How Do I Handle a Burst Sewer Pipe Situation in Dexter, Michigan?

Few plumbing emergencies are as dire as a burst sewer pipe. What should you do if you find yourself dealing with this issue? Our trusted plumbers in Dexter, MI, respond to a wide range of sewer line problems, including collapsed and burst pipes. 

Use this guide to navigate the situation quickly and minimize damage. If you ever experience a pipe leak in Dexter or the surrounding areas, contact Dynamic Drains Plumbing & Sewer Service for repairs. 

Why Sewer Pipes Burst in Dexter, Michigan

Before we dive into the steps you can take to repair a burst pipe, it’s important to understand why this issue occurs. Sewer lines connect to various plumbing fixtures and run underground until they flow into the municipal sewer system. Even though they are largely out of sight, they aren’t immune from serious damage. 

These underground pipes can burst due to the following:

• Clogs: Pressure can build inside the pipe around a blockage, eventually causing the material to break. You’ll likely experience sewage backup as a result of clogged pipes.
• Intrusive tree roots: Nearby trees can wreak havoc on sewer systems. As root systems grow, they can penetrate sewer lines and cause them to crack. 
• Soil shifting: Seismic activity, soil erosion, and other issues can cause the ground to shift. The underground pipe often reacts to this movement by bursting. 
• Freezing temperatures: Pipes naturally expand when the water inside of them freezes. In extreme cases, the pipe may burst. 

Signs Your Home Has a Burst Sewer Pipe

Since sewer lines run underground, how can you tell if one bursts? Plumbing experts in Dexter warn homeowners to look out for the following signs:

• Yard flooding
• Foul odors
• Gurgling noises inside drains
• Weak water pressure

Take immediate action at the first sign of trouble. Waiting to address your burst pipe increases the risk of water damage and leads to higher emergency plumbing costs. 

What to Do if a Sewer Pipe Bursts: Four Steps for Dexter Homeowners

Stop wondering, “How do I handle a burst sewer pipe situation?” Follow the steps below to prevent the flow of wastewater and restore your drainage system. 

1. Shut Off Your Water Supply

Since the sewer line can no longer seal in wastewater, you must prevent more liquid from entering the pipe. The best way to prevent further water damage is to turn off your home’s water supply. With the water shut off, you can also open your faucets to relieve pressure inside the pipes. 

2. Contact Licensed Sewer Specialists

You’ll continue to have plumbing issues until you repair the burst pipe. Contact sewer experts who can inspect and restore the damaged equipment. Search for a plumbing company with years of experience and favorable reviews to ensure the highest-quality service. 

3. Contain Indoor Water Leaks

Water may seep through certain areas of your home, such as around your toilet or underneath your sinks. Inspect your property for signs of water damage, such as:

• Puddles or dripping water
• Mold growth
• Musty odors
• Water stains

Once you locate indoor water leaks, be proactive about containing them until professionals begin pipe repairs. Place buckets underneath dripping pipes or use towels to soak up existing puddles. This will prevent water damage from escalating inside your Dexter home. 

4. Move Forward with Pipe Repairs or Replacement 

After completing the first three steps, the best thing you can do to fix a burst sewer pipe is to let experts make professional repairs. Plumbers use cutting-edge camera technology to inspect the underground pipe and locate the source of the problem. These findings help them diagnose the leak’s cause and recommend the best course of action. 

For minor leaks, contractors can repair the pipe by sending a resin liner into the drainage system, which will cure in place and patch any cracks. This trenchless approach resolves the issue and gives you peace of mind. 

Extensive damage or leaks due to pipe corrosion typically require a full pipe replacement. However, another trenchless method known as pipe bursting can take care of this issue. Plumbers feed a special bursting head through the existing line which simultaneously destroys the compromised pipe and leaves a new one in its place.