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From Jacob’s Desk: Drain Pipe Scoping
With more than two decades of experience serving Central Ohio, you can imagine how many questions we’ve answered about concrete lifting and leveling! That’s why B-Level president Jacob Shreyer has devoted his time answering your questions in the blog series “From Jacob’s Desk.”
Why is it necessary to have my drains scoped before lifting the concrete?
If the drain pipes underneath your concrete are not properly marked for depth, location, and condition, you run the risk of damaging the drains during the lifting repairs.
As the concrete has shifted over time, so do the drains below. They can become crushed, separated, filled with tree roots, or develop bellies in the line. It may be necessary to have the drain pipes repaired before having the concrete lifted in these cases.
Drain pipes, from the downspouts, are often installed within 12 inches or less from the bottom of the concrete pads they’re underneath. Being this shallow under the ground puts the drain pipes at risk of becoming filled with Cementous or Polyfoam material during a lift.
What is the best way to locate drain pipes?
A video pipe inspection with a locating transmitter will provide the information needed to determine the viability of the drain pipe. It will also determine the location of the pipe in order to safely lift the concrete.
Digging along the edges of the concrete can pose a few risks and limitations that you otherwise wouldn’t have by using a camera and transmitter. The risks of digging could lead to accidentally puncturing the pipe or slicing a landscaping wire, cable, underground dog fence or irrigation system. Digging could also compromise the soils along the edges of the concrete making it harder to lift.
You also face several limitations when digging around the concrete. These include being unaware if the drain pipe is cracked or separated, being unsure of the pipe’s exact location, and whether or not it’s cracked, separated, perforated, bellied and holding water, or if it’s restricted by debris or tree roots. These questions most often can be answered by using a camera and transmitter.
Contact B-Level today if you’re experiencing issues with unleveled or damaged concrete. We offer free estimates to property owners and managers.