Plumbing Blockage - Should I Completely Replace My Pipes?
Completely replacing your underground drainage pipes is a possible solution to contemplate when you have a blockage or stoppage, very common problem in the Dallas are due to the nature of the ground.
It involves excavating, removing and replacing the entire length of pipe.
As you know the clay soil in the Dallas area makes this process even more complicated.
It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of this possible solution and weigh them against the advantages and disadvantages of other solutions for these types of blockages and stoppages.
First, let's consider the disadvantages: When replacing the ENTIRE length of piping that is involved in a stoppage, quiet a bit of digging and excavating must occur in order to access the old pipe, detach it, and re-attach the new plumbing.
Many times, a large portion of the yard has to be dug up.
Of course, this extensive amount of digging does more than just make a mess.
It damages the grass, as well as the landscaping, and can be a challenge to avoid hitting sprinkler heads and plumbing connected to sprinkler systems.
Hopefully the pipe will not be located underneath concrete, such as the driveway, sidewalks, patio, or even the foundation of your house.
If it is, then in order to access the pipe for total replacement, the concrete must be removed by jackhammer.
Of course, this creates a much bigger mess and does a lot more damage.
All of the broken concrete must be replaced and re-poured after the plumbing replacement.
There might be visible scars where the new concrete and old concrete stand out in stark contrast to one another.
If the foundation is involved, then in order to get to the foundation, carpet or ceramic tile or wood floors (whichever kind of flooring you had) will have to be removed.
These materials will have to be replaced afterward and can leave visible scars.
Another concern to consider is ground settling that occurs after replacing the pipe and filling in the area surrounding the new pipe with dirt.
The reason this is a concern is because ground settling can shift the pipes from their original position.
This puts stress on the joints and seams and can change the way the pipes are slanted, which is critical for proper drainage.
In certain areas, such as Dallas, Area, the soil is predominantly clay.
Clay tends to contract and expand frequently.
This will increase the chances of ground settling and movement.
You will want to consult with an experienced Dallas plumber who is familiar with Dallas Area soil.
The advantages of total pipe replacement, as opposed to just replacing a particular spot in the pipe, is that it significantly reduces the possibility of future problems since the entire pipe is being replaced with a brand new one.
This gives you peace of mind.
It also can be relatively economical as the cost of one pipe is not very much.
Most of the expense would be for the labor.
But in the long run it could prevent future leaks and damage and will avoid unnecessary expenses later on.
You also get better guarantees since the pipe you are installing is brand new and is not just a patch on an old pipe.
If you are having problems with stoppages and blockages in your draining system, be sure to consult with a reputable, experienced, trustworthy plumbing company who can inform you on all of your options and explain clearly the advantages and disadvantages of each possible solution.
It involves excavating, removing and replacing the entire length of pipe.
As you know the clay soil in the Dallas area makes this process even more complicated.
It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of this possible solution and weigh them against the advantages and disadvantages of other solutions for these types of blockages and stoppages.
First, let's consider the disadvantages: When replacing the ENTIRE length of piping that is involved in a stoppage, quiet a bit of digging and excavating must occur in order to access the old pipe, detach it, and re-attach the new plumbing.
Many times, a large portion of the yard has to be dug up.
Of course, this extensive amount of digging does more than just make a mess.
It damages the grass, as well as the landscaping, and can be a challenge to avoid hitting sprinkler heads and plumbing connected to sprinkler systems.
Hopefully the pipe will not be located underneath concrete, such as the driveway, sidewalks, patio, or even the foundation of your house.
If it is, then in order to access the pipe for total replacement, the concrete must be removed by jackhammer.
Of course, this creates a much bigger mess and does a lot more damage.
All of the broken concrete must be replaced and re-poured after the plumbing replacement.
There might be visible scars where the new concrete and old concrete stand out in stark contrast to one another.
If the foundation is involved, then in order to get to the foundation, carpet or ceramic tile or wood floors (whichever kind of flooring you had) will have to be removed.
These materials will have to be replaced afterward and can leave visible scars.
Another concern to consider is ground settling that occurs after replacing the pipe and filling in the area surrounding the new pipe with dirt.
The reason this is a concern is because ground settling can shift the pipes from their original position.
This puts stress on the joints and seams and can change the way the pipes are slanted, which is critical for proper drainage.
In certain areas, such as Dallas, Area, the soil is predominantly clay.
Clay tends to contract and expand frequently.
This will increase the chances of ground settling and movement.
You will want to consult with an experienced Dallas plumber who is familiar with Dallas Area soil.
The advantages of total pipe replacement, as opposed to just replacing a particular spot in the pipe, is that it significantly reduces the possibility of future problems since the entire pipe is being replaced with a brand new one.
This gives you peace of mind.
It also can be relatively economical as the cost of one pipe is not very much.
Most of the expense would be for the labor.
But in the long run it could prevent future leaks and damage and will avoid unnecessary expenses later on.
You also get better guarantees since the pipe you are installing is brand new and is not just a patch on an old pipe.
If you are having problems with stoppages and blockages in your draining system, be sure to consult with a reputable, experienced, trustworthy plumbing company who can inform you on all of your options and explain clearly the advantages and disadvantages of each possible solution.
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