How to Prepare Your Property for Trenchless Sewer Line Installation

When you schedule a trenchless sewer line repair or installation, it is important to ensure the process runs smoothly from start to finish. To accomplish this, you, as the homeowner, can take several steps that will assist your trenchless sewer company with their work. These preparation steps are fairly simple and will reduce the amount of time the company needs, as well as your home’s downtime. 

Advanced Trenchless Solutions has some tips for preparing your home for trenchless sewer repair. Let’s take a look at how you can help the process. 

Understand the Trenchless Technology Being Used

When you hire a company like ATS, you are either going to have your sewer line installed with pipe lining or pipe bursting. Not sure about the difference? Here’s a quick look at the two types of trenchless sewer repair. 

Pipelining

Pipe lining requires a small access hole to be dug into your yard. The technician can insert a device that pulls a new pipe through your existing sewer line, effectively creating a like-new liner for your sewer pipe. This method works for cracked and broken sewer lines. 

Pipe Bursting 

The other option you may choose is pipe bursting. Pipe bursting uses a pneumatic mole that breaks apart the existing pipe, effectively bursting it, and pulling along a new pipe to replace it. This method works when your old pipe is broken, too narrow, or has tree roots in the way. A larger pipe can be fed through the line, which makes your sewer line able to handle larger amounts of wastewater without causing clogs. 

Initial Property Assessment

Before either of these methods can take place, the company you hire will conduct an initial property assessment. They will use camera scopes to determine the sewer line’s current condition and layout.

They will also determine where the best access points are located, to avoid digging multiple holes to access the sewer line. Entry and exit points will be determined, which is where the equipment will be pushed in and retrieved at the end of the process. 

How Can You Help?

It would be helpful to remove vehicles, outdoor furniture, and garden decor from the area during this assessment. Ensuring your front yard is clear of obstructions will help the company complete its job with minimal problems. 

Marking Underground Utilities

Another way to help your trenchless sewer company is by having your utility lines marked by the utility companies. This will ensure all gas, water, and electrical lines are marked to avoid accidental damage. 

Prepare for Water Disconnection

During sewer line repairs and installation, you may not have access to water and sewer services in your home. It is best to be prepared by having bottled water on hand and an alternative location for using a restroom, if needed. If you can, plan for alternative arrangements for children, other family members, and pets. 

Communicate with Neighbors

It’s always a smart idea to let your neighbors know about the pending work in your yard. While most trenchless repairs and installations don’t interfere with your neighbors’ yards or sewer lines, it is important to let them know that machinery and a crew will block your yard. 

Safety Precautions

While your yard is blocked by the crew, it is important to keep pets and children away. Keep them inside the house during the process to ensure no one gets hurt. Your trenchless sewer installation crew will also let you know of any other precautions to take while they work. 

Prepare for Delays

In the days before your scheduled appointment, be sure to watch the weather and anticipate any delays. If there is heavy rain or thunderstorms, the crew may not be able to complete the project on that day. Be prepared for the possibility that your appointment may be rescheduled

Protecting Landscaping and Hardscaping

Trenchless sewer installation is minimally invasive, so it is likely your landscaping and hardscaping will not be disrupted during the process. However, if you want to take precautions, you can:

• Identify the critical root zone of each tree and mark the area to help avoid unnecessary foot traffic and equipment operation. 

• If you cannot avoid roots, have an arborist carefully prune the roots. 

• Install physical barriers, such as root barriers, to protect exposed roots during the process. 

• Apply a layer of mulch over the root areas to reduce soil compaction and retain moisture. 

As for hardscaping, you may want to take pictures of your existing layout or remove anything that you can to avoid broken tiles or other hardscaping pieces. Work with the company to avoid as much hardscaping disruption as possible. 

Post-Installation Care

After your sewer line installation is complete, the crew will restore the area as much as possible, once their equipment is removed. You may need to perform additional steps to restore your yard to its original condition, but it may take time for new grass to grow. 

Monitor the health of your trees and other plants regularly to ensure they are not disrupted by the activity. Water plants and trees, but avoid overwatering, to help them recover. You can also fertilize certain areas if you desire. 

Maintaining Your Sewer Line

Now that you have a new sewer line, it is important to maintain it to ensure longevity. Schedule regular camera inspections to check for cracks, breaks, or clogs. Avoid allowing cars and other heavy equipment to park over your sewer line, which can potentially crush the line.

When working in the kitchen, avoid putting certain materials down the sink drain, such as oil, grease, and large food particles, which can cause clogs. If clogs appear, contact a company that can hydro-jet your sewer line for easy cleanout. 

Schedule Your Trenchless Sewer Line Repair with ATS

For expert trenchless sewer line repair in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, give Advanced Trenchless Solutions a call. Our dedicated and experienced team can help you repair or install a new sewer line at your home, which will help improve wastewater removal and avoid future water damage and backups. 

Give us a call today at 844-513-4106 or schedule a consultation online.