Sewer & Drain Line Leak Detection in Pflugerville, TX

When should you call about sewer & drain line leak detection?

• Sewer smell inside the house
• Every drain is slow
• Gurgling sounds from drains
• Damp floor near a bathroom

For businesses, see leak locating for commercial buildings.

What should you do right now?

1. Shut off the main water valve. It is in the meter box near the street, or where the main line enters your garage or an outside wall. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
2. Warm floor? Close the cold-water inlet on top of the water heater.
3. Water near outlets? Stay away. Switch off the breaker only if you are on dry ground.
4. Smell gas? Leave and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.

What will the local provider do?

1. Open the cleanout
2. Run a camera through the drain line
3. Locate the problem from above with a transmitter
4. Show you the footage and explain options

Start with finding slab leaks in Pflugerville if you are not sure what you need.

What causes the problems sewer & drain line leak detection finds?

Sewer and drain lines carry waste water out of the house. Under a slab, breaks and leaks are usually caused by age, roots or ground movement.

• Cast iron or older pipe corroding from the inside
• Roots entering joints near the edge of the slab
• Joints separating as the slab shifts in clay soil
• Grease and debris causing blockages that stress the pipe

Which warning signs matter most?

What should you expect?

A camera inspection shows the inside of the pipe on a screen. A small transmitter on the camera lets the provider mark the exact spot from above the floor.

How can you prevent it?

• Do not pour grease or oil down drains
• Avoid flushing wipes, even ones labeled flushable
• Keep trees away from the path of the sewer line
• Have the drain camera-inspected if your home is older and has never been checked

How is a sewer leak different from a water leak?

Water lines are under pressure, so a leak makes noise and shows up on the meter. Drain and sewer lines are not pressurized. Waste water flows through them by gravity, so a crack leaks only when water is going down the drain. That means the meter does not move and ground microphones are much less useful. Sewer leaks are found with cameras, smoke tests and water tests instead.

Under a slab, a cracked drain line can wash soil away over time, and waste water in the soil can cause odors and attract pests. The signs tend to build slowly.

What are the signs of a sewer or drain line leak?

How does a camera inspection work?

1. The provider finds an access point, usually a cleanout outside the house or a toilet flange inside.
2. A waterproof camera on a flexible cable is pushed through the line.
3. The live picture shows cracks, offset joints, roots, sags and blockages.
4. A locator on the camera head lets the provider mark the problem spot on the floor or ground.
5. Many providers record the video so you can keep it.

If the line is packed with debris, it may need to be cleared first so the camera can see the pipe walls.

What other tests are used?

• Hydrostatic test: the drain system is plugged and filled with water. If the level drops, a section is leaking.
• Smoke test: harmless smoke is blown into the line, and where it appears shows breaks and loose connections.
• Dye test: colored dye is flushed to see where water ends up.

A hydrostatic test can confirm a leak exists under the slab, and the camera shows where. The provider will explain which tests fit your situation.

What are the repair options for a drain line?

Repairs follow the same basic choices as supply lines. A broken section can be reached from above, by tunneling from outside, or relined from inside with a cured liner that forms a new pipe within the old one. Older cast iron drain lines are common candidates for relining or replacement because they can corrode along their length. Ask the provider to show you the camera footage and explain why they recommend one option.

How can you protect your drain lines?

• Do not pour grease or oil down kitchen drains
• Flush only toilet paper; wipes labeled flushable can still clog
• Use drain strainers in showers and sinks
• Watch for slow drains and gurgling, and act early
• Ask for a camera inspection before buying an older home
• Know where your outdoor cleanout is and keep it clear

A camera inspection every few years can catch cracks and roots before they cause backups, especially in older homes.

What should you ask before a sewer repair?

• Can I see the camera footage and the marked problem spots?
• Is the pipe cast iron, PVC or clay, and what condition is it in?
• Is relining an option, or does the section need replacing?
• Will the repair need a city permit or inspection?
• How will you test the line after the repair?

Where in Pflugerville can you get sewer & drain line leak detection?

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Related services

• Electronic Leak Detection
• Thermal Imaging Leak DetectionWall & Ceiling Leak DetectionTracer Gas Leak Detection
• Hot Water Slab Leak Detection
• Water Line Leak Detection
• Pool Leak Detection

Sewer & Drain Line Leak Detection questions