In Need of a Sewer Line Repair? Here Are Your Options

Problems with your sewer are almost inevitable. There'll be minor issues such as cracked or clogged pipes that will pop up with your sewer lines, requiring sewer line repair. Such problems can make your home or commercial unit unbearable with odors and flooding if they go unattended.

Remember you're responsible for your sewer line as the homeowner. While you can fix some issues like clogging by yourself, repairing a cracked pipe would require seeking professional plumbing services.  But, that doesn't mean you should be oblivious of the sewer line repair process and logistics. You should be familiar with what needs to be done when you need it and how much it would cost you for a sewer line repair.

Please read on to learn more about the different types of sewer line repairs and their costs.

1. Trenchless Pipelining

The most common causes of sewer line damage include tree roots, extremely cold temperatures, shifting ground, corrosion pipes, and clogs or blockages. Luckily, you can get your sewer systems back to functioning as they're supposed to using trenchless piping.

Trenchless piping is a sewer line repair technique that involves cleaning out a sewer line and installing epoxy lining through an access point to seal the entire inside of the pipe(s) to:

• Prevent leakages

• Keep storm water out of the pipe(s), and

• Stop tree roots from penetrating the pipe(s).

As the name suggests, there is no need to dig a trench to access and repair or replace the sewer line. Thus, you won't need to dig up and destroy your yard, basement, or driveway.

Trenchless pipelining is more effective and less expensive than digging up sewer lines. However, the cost depends on several factors, such as the following:

• Length of pipe to be lined or repaired

• Ease of navigating the sewer line,

• Nearest access point

• Condition of the pipe (how much cleaning is needed), and

• How long is needed to get the pipe liner in position.

Generally, trenchless pipelining costs about half as much as digging up your sewer line. 

Trenchless Pipelining Procedure

Here are the critical steps of trenchless pipelining:

• A visual inspection of the sewer line using a sewer camera.

• Cleaning the roots and debris out of the pipe and pressure washing the pipe from inside.

• Preparing the pipe liner with special epoxies.

• Maneuvering the pipe liner into the pipe where it's pressurized and then steam cured.

• Removing the equipment and a final visual camera inspection to confirm that everything is perfect.

2. Conventional Sewer Repair and Replacement

Unlike trenchless pipelining, there are instances when excavating is necessary to repair or replace the sewer line. During the procedure, your plumber must take precautions to protect your yard, house, and other people by placing plywood or blocking a portion of the street.

The procedure takes longer and is more expensive than pipelining as it requires:

• Excavation equipment

• Extensive inspection by the local authority

• Materials such as concrete, cast iron, stones, asphalt, and

• Landscape repairs.

However, digging up becomes the only option if sewer line replacement is the only option.

3. Sewer Line Cleaning

Another sewer line repair method is cleaning, especially for general maintenance purposes. Your technician or plumber can opt for cable cleaning or hydrojetting.

Cable cleaning involves taking a spinning cable with blades to cut through roots and clogged material to increase drainage system flow. It's a straightforward sewer line repair method.

Hydrojetting, on the other hand, uses a high-powered water jet or stream to cut through and clear roots and debris and remove clogs. Unlike cable cleaning, hydrojetting utilizes a camera, allowing the technician to see and concentrate on the damaged areas.

The Bottom Line

You'll need sewer line repairs once in a while. But, it would help if you had a reliable contractor like us, A R Engh Heating & Air Conditioning, for the repairs –one who will deliver the best at an affordable price.

Please don't hesitate to contact us today for inquiries or to request an estimate.