Have you been told your home needs sewer line repair or replacement? Get the facts and make an informed decision about it with this guide.
Have you been told your home needs sewer line repair or replacement? Get the facts and make an informed decision about it with this guide.Did you know that there are over 800,000 miles of public sewers in the United States, with another 500,000 miles that connects private sewers to public ones?
There are bound to be areas that require sewer line repair or even sewer line replacement with so many miles of existing sewers. This isn’t just a concern for public infrastructure but homeowners as well.
It is essential to know the difference between sewer line repair and replacement and be familiar with sewer line repair costs so you’re prepared should you ever need sewer line repair services.
Continue reading to learn more about sewer line repairs and replacements, how to handle them, and what to expect in terms of cost.
What Is Sewer Line Repair and Replacement?
Sewer line repair is common when smaller issues pop up with your sewer lines, such as cracks or clogs. It is a cheaper alternative to a sewer line replacement since only a section of the sewer line needs plumbing services.
Unfortunately, sometimes the damage is more severe. More severe damage means that you’ll need a replacement, which will cost you more money. There are multiple ways to repair sewer lines.
Cable Cleaning
Cable cleaning is a go-to remedy for general maintenance. It is perfect for routine maintenance or straightforward repairs. It works by taking a spinning cable with blades and cutting through roots to clear smaller drains.
Not only can the cable rid your sewer lines of obstructions like roots and blockages, but it can also return your pipes to their original diameter. This increases flow and helps your drainage system run smoothly.
Hydrojetting
Hydrojetting works by using a high-powered water jet to cut through debris and roots, remove grease buildup, and wash away dirt. The stream of the water’s strength pushes all of this junk down the drain, clearing and cleaning it.
One of the best things about hydrojetting is that it uses a camera. The camera allows the sewer line repair technician to see what he is cutting through and focus on the most problematic areas.
Pipe Replacement
Sometimes sewer line replacement is the only option that will fix the issue. If a pipe has collapsed or been destroyed because of tree roots, a replacement is the only solution.
Using a camera, the service technician explores the pipe while looking for the affected area. The camera is then able to signal the technician where they need to facilitate repairs.
This makes the technician’s job much easier as they know precisely where to dig and how deep to dig. This process saves you time and money on excavations that tear up your yard and sidewalk.
Primary Causes of Sewer Line Damage
There are a variety of things that can cause damage to your sewer lines. Being aware of them can help keep them in check and maintain your sewage lines for years to come.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are one of the most common reasons for damage to sewer lines. Since tree roots seek water and grow along water sources, they seek out and thrive near sewer lines.
When tree roots encounter sewer lines, they wrap themselves around the sewer pipes. This can break into the pipes, which clogs them and weakens their structure.
Over a long enough period, they can even break the pipes altogether. If you have an older home that uses clay sewer pipes, you are even more susceptible to damage from tree roots.
Corrosion of Pipes
Most sewer pipes are made from metals like steel or cast iron that are galvanized. The galvanized metal prevents rust and corrosion from the buildup of magnesium and calcium.
Leaving the corrosion untreated can lead to bigger issues down the road. The corrosion will lead to cracks and leaks, which will require sewer line repair at the very least and possibly pipe replacement.
Clogged Pipes
Sewer lines may seem pretty robust, but they were only built to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing trash like food wrappers and paper towels can have a detrimental effect on your sewer lines.
These items don’t disintegrate like human waste or toilet paper, leading to pipe clogs and congestion When you get blockages like these, a drain cleaning liquid won’t be able to unclog your drain.
This is also important to remember in the kitchen. When cooking with oils or making something that produces a lot of grease, know that pouring it down the drain causes the pipes to clog. Rather than pouring them down the drain, let them cool and dispose of them in your trash.
Extremely Cold Temperatures
Depending on where you live, the weather and temperature also need to be taken into account when preserving your sewer pipes.
Extreme cold causes the water in your sewer lines to freeze and expand. As the ice continues to expand, the metal that the pipe is made of may rupture or burst, causing leaks and preventing your sewer line from working correctly.
Signs That You Need Sewer Line Repair
You should look out for clear signs if you’re worried that your sewer lines need repairs. If you see any of these signs, be sure to reach out to a certified sewer pipe repair technician before it becomes a plumbing emergency.
Your Yard Is Flooded or Smells of Sewage
Yards don’t usually flood, so if you notice that your yard is flooded, that is a sign that there might be issues with your sewer line. Sewer lines are anywhere from 2 feet to 6 feet deep underground, depending on the climate.
For areas with sewer lines close to the surface, it won’t take long for flooding to begin. The water will seep through your grass and become visible on the surface. It will also have a distinct sewage smell to it.
Difficulties Draining Water
Some drains within your home will have trouble draining water because of clogs in the immediate pipes attached to the drain. Things like showers and faucets are susceptible to this.
If you notice that there are multiple drains in your home that aren’t working, this is a sure sign there’s an issue with your sewer lines.
Toilets also offer obvious signs of drain issues. If you hear strange gurgling noises when you flush, it is a sign that there is a blockage that could require sewer line repair.
Water Damage in Your Home
Another sign of a sewer line being damaged or clogged is water damage in your home. The first sign that comes with this issue is the spread of mold on your home’s floors and walls.
The spread of mold is a major sign of an issue with your sewer line. If you see this, be sure to call for plumbing services immediately to get this issue resolved.
Are You in Need of Sewer Line Repair?
Sewer lines are essential for taking sewage away from your home to be processed at a water treatment plant. When your sewer lines aren’t working, it can cause damage to your home and create health issues for you and your family.
Sewer line repair can keep your sewer lines clear of blockages so that your house drains properly and prevents pooling or the spreading of mold.
Are you having issues with your sewer line? Contact Eyman Plumbing at (402) 731-2727 and schedule your sewer line repair today.