As a homeowner, dealing with a sewer line backup or leak can be challenging and hassle. In addition, sewer line repair isn't done by homeowners, as it needs a professional to do it.
Along with the unpleasant smell of leaking from the sewer lines, it can also be difficult to detect what's causing the main issue.
If you suspect something is leaking in the sewer lines, the best-case scenario is to ask for help from a professional than wait for it to cause further damage and an unpleasant smell leaking within your home.
Fortunately, there are some important things to do to get a good grasp of how sewer line repairs work. Below are some frequent sewer line repair processes you need to know.
What Causes Sewer Line Damage?
There are plenty of causes why sewer line gets damaged.
From a clogged sewer pipe to a broken pipe due to wear and tear, here are some of the more common causes of sewer line damage.
Corroded Pipes
While most pipes are made of cast iron and steel to prevent rusting, these steel and cast iron pipes are at risk of corrosion due to calcium and magnesium buildup due to regular wear and tear.
If an existing pipe is damaged, the sewer pipe can be prone to cracks and leaks.
Extreme Temperatures
Especially during the colder seasons, frozen ground leads to frozen pipes, resulting in expanding ice and a broken sewer line.
However, it's not just the frozen ground that can cause a pipe to burst from the ground; extreme heat can also cause it!
Tree Roots
One of the most common reasons for sewer line damage is tree roots. For context, tree roots extend to where water is most abundant when they grow.
As a result, these roots slowly seep into water sources such as sewer pipes. Tree roots are typically attracted to liquid, and most sewer pipes carry these, especially when the pipe is already leaking.
Once it reaches the sewer pipes, these roots quickly wrap around them, resulting in a damaged pipe. It can only go two ways; it can either clog the entire sewer line or weaken its structure and eventually break the entire structure.
Wear and Tear
Let's face it; we don't properly maintain our sewer pipes. And for the most part, time isn't good for pipes, which is why when they aren't properly maintained, it creates leaks and blockages.
Natural soil movements also play a major factor in their wear and tear, which can also lead to a broken sewer line.
While sewer pipes are made of durable steel construction, they aren't simply built to last, especially in these conditions.
Clogged Pipes Due to Different Materials
Foreign objects, debris, hair, and many more can lead to a sewer line clog. A sewer line typically handles human waste and tissues.
A clogged sewer line can lead to a broken sewer pipe if the issue isn't properly addressed. We recommend avoiding flushing materials such as wrappers, toilet paper, etc.
These materials don't disintegrate very well, even when drenched in water. As a result, it can lead to sewer line blockage that most cleaning agents can't fix.
Road materials like a concrete slab and an asphalt driveway can also affect your pipes.
In addition, cooking oil and grease can also lead to blockages, so if you want to save money, dispose of them outside rather than have your sewer pipe deal with them.
Remember, sewer line repair costs are extremely high as only quite a few render their services to every area. We recommend preventing these from happening and not relying on professional cleaning services.
What Are the Signs of a Broken Sewer Line?
To prevent sewer line damage, it is important to detect at an early stage what are the signs of a broken sewer line so that you can seek immediate help or do something to address the issue.
Foul-Smelling Yard or Home
A flood or foul-smelling home is one of the most obvious signs of a broken sewer line. Most sewer lines are buried around six to eight feet below the ground.
However, when a sewer line is close to the surface, a pool of water can quickly be seen on top, emitting a foul-smelling odor. When this does happen, a sewer repair might be needed to alleviate this issue.
Draining Problems
Most blockages are caused by a sewer pipe connected through the faucet or shower.
However, if multiple sewer lines are clogged, you can easily detect them because a blockage around them is likely the culprit.
In addition, you can also detect a blockage along the sewer line if gurgling sounds can be heard when flushing the toilet.
Water Damage
One of the most common signs of a broken sewer pipe is water damage in different parts of your home, commonly on walls and floors.
Some of these signs can directly lead to the problem's main cause. If so, a professional plumber can help you if repair and replacement are needed.
How Do You Do a Sewer Line Replacement?
There are two possible options when your sewer lines break or leak: dig a trench or use trenchless sewer line repair. We'll explain it further below.
Trenchless Sewer Repair
Trenchless sewer repairs are one of the traditional methods of dealing with sewer line damage.
Trenchless repair requires little to no digging and is cost-effective when repairing your sewer system.
The process usually involves a video inspection using a camera to enter the sewer line and check what areas need repair. Once the camera inspection is done, a professional plumber can go two ways about it.
Pipe Lining
Pipe relining is the method used for minimal sewer repair. The process involves using an inflatable tube covered in epoxy while entering your main sewer.
When positioned at the repair site, the tube is inflated while pressing against the existing line.
While it's pressed against the existing sewage line, the epoxy on the inflated tube dries, is cured, and hardens, repairing the damage in the process. Once it is repaired, the inflatable tube is removed from the sewer line.
Pipe Bursting
When the sewer line is severely damaged, and pipe lining isn't the best choice, pipe bursting is the next best step for trenchless sewer line repair.
The process involves using a cone-shaped bit through your existing line and into your current pipe while immediately replacing it with a new sewer pipe.
