Sewer Pipe Repair Options

Traditional sewer pipe repair methods can be pricey and disruptive. It can require homeowners to dig up their landscaping, sidewalks, and even driveways and garages. The cost can skyrocket into the thousands. Fortunately, we have more options today than we did years ago. There are some new sewer replacement options that don’t require digging or tearing up your yard. They can also save you a lot of money.

When Will My Sewer Pipes need to be replaced?

No one can predict an exact year when your sewer pipes will need to be replaced. There are many different factors that affect the integrity and lifespan of your sewer pipes. However, you can generally figure that sewer pipes will last for around 40 years. Even if you have a newer home, the plumbing in it might be connected to older sewer pipes.

Trenchless repair options, also known as “no dig” sewer repair options, became available in the last 10 to 15 years, much to the delight of homeowners. Typically, decisions about sewer repair are made during an emergency. Do yourself a favor and read up on the options now so that you are prepared if the need should ever arise.

Trenchless Sewer Techniques

There are two common types of trenchless sewer pipe repair – pipe lining and pipe bursting.

Pipe Lining

Pipe lining involves installing a pipe liner, also known as a cured in place pipe. The pipe liner is actually installed inside the damaged pipe so that the old pipe doesn’t have to be removed. One access hole must be dug to insert the pipe liner. The pipe liner is made of a flexible tube of resin. It is pulled into the old pipe and then inflated. The resin cures within a few hours, so that you have a new pipe within the old, damaged pipe. This process will reduce the diameter of the pipe by about a quarter of an inch. This will not affect the ability of the pipe to effectively remove waste from the home.

Pipe lining is not always a viable option if the lateral sewer line has joints or is collapsed.

Pipe Bursting

With the pipe bursting method, two access holes must be dug on either side of the lateral sewer line. Pipe bursting involves pulling a new sewer pipe through the old, damaged sewer pipe while fracturing it outward. Pipe bursting can still be done if the lateral sewer line has collapsed, as long as there is room to pull a cable through it.

According to plumbing experts, pipe lining and pipe bursting are equally durable methods.

What Causes Damage to Sewer Lines?

Many homeowners want to know what they can do so that they can avoid ever having to deal with sewer line repair problems. There are several things that cause sewer line problems, like gradual wear and tear, accidents, or acts of nature. The most common cause of sewer line problems is actually the growth of tree roots into the sewer lines. The roots grow into sewer lines because they are looking for water. They push their way into the pipes and cause cracks. You can prevent these problems by not planting trees near your sewer lines. If you have trees close to your sewer lines, you can use a growth inhibitor like copper sulfate or potassium hydroxide to discourage the growth of roots into your sewer line.

If you are having problems with your sewer line, contact Scott English Plumbing. We offer video pipe inspection and trenchless sewer repair options, so call us for more information today.