How to repair broken stormwater pipe?

Fixing a Broken Stormwater Pipe: A Practical Guide

A broken stormwater pipe is one of those pesky problems that can sneak up on you. One day, your drainage is running smoothly, and the next, you've got a soggy backyard or an overflowing driveway! Don't worry—I'll walk you through how to fix it so you can get your drainage system back in top shape.

Spotting the Problem

Before you grab your tools, you need to figure out exactly where the pipe is damaged. Signs of a broken stormwater pipe include:

• Pooled water or soggy patches in your yard that don’t dry up.
• Slow drainage or water backflow in your downpipes.
• Noticeable cracks or leaks in exposed sections of the pipe.

Once you locate the issue, you're ready to get fixing.

What You’ll Need

Gather your supplies ahead of time to keep things simple. Here are a few essentials you’ll likely need:

• Shovel: To dig around the damaged section of the pipe.
• Hacksaw or pipe cutter: For making clean cuts.
• Replacement pipe: A matching pipe size ensures compatibility.
• Holman 90mm Slip Coupling: Perfect for securely joining two pipe sections.
• Holman 90mm Elbow: Ideal for directional changes if your repair involves angles.
• PVC Solvent Cement: To bond pipe fittings securely.
• Measuring Tape and Marker: Accuracy is key.

Now, let's get fixing!

Repairing the Broken Pipe

1. Dig Out the Area

Carefully remove soil around the damaged section of the pipe. Give yourself enough room to work comfortably. Be gentle to avoid making the damage worse.

2. Cut Out the Damaged Section

Use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to remove the broken part—cut at least 10 cm on each side of the crack to ensure stability.

3. Prepare the Replacement Piece

Measure and cut a new piece of stormwater pipe to fit. Dry fit the Holman 90mm Slip Coupling at both ends to check alignment.

4. Bond Everything Securely

Apply PVC Solvent Cement inside the coupling and onto the ends of the replacement pipe. Push them together firmly and hold for a few seconds.

5. Backfill the Area

Once the cement has dried (usually 24 hours for full strength), carefully backfill the soil, compacting it gently.

Preventing Future Damage

Avoid future breakdowns with these simple steps:

• Inspect your drainage regularly for small cracks or leaks.
• Use quality fittings like Holman 90mm Elbows to ensure durability.
• Avoid heavy traffic over buried drainage pipes to prevent cracking.

And just like that, your stormwater system is back in action! A pipe repair might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and patience, it's totally manageable. Now go enjoy a properly drained yard! 😊

Happy fixing!

Candeece

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