Damaged Concrete Slab Drain Pipes? Here’s What to Do

November 24, 2022by Alex

I. Introduction

Concrete slab drain pipes are the network of pipes running beneath your property’s concrete slab, responsible for carrying wastewater from your property to the sewer. Over time, these pipes can deteriorate due to environmental factors or structural issues.

A damaged concrete slab drain pipe can cause various issues, including water damage, water contamination, and structural damage, making it essential to address this issue as soon as it is discovered.

The risks of leaving damaged concrete slab drain pipes unattended are immense. A damaged pipe can create water backups, leading to costly repairs, and even damage to the foundation of your property.

This can create an unhealthy and hazardous environment within the property. Therefore, it is crucial to address the issue as soon as possible and make the necessary repairs.

II. Signs of Damaged Concrete Slab Drain Pipes

To address the problem of damaged concrete slab drain pipes, it is necessary to identify the signs of damage. Here are a few signs to watch out for:

Visible damages: Any visible damages such as cracks or discoloration in the concrete slab may indicate a damaged drain pipe beneath the surface.

Foul odors: Foul smells coming from the drains can indicate a blocked or damaged drain pipe, causing the water to back up and become stagnant.

Slow drainage: If the water is draining slowly from the sinks or showers, it can be due to a blocked or damaged drain pipe.

III. Repair Options

When it comes to repairing damaged concrete slab drain pipes, there are three primary methods to consider:

Epoxy lining: This method involves coating the interior of the damaged pipe with an epoxy resin, creating a new lining inside the pipe.

Epoxy lining is a popular method for repairing broken sewer pipes. It is an effective solution that doesn’t require any digging, making it a trenchless repair option that is less intrusive and can be completed in less time than traditional methods.

Epoxy lining works by coating the inside of the damaged pipe with a special epoxy resin. The resin is applied to the inside of the pipe using an inflatable bladder. Once the bladder is in place, the resin is released and spread out to cover the entire interior of the pipe. Once the epoxy resin is cured, it hardens to form a new, smooth, and durable surface inside the pipe.

One of the most significant benefits of epoxy lining is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional repair methods, which require extensive digging and excavation, epoxy lining is a trenchless method that doesn’t require any significant excavation. This makes it much more affordable than traditional methods, as it requires fewer resources and less labor.

Additionally, because epoxy lining is a trenchless method, it can be completed in less time than traditional repair methods. Without the need for excavation, the entire process can be completed more quickly, resulting in less disruption to your home or business.

Another significant advantage of epoxy lining is that it is highly durable. Once the epoxy resin is cured, it creates a new, smooth, and durable surface inside the pipe. This new surface is resistant to cracks, leaks, and other forms of damage, which means you can expect a long-lasting repair that can keep your pipes in good working condition for years to come.

Overall, epoxy lining is an excellent solution for repairing broken sewer pipes. It is a cost-effective, durable, and efficient repair method that can save you time, money, and hassle. If you suspect that your sewer pipes are damaged, consider contacting a professional plumber like Streamline Pipes, who can provide an inspection and recommend the best course of action, including epoxy lining if it is a viable solution for your specific situation.

Pipe bursting: This method involves breaking the damaged pipe and replacing it with a new one.

Traditional excavation: This method involves digging up the concrete slab and physically replacing the damaged pipe. Both these last two methods are more cumbersome, time consuming and much more costly, so the best method (where suitable) is Epoxy Lining or Pipe Relining.

IV. Considerations for Choosing a Repair Method

When selecting a repair method, there are several factors to consider, including:

Cost: The cost of the repair method is a crucial factor to consider, as it may affect your budget.

Timeline: The time it takes to complete the repair is another significant consideration, as some repair methods may take longer than others. Extent of damages: The extent of the damage will also influence the repair method, as more severe damage may require a more invasive repair method.

pipes cracked and relined

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, damaged concrete slab drain pipes can cause significant issues to your property and should be addressed as soon as they are discovered.

Identifying the signs of damage, selecting the appropriate repair method and taking all factors into consideration when making the decision can help in the process of repairing the damaged drain pipes.

