage or deterioration.
Don’t forget to avoid putting too much strain on your plumbing system by not disposing of grease or other objects down drains or toilets.
Always use drain guards on showers or tubs to catch hair before allowing it to flow into drains or pipes. Investigate any suspicious clogs before they become catastrophic problems or bite off more than you can chew!
With these proactive steps on how to repair broken sewer line under slab taken care of, you won’t need any more plumbing adventures anytime soon…now get out there and enjoy freeing yourself from this dreaded repair!
