A sewer line transfers wastewater from your home’s plumbing to the municipal sewer system or a septic tank.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring the proper working of this line.
If you have clogged drains or smell foul odors around your plumbing pipes, sewer line replacement becomes necessary. However, homeowners often struggle to determine if their issues are due to sewer line damage or a different plumbing issue.
To help you out, we will outline the warning signs of sewer line damage and methods for replacing and repairing sewer lines.
Top Indicators for Sewer Line Replacement in Residential Plumbing Systems
Water Damage in The Home
Water damage in the home indicates a sewer line issue, including swelling or rising flooring and creeping staining on drywall from baseboards. Sewer line seepage can lead to mold, mildew, and bacterial contamination. These leakages can cause moisture buildup in homes, causing structural damage, sags, rot, and fungal growth over time.
Gurgling Or Bubbling Sounds from Pipes
Unusual sounds from pipes or toilet flushes may show that your sewer line requires repair. It is a common issue in residential plumbing systems.
Cracks Appear in Your Home’s Foundation
Depending on your native soils or possible foundation back-fill materials, a damaged sewer line can compromise your home’s foundation. Long-term soil drainage can cause a home’s foundation to shift, sag, or crack.
Methods For Sewer Line Replacement and Repair
Pipe Lining
Pipe lining is a trenchless process that involves inserting a flexible, resin-coated tube into a damaged pipe, forming a new one within the old one. This method is often more cost-effective and less invasive than traditional excavation. This process is particularly advanced as it eliminates the need for joints on long, expansive pipe stretches.
Moreover, it is a less invasive repair method that doesn’t require excavation equipment, making it a more cost-effective solution.
Excavation For Sewer Line Replacement
Traditional excavation involves removing the broken pipe and installing a new one.
Although this approach may cause greater disturbance, it can be required when the sewer line has sustained extensive damage.
When a trenchless solution is impractical, excavation can also be used with other sewage line repair techniques.
Sewer Camera Inspection
A sewer camera inspection is crucial for diagnosing sewer line issues. By inserting a specialized camera into your sewer line, professionals can easily identify the location and extent of damage, enabling them to select the most suitable repair method.
This can save time and money by preventing needless guesswork or digging.
It’s great because Dirt Cheap Sewer’s camera inspections let the customer see the screens and witness firsthand what’s happening with the line!
Sewer Line Replacement Costs
Sewer line replacement charges can vary depending on factors such as length and depth, the replacement technique, and the location.
On average, sewer line replacement often costs households between $3,000 and $25,000.
However, obtaining many quotes from reliable contractors is crucial to finding the most precise price for your particular circumstance.
