Roto-Rooter does more than just clear your drains. As full service commercial plumbers, we can also repair or replace sewer pipes to correct a number of problems.

Commercial building owners are responsible for maintaining the sewer lines connecting their premises to the city sewer main, generally to the curb or sidewalk. Drain and sewer pipes left in disrepair could cause flooding and groundwater contamination, representing a serious environmental hazard. Roto-Rooter offers sewer line repair, sewer line replacement and sewer line installation to correct a number of problems, including:

Drain & Sewer Line Repairs

Roto-Rooter does more than just clear your drains. Roto-Rooter has the commercial plumbing expertise and special equipment needed for drain and sewer line repair and replacement. Our drain line repair and sewer line replacement services will correct a number of problems, including:

  • Broken, cracked, offset or collapsed pipes – damaged sewer lines due to shifting soil, frozen ground, settling, etc.
  • Blockage – grease buildup or a foreign object is restricting or prohibiting proper flow and/or cleaning of the sewer line.
  • Corrosion – the sewer pipe has deteriorated and/or broken, causing sections of the pipe to collapse and restrict flow.
  • Leaking joints – the seals between pipes have broken, allowing water to escape into the area surrounding the pipe.
  • Bellied pipe – a section of the sewer pipe has sunk due to ground or soil conditions, creating a valley that collects paper and waste.
  • Roots in sewer line – tree or shrub roots have invaded the sewer pipe, preventing normal cleaning and/or roots have damaged the pipe.
  • Off-grade pipe – existing pipes are constructed of substandard or outdated material that may have deteriorated or corroded.

Traditional Repairs

Sewer line repairs are typically performed using the “open cut” or “trench” method to gain access to the area surrounding the damaged portion of the pipe. A backhoe may be used to open and refill the work area.

Trenchless Repairs

Trenchless sewer line repairs cause less damage than traditional sewer line repair techniques since only small access holes are usually necessary to complete the repair. Trenchless methods allow for minimal damage parking lots, sidewalks and landscaping.

Pipe Bursting

We make small access holes where the damaged underground pipe starts and ends. Using your broken sewer pipe as a guide, our hydraulic pipe bursting machine pulls full-sized replacement pipe through the old path and breaks up the damaged pipe at the same time. The new sewer pipe is highly resistant to leaks and root intrusion with an extra long life expectancy. It’s a faster process than open cut methods and can replace cast iron, clay, terra cotta, PVC and concrete pipes. The process even allows for upsizing lines and there is less risk of damage to utilities in close proximity to damaged pipes.

Pipe bursting techniques can be used in the following applications:

  • Sewer laterals
  • Water mains
  • Irrigation lines
  • Manhole to manhole
  • Under slabs and floors
  • Under roadways, driveways and parking lots
  • Historical sites and locations where preservation is required
  • In tight spaces
  • Where trenches are too dangerous

Pipe Relining

Relining is the process of repairing damaged sewer pipes by creating a “pipe within a pipe” to restore 100% function and flow. Epoxy relining materials mold to the inside of the existing pipe to create a smooth and tough new inner wall.
Many times, pipe relining can be performed through a building’s sewer clean-out access and the process usually requires very little digging. Pipe relining may be used to repair root-damaged or rusted pipes, seal cracks and holes, fill in missing pipe and seal joint connections underground, in roof drain pipes and storm lines, and under concrete. The relined pipe is seamless and durable.

A felt-lined flexible tube (the liner) is filled with an epoxy and resin mix then inserted into one end of the damaged pipe. Then a “bladder” is inserted and inflated to press the new lining against the sides of the existing pipe. The bladder is left in place for four to six hours until the lining has cured and adhered to the old pipe. The finished pipe is seamless and durable. A video camera inspection will be performed to ensure that the pipe is draining properly and is free of obstructions. All materials used in the relining process are non-hazardous.

Benefits of Pipe Relining

  • Minimal property damage
  • No risk of damage to nearby existing pipes
  • Reduced downtime during repairs
  • Extra long expectancy
  • Non-hazardous materials won’t harm the environment
  • Relined pipe cannot be penetrated by tree roots
  • Guaranteed materials and workmanship