When this Austin, TX homeowner had their foundation leveled by Quality Foundation Repair Austin, the next step was to confirm the plumbing system was still intact. After structural adjustments, it’s critical to test both the sewer and water lines to ensure nothing shifted or cracked during the process. Our Austin drain team performed a hydrostatic sewer test and pressure tested the potable water lines. While the water lines passed, the sewer system failed, leading to tunnel excavation and full under-slab sewer line replacement using DWV Schedule 40 PVC.
Job Overview
- Location: Austin, TX
- Client Type: Residential
- Scope: Post-foundation hydrostatic sewer test, potable water pressure test, tunnel excavation, and under-slab sewer line replacement
- Equipment Installed: New schedule 40 PVC sewer pipe and fittings
- Additional Work (if any): Pipe placement within 60-foot tunnel, system reconnections, flow testing, coordination with excavation team
- Why It Mattered: Foundation leveling can shift underground plumbing, making post-leveling testing essential to prevent hidden leaks beneath the slab
What We Found
After the foundation leveling was completed, we performed a hydrostatic test on the sewer system. This test isolates the drain lines and fills them with water to confirm they can hold pressure.
The system failed, meaning water was escaping somewhere beneath the slab. This indicated cracks or separation in the sewer piping likely caused or worsened by movement during the foundation adjustment.
We also pressure tested the potable water lines to ensure the home’s fresh water system was not affected during leveling. Those lines passed testing, confirming the issue was isolated to the drain system.
The Solution
To access the damaged sewer lines without disturbing interior flooring, we performed a tunnel excavation from the exterior of the home. Approximately 60 feet of tunneling and two access points allowed safe access beneath the slab.
Once exposed, we removed the compromised sections of sewer pipe and installed new DWV Schedule 40 PVC piping. This material is designed specifically for drain, waste, and vent systems and provides durable, long-term performance beneath slab foundations.
Each section was installed with proper slope to ensure smooth wastewater flow toward the city connection. All fittings were securely connected and tied into the existing system.
Photo Highlights
Exterior brick wall with photo marked up for tunnel excavation access during sewer line repair in Austin TX
New vertical PVC sewer connection installed during under slab plumbing repair in Austin TX
Level checking proper slope of new PVC sewer line during installation in Austin TX
Sewer camera inspection revealing pipe joint separation during hydrostatic test in Austin TX
New PVC sewer pipe installed under slab during tunnel excavation sewer repair in Austin TX
The Results
The home now has a newly installed under-slab sewer line that holds properly and drains as designed. The leak beneath the foundation has been eliminated, and the plumbing system is functioning reliably again.
With the sewer line installation complete, the homeowners can move forward knowing their plumbing is no longer contributing to soil movement or foundation concerns. Most importantly, daily life inside the home can return to normal.
Professional Sewer Line Installation in Austin
Sewer line installation in Austin requires careful planning, proper grading, and an understanding of how local soil conditions affect underground plumbing. Radiant’s drain specialists handle everything from hydrostatic testing to tunnel excavation and full pipe replacement.
If you’re dealing with a slab leak or suspect sewer line issues beneath your home, schedule online with Radiant for a thorough evaluation and expert repair.