While the sewer line replacement cost using trenchless sewer methods is costly, it doesn't require extensive excavation that can also add up to the entire Cost of your sewer repair.
Also, if your sewer lines are beyond repair, the best option is to opt for the traditional sewer line repair methods.
The only problem with this option is sewer line replacements are extremely expensive and invasive, as extensive excavation is required.
It is a costly repair that requires professionals to dig your ground and look for damaged or broken lines within your sewage system. When your home's sewage system is damaged, excavation might be required.
What Are the Sewer Line Replacement Costs?
Most importantly, a homeowner can't fix a damaged sewer line. As a result, they may have to acquire the services of a professional cleaning company or a professional plumber.
If you want a good idea of sewer line replacement prices, below are some good prices you can work with.
Full Sewer Line Replacement Cost
When your home's sewer line is clogged or broken, you may go about this in two options. First, you might need a full main sewer line replacement, or a plumber might do a simple repair.
Professional sewer line replacement cost:
Typical range:
- Average Cost: $4,000
- Highest Cost: $7,500 to $10,000
- Lowest Cost: $650 to $1,000
Per linear foot:
- 5 feet: $275 to $1,500
- 10 feet: $500 to $3,000
- 20 feet: $1,250 to $5,000
Also, replacing a sewer line from your home and into the street can be difficult and also costly, so it is important to know the necessary steps that need to be taken.
NOTE: Per linear foot, costs vary greatly depending on your state or city. It is recommended to have professional plumbing services do a quote for you.
How Can You Do Regular Sewer Line Maintenance?
As you can see, replacing a sewer line is significantly more expensive than most would think. But there are ways to avoid dealing with a broken sewer pipe or sewer line.
The following are effective ways for the homeowner regarding a sewer line replacement.
Sewer Line Preventive Maintenance
To confirm that your sewer system is in its optimal condition, a yearly visual and camera inspection of your sewer lines done by professionals is a must. It is also one of the best to detect any sewer pipe damage.
Most companies can offer to do visual inspections for you by using a camera to enter the sewer pipe and check for any corrosion or blockages.
You can also check your septic tank to see if it needs pumping or decommissioning to avoid further issues.
Remove Trees Near the Sewer Line
While a pre-existing leak already causes root invasion in your entire line in the sewer pipe, we still highly recommend removing any nearby trees near your sewer pipe or sewage system.
You can also remove shrubs and greeneries near your sewage pipe to prevent roots from slowly seeping into your sewer lines. A yard cleanup will greatly help you!
Sewer Line Replacement vs. Repair: What Is the Difference?
Sewer line repair and replacement are two different methods used by most plumbers to fix sewage pipe or system issues.
Here are some major differences regarding sewer repair and replacement.
Sewer Line Repair
Sewer line repair is only recommended when holes and cracks are seen along the sewer line. For the most part, invasive methods aren't used.
To repair a sewer line, two methods are used to proceed with the process. The first method, the trenchless approach is the traditional method.
Trenchless repairs are cheaper than traditional sewer line repairs and will be done mostly half of the time.
It is one of the reasons why seeking advice from a plumbing professional is great to determine which method is the best.
Sewer Line Replacement
Sewer line replacement is used when your sewer system has gone through extensive damage and requires a full replacement.
It should be noted that a repair cost will differ from any replacement cost depending on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You might find answers below if you have additional questions about sewer line repair and everything.
Plenty of sewer lines are located in your home and other areas, although it is difficult to identify where all sewers are located!
One of the most important ones is the lateral sewer line.
What is a lateral sewer line? A lateral sewer line connects your sewers, like showers, faucets, floor drains, and sinks, to the local sanitary sewer, which is often located in your street.
Pipe lining is the best choice if you have a cracked sewer line. Most professional plumbers use this method because it is less invasive and is best used for minimal repairs.
DIY sewer repair is not a DIY job most homeowners should do. If you need to replace a sewer line with a new pipe, always seek professional help or any other plumbing company in your area.
These aren't your everyday problems at home wherein you can watch youtube videos and do it yourself.
While the replacement cost is high, replacing the old one with a new pipe is the best way.
TIP: Installing a backflow preventer can prevent a backup from your sewer from happening in your home.
There are many telltale signs that the sewer pipe in your house is collapsed or broken and needs a main sewer line repair.
Here are some signs of sewage backup in your home.
- Molds and mildews are forming along the walls and floors
- Draining difficulties in any part of your home
- An increased presence of pests
- A foul-smelling odor is emitted through the cracks and holes
A sewer backup can be prevented in a lot of ways. Most homeowners have to monitor now and then if these signs are already present at home.
A belly inside the sewer line causes water to back up instead of flushing down, so it is important to have your sewer system replaced.
Conclusion
No homeowner likes to deal with sewer pipe damage.
Mostly, there are plenty of ways to minimize and prevent sewer line damage and sewer traps—one of the best things to do is a proper sewer line cleaning.
In addition, sewer line backups are a common occurrence among households, which is why you don't have to rush to have your sewer line replaced.
Lastly, if you notice several signs and symptoms of the damage, you should call a plumber to diagnose the problem, address the issue immediately, and prevent further damage.
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