7 Ways to Prevent Underground Pipe Damage on Your Property

Beneath the surface of your property lies a complex network of pipes that are essential for the daily operation of your home or business. These underground pipes are responsible for everything from bringing fresh water into your building to carrying wastewater away. When they are working properly, it’s easy to forget they are even there. But when something goes wrong, it can lead to a major headache. Underground pipe damage can be caused by a variety of factors, from accidental strikes during excavation to the slow, invasive pressure of tree roots. The consequences of a damaged underground pipe can be severe, ranging from a soggy lawn and low water pressure to a complete loss of water service and costly repairs. The good news is that many of the most common causes of underground pipe damage are preventable. This guide will walk you through seven practical ways to prevent underground pipe damage on your property. By taking a proactive approach to protecting your plumbing, you can save yourself from the stress and expense of a major plumbing emergency. It’s about being smart, being aware, and taking a few simple steps to protect your investment.

1. Always Call 811 Before You Dig

This is, without a doubt, the most important step you can take to prevent underground pipe damage. Whether you are planting a tree, building a deck, or installing a new fence, you must call 811 before you start digging. This is a free service that will notify all of the utility companies in your area of your plans to dig. Within a few days, the utility companies will send a locator to your property to mark the approximate location of their underground lines. This will give you a clear visual guide of where you can and cannot dig. According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), “The primary tool for avoiding damages to underground facilities is timely communication between excavators and the owners of the facilities.” Calling 811 is the first and most critical step in that communication process.

2. Be Smart About Landscaping

Your landscaping can have a major impact on the health of your underground pipes. Trees and large shrubs have extensive root systems that can wrap around and crush pipes over time. When planting new trees, be sure to choose a location that is a safe distance from your known utility lines. As a general rule, you should plant trees at least 10 feet away from any underground pipes. If you already have large trees on your property, it’s a good idea to have your sewer lines inspected periodically for any signs of root intrusion. A professional can use a video camera to inspect the inside of your pipes and identify any potential problems before they become a major issue.

3. Know the Signs of a Leak

Even with the best prevention efforts, leaks can still happen. The key is to catch them early before they have a chance to cause major damage. Be on the lookout for any of the following signs of an underground leak:

• A sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill
• A patch of lawn that is unusually green or lush
• A soft, soggy spot in your yard
• A drop in water pressure
• The sound of running water when all of your faucets are turned off

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a professional Houston plumber for a leak detection service. They can use specialized equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the leak and recommend the best course of action.

4. Don’t Ignore Clogs

A clogged drain may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can be a sign of a more serious problem with your underground pipes. If you are experiencing frequent clogs, it could be a sign that there is a blockage in your main sewer line. This could be caused by a buildup of grease, a foreign object, or even tree roots. Ignoring a clog can put a significant amount of pressure on your pipes, which can eventually lead to a crack or a break. If you are dealing with a stubborn clog that you can’t clear with a plunger, it’s time to call a professional. They can use a video camera to inspect your pipes and determine the cause of the clog.

5. Be Careful with Heavy Equipment

If you are having any work done on your property that involves heavy equipment, such as a new driveway or a swimming pool, it’s important to make sure that the contractor is aware of the location of your underground pipes. The weight of heavy equipment can crush pipes that are not buried deep enough. Before any work begins, be sure to share the location of your utility lines with the contractor to prevent any accidental damage.

6. Know Your Pipe Material and Age

The type and age of your underground pipes can also play a role in their susceptibility to damage. Older pipes made of materials like cast iron or clay can be more brittle and prone to cracking than modern PVC pipes. If you have an older home, it’s a good idea to have your pipes inspected by a professional to assess their condition. A professional can tell you what type of pipes you have and whether or not they are nearing the end of their lifespan. This can help you to budget for a future replacement and avoid a sudden and unexpected failure.

7. Schedule Regular Inspections

The best way to prevent underground pipe damage is to be proactive. Scheduling regular inspections of your underground pipes can help you to identify any potential problems before they become a major issue. A professional can use a video camera to inspect the inside of your pipes and look for any signs of corrosion, cracks, or root intrusion. Regular inspections are especially important if you have an older home or if you have large trees on your property. A small investment in a regular inspection can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.

Your Partner in Prevention

Protecting your underground pipes is all about being proactive and aware. By following these seven simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of a major plumbing emergency. From calling 811 before you dig to scheduling regular inspections, a little bit of prevention can go a long way. At TX Hydrojet, we are committed to helping our customers protect their plumbing investment. We offer a full range of services to help you prevent underground pipe damage, from video camera inspections and leak detection to professional drain cleaning and pipe repair. Our team of licensed and experienced technicians has the knowledge and expertise to keep your plumbing system in top condition.

FAQs

How deep are underground pipes buried?

The depth of underground pipes can vary depending on the type of pipe and the local codes. In general, water lines are buried deeper than sewer lines to protect them from freezing.

How can I tell if I have a sewer line clog or a clog in a single drain?

If only one drain in your home is clogged, the problem is likely isolated to that drain. If multiple drains are clogged, or if you are experiencing backups in your toilets or showers, the problem is likely in your main sewer line.

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners on my underground pipes?

It is generally not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners on your underground pipes. These chemicals can be corrosive and can damage your pipes over time. It is always best to call a professional to clear a clog.