Sewer Line Installation in Brownsburg, IN

How Do I Know If My Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced?

Sewer lines are buried deep underground, so you often don't see the damage until the symptoms become severe. However, your plumbing system usually gives you warning signs before a total collapse occurs. Catching these early can save you from a major emergency.

If you notice any of the following, it is time to call a professional for an inspection:

• Persistent Clogs: If you are constantly plunging your toilet or dealing with backups in multiple drains (like the shower backing up when you flush the toilet), the blockage is likely deep in the main line.
• Foul Odors: A properly functioning sanitary sewer should be airtight with the exception of vent stacks. If you smell sewage in your yard or basement, you likely have a crack or break in the line.
• Soggy Patches in the Yard: Leaking sewage acts as a fertilizer. If you see a patch of grass that is unusually lush and green—or soggy and foul-smelling—directly above your sewer line, you have a leak.
• Gurgling Noises: If your toilet gurgles when the washing machine runs, air is trapped in the line due to a blockage or break.
• Age of the Home: Many older homes in Brownsburg still rely on clay or cast iron pipes. These materials have a lifespan of about 50-60 years. If your home was built before 1980 and you haven’t updated the line, corrosion or collapse is a high risk.

What Causes Sewer Lines to Break in Indiana?

Plumbing in Indiana faces a unique set of challenges due to our climate and local environment. Understanding these causes can help you make informed decisions about your sewer line installation.

1. The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Indiana winters can be harsh. When the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly, the soil expands and contracts. This shifting soil puts immense pressure on underground pipes, potentially causing them to crack, belly (sag), or disconnect at the joints.

2. Tree Root Intrusion

This is one of the most common issues we see in Hendricks County. Large, mature trees have extensive root systems that seek out moisture. Even a tiny hairline crack in a sewer pipe releases water vapor that attracts roots. Once the roots enter, they grow rapidly, breaking the pipe apart from the inside.

3. Aging Infrastructure

As mentioned, many older neighborhoods have pipes made of clay or cast iron. Cast iron eventually rusts and corrodes, leading to the bottom of the pipe rotting away (channeling). Clay pipes are brittle and susceptible to crumbling under the weight of the soil over time.

Trenchless vs. Traditional Sewer Installation: Understanding the Difference

When facing a sewer replacement, you may hear about different methods of installation. It is important to understand how they differ so you can discuss the best approach for your property with our team.

Traditional Excavation

This is the conventional method of sewer line installation. It involves using an excavator to dig a trench along the path of the old pipe to remove it and install new, durable PVC piping.

• Pros: It allows for a complete visual inspection of the trench bed and ensures the new pipe is pitched (sloped) perfectly for drainage. It is sometimes the only option if the old pipe has fully collapsed or back-pitched.
• Cons: It requires digging up the landscaping, driveway, or whatever lies above the pipe.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Trenchless methods, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, are less invasive. They involve creating small access holes to insert a new liner or pipe through the existing one.

• Pros: Preserves landscaping and driveways; often faster than digging.
• Cons: Not all pipes are candidates for this. If the pipe is bellied (sagging) or collapsed, lining it won't fix the structural grade issue.

Which method is right for you? At Cornwell Plumbing, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We start with a video camera inspection to see exactly what is happening underground. If a traditional excavation is required to ensure a long-lasting fix, we will be upfront with you. Our goal is to provide a solution that you never have to worry about again.

Our Sewer Line Installation Process

We know that replacing a sewer line sounds like a massive undertaking. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible for you.

1. Video Diagnosis: We verify the problem using high-definition cameras to locate the break and depth of the pipe.
2. Permitting & Utility Marking: We handle the necessary permits and ensure all local utility lines (gas, electric, water) are marked to ensure safety.
3. Excavation and Removal: We carefully access the damaged line, respecting your property as much as possible.
4. Installation: We install high-quality, schedule-rated PVC piping. PVC is impervious to tree roots and will not rust, ensuring decades of flow.
5. Proper Bedding: We bed the pipe in proper stone or gravel to prevent future shifting or settling.
6. Inspection and Backfill: Once inspected and approved, we backfill the trench and grade the area.

Why Professional Inspection Matters

Attempting to fix a main sewer line with chemical drain cleaners or repeated snaking is often just throwing money down the drain. If the pipe is broken or offset, no amount of cleaning will solve the problem.

A professional installation ensures that your home is connected to the municipal sewer system according to Brownsburg and Indiana plumbing codes. We ensure the correct slope (pitch) so that waste flows away from your home using gravity, preventing future backups.