Collapsed Sewer Pipes

[paul1763]

had company out last night to clear blocked sewer and found out its pitch fibre pipes which have totally collapsed(they used a camera) cannot even get drain rods through. septic tank in my field 30 metres from fence,so no problem to replace. the next 4metres from fence to inspection is under tarmac yard with a 10'X10' X 3' high concrete block platform with a 600 gallon oil tank on it. do any of you out there know of machine i could hire to push up the pipe expanding it to say 6"diameter hole to allow me to slide in a 4" pipe.

[ummmm]

Have you phoned your insurance company?

[buildersmate]

I think you need a 'mole', though I doubt very much that your insurance company will have one, so not sure how the above information helps you much.

Mechanical moles can force their way underground through soil and (I think) tug a pipe along behind.

[ummmm]

Well my insurance company employed a firm to fix my collapsed pipes.

[buildersmate]

The OP asked if anyone knew of a suitable machine. I merely answer the questions.

[The Builder]

I don't know if you can hire the kit, Paul, but there are companies who specialise in "moling".

They'll use "impact moling" or "pipe ramming" equipment to drive a new drain run underground without affecting what is overground.

They may advise a completely new run from your chamber to the other side of the fence rather than doing anything with the old one. No reason why it can't be done from the existing chamber though.

Google .......... moling contractors for your area.

[paul1763]

thanks all for your quick replies,i have seen a mole working but did'nt know if it had a professional name. no local hire companies have them or seem to know where i can get one. as you advise "the builder" i will be renewing the whole length myself but as i said its the few metres under my oil tank is the headache at the moment. once again thanks all.