The importance of timely repairs cannot be overstated, as it can save you from further damage and costly repairs in the long run. If you’re experiencing any issues with your concrete slab drain pipes, Streamline Pipes can help you identify the issue and provide a solution to fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining is a trenchless pipe repair method that uses a resin lining to fix pipes. The existing pipe is cleaned and inspected, then lined with a resin material that’s cured to form a new pipe within the old pipe. With Streamline Pipes, you can expect 60 years of service life out of your relined pipes!

If The Pipe Has Collapsed Can It Be Relined?

If your pipe has collapsed partially, we can reline it. If the sewer or stormwater pipe is fully collapsed then this will require, digging and a pipe replacement, to fix it correctly and costs more in labour. The pipe is impregnated with an epoxy Liner. Once cured, this creates a ‘new pipe, within the old pipe’. Very similar to a medical ‘stent’.

The benefits of using pipe relining for a cracked or partially collapsed pipe include:

  • No digging required
  • Permanent solution
  • Cost-effective
  • Less disruption – you can use your pipes within hours not days.
  • Landscaping, flooring, and driveways are not damaged.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take?

It depends on many factors, including the size of the pipe and the access to this pipe. In most cases, your pipe can be relined in a few hours.

If you need the work done as a matter of urgency then StreamlinePipes can be there the next day after the quote is provided.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Last?

Pipe relining is a long-term solution. The pipe lining can last just the same if not longer than replacing in with a new PVC Pipe. Once it is in place you don’t have to worry about repairing or replacing it for years.

Relined pipes are more cost-effective than replacement of the entire pipe, which can be very expensive. Relining leaves your property intact, so there’s no need to dig up your yard or pathways or remove any landscaping features. You won’t even notice when our qualified plumbers are onsite!

StreamlinePipe relining saves money in the long run because:

  • It doesn’t require digging up yards and pathways in order to replace pipes that may be causing water damage under concrete slabs or driveways
  • We guarantee our work for 60 years – an industry first

How Does CIPP Relining Work?

Cured-In-Place-Piping (CIPP) relining is a method of repairing pipes that involves injecting a high-density polyurethane material into the pipe. The material hardens and forms a new pipe within the old pipe. This method of pipe repair was pioneered by Streamline Pipes and Drains over 31 years ago.

How Do I Know If My Pipes Are Blocked Or Broken?

If you are unsure whether your pipes need to be relined or repaired, contact us for a free, no-obligation inspection. We can help you to evaluate the condition of the pipes and advise you on all available options, contact us for help.

Does Pipe Relining Need To Be Done By A Specialist?

Absolutely.  Pipe relining requires specific equipment and training. The no-dig pipe repair solution is not taught at Tafe. Relining training is learnt ‘on the job’ and can take decades to perfect. It is worth thinking ‘will the plumbing company be around for 2o years to fix any possible problems”?

There are many companies out there claiming to be able to do this work effectively, but no one can match the quality and expertise of Streamline Pipes and Drains as they are only just beginning and Streamline has be Relining for over 31 years.

Is pipe relining approved by Australian standards?

Yes, pipe relining is approved by Australian standards. In fact, AS3600 (2016) and its subsequent revisions include requirements for the use of pipe relining as a method of remediation in both stormwater and sewer systems.

AS3600 is a set of standards for stormwater and wastewater systems that have been developed under the auspices of Standards Australia New Zealand (Standards NZ). The following standards apply:

  • AS3600 – general requirements for design, construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of water supply schemes including wastewater treatment works
  • AS3600.1 -2018 – quality management system standard for health sector facilities; quality management system standard for medical devices; other technical regulations made under Food Act 2014; classifications under Industrial Chemicals (Notification & Assessment) Act 1989; classification under Ozone Protection & Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989; environmental performance standards under several statutes including Hazardous Substances (Emergency Response Management) Regulations 2007; risk assessment framework under Hazardous Substances (Emergency Response Management) Regulations 2007

Can Root Intrusion Be Fixed With Pipe Relining?

Root intrusion is the result of tree roots growing into the pipes. Pipe relining is a perfect preventative solution when roots have invaded your sewer pipes, as the use of a High-Pressure Water Jet and inspection camera, is the precursor work required in order to clean and clear the blockage. Once this is done, then the StreamlinePipes relining system is able to install the pipe liner and get your pipes working again, with tree roots permanently removed from that part of the drain system.

Contact us now for a free quote

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