Sewer lines are vital to maintaining comfort at your home or place of work. A sewer leak or backup doesn’t always need a complete sewer line repair. Once you identify a problem with your sewer line, you must contact an expert who will determine the root cause and advise you on the best way to handle it. Below are seven factors that will help you understand when sewer line repair is necessary, what it entails, and why.
Identify Signs that Your Sewer Line Needs Repair
To save your sewer line from a pricy replacement, you need to look for warning signs that indicate your sewer line needs repair. The signs are helpful because they let you know when to call a plumber. The warning signs include:
- Foul sewage odors
- Drain backups or slow drainage
- Pools of water on your lawn
- Gurgling sounds in drains
- Mold growth on the walls
- Appearance of pests
- Foundation problems
- Flooding septic waste
- Your yard becomes super green
Determine the Cause of Sewer Line Damage
Understanding the common causes of sewer line damage helps one know what may have caused the issue and helps prevent it from happening again. Things that contribute to sewer line damage are;
- Tree roots
- Foreign objects that cause blockage
- Corrosion of pipes found in houses built a long time ago
- Extreme temperatures, especially when there is freezing
- Flushing large products things in the toilet like baby wipes, sanitary pads
Get A Sewer Line Inspection
Do not be in a hurry to do a sewer line replacement before getting a professional who will inspect it first. Experts thread digital cameras in the line to identify cracks, blockages, pipe condition, holes, collapsed sections of the pipe, or root damage. It determines if you need a repair or replacement.
Determine if Sewer Line Repair is the Best Option
Sometimes, your sewer may need repair and not a replacement. When there is minimal damage to the sewer line, inserting an inflatable tube covered in flexible epoxy resin can patch the damaged section. The inflatable tube presses against the damaged area, hardening it and filling the leak. It is then deflated and removed.
Learn About Sewer Line Replacement Options
When sewer pipes are extensively damaged, a replacement would be better than a repair. Two methods are used in sewer line replacement.
- Traditional sewer line replacement involves digging a large trench and replacing the entire pipe. It can invade the sidewalks, driveways, lawns, and more. It takes time to finish.
- Trenchless sewer line—It is the least invasive and most preferred method. It involves destroying the existing line and replacing it with new pipes. Digging is only done at strategic points. It is a more expensive method but it saves time.
The Cost of Sewer Line Repair
The sewer line repair cost depends on the technique used, length and size of the pipe, level of damage, and complexities in access. You need to weigh your options and determine if it is worth repairing or if doing a replacement would be more cost-effective. Insurance rarely covers sewer line repair unless a third party caused the unexpected damage. If you have a lot of buildings and are worried about costs associated with repairs or you have old pipes, home warranty companies sometimes offer help as part of septic system coverage. You can also get standalone insurance to cover the same, but it is expensive.
Find the Right Sewer line Repair Expert
Sewer line repairs can be complex, costly, and invasive. Choosing a reputable sewer line repair expert helps, and you can also get guidance from a professional on how to maintain your sewer line. Get an expert who is licensed with valid qualifications. A good plumber should be honest and well-equipped with all the necessary work equipment.
Conclusion
Once you identify signs of a damaged sewer line, you should schedule repairs to avoid major issues. Putting off sewer repair causes bigger problems in your plumbing system which is more expensive to repair later. Look for a sewer line repair expert immediately and discuss the available options. You can get a professional online or ask for recommendations from friends and family.
