A functional sewer line is necessary for your home to run smoothly and efficiently. Without one, you could experience a variety of problems including water backing up into your house, tree root invasions, and sewage smells.
Thankfully, there are many ways to repair your sewer lines that don’t involve excavation. Here are some of the most common options for Sewer Line Repair Provo:
A damaged sewer line can create a host of unpleasant issues for the home. From toilets that won’t flush to wastewater backing up into your shower and sink drains, there are a variety of signs that it’s time to call in a plumber to check out your main sewer line.
Foul odors coming from your drains and yard are a clear sign that you have a sewer line problem. This foul smell is caused by the breakdown of waste materials in the broken pipe, including sewage, which can create dangerous bacteria and viruses that can infiltrate your home and make you and your family sick.
Slow draining is another symptom of a clogged or broken sewer line. If the clog is isolated to one or more drains, it could be resolved with a plunger or drain snake. However, if multiple toilets, showers, and sinks are affected simultaneously, this indicates the issue is in the sewer line itself and may require professional help.
When a clog or collapsed line causes the soil around your home to settle and sink, you may notice that patios, driveways, and sidewalks are also shifting and sinking. If these issues aren’t addressed quickly, they can lead to foundation problems, sinkholes, and more expensive repairs.
If you hear persistent gurgling sounds from your drains, it is a warning that air pockets have formed in the line. These pockets can release harmful gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane. These odors can penetrate your home and cause health issues, such as breathing difficulties and watery eyes.
A sudden increase in pests, such as cockroaches, palmetto bugs, and other unwelcome visitors that you can’t seem to get rid of, is another sign that your sewer line needs repair. These pests are attracted to broken lines that provide easy access into your home.
If you hear scurrying in your attic or basement, this is another surefire sign that the sewer line is failing. Rats, mice, skunks, and other rodents love to nest in sewer lines and can enter your home through cracks that develop in the line. These unwanted guests can contaminate your food, wreak havoc on your plumbing, and even cause serious structural damage to your home.
Diagnosis
One of the first steps in fixing a damaged sewer line is accurately pinpointing where the problem lies. This requires a detailed inspection of the plumbing system. A plumber can use maps or blueprints to determine the location of the affected pipe, but they may also employ electronic locating devices to track down the precise problem area. Other diagnostic tools include dye or smoke testing, which involves injecting a colored dye or non-toxic smoke into the pipes to identify leaks or breaks.
A common cause of clogs is tree roots. These roots are always on the lookout for water, and they will break into any cracks or gaps in the pipe. Over time, the accumulated debris can form a solid blockage. Plungers and drain snakes can sometimes dislodge a temporary clog, but major problems may require hydro-jetting or pipe bursting to clear out the entire line.
Leaking is another common problem with sewer lines. If the line is cracked or broken, wastewater can seep into the ground around the house. This can lead to sinkholes, property damage, and even structural issues in the home. A plumber can inspect the line using a video camera to check for damage and identify the source of the leak.
After diagnosing the problem, a plumber can provide recommendations for repairs. These might be as simple as a cleaning service, or they could involve replacing the entire line. In most cases, however, the plumber will recommend trenchless repair methods to avoid invasive and expensive excavation and restoration.
It is extremely important to follow the advice of a professional when dealing with sewer line repairs. Doing it yourself can lead to health issues from contact with raw sewage and extensive property damage. It is also important to hire a plumber with experience and training in trenchless repair methods. Lastly, it is a good idea to get a second opinion from a plumber before hiring them for major repairs. This will help you save money and avoid a costly mistake. It is also a good idea to ask for references and licenses from any potential plumbing contractors.
Repair Options
A faulty sewer line is a major inconvenience and health risk for your property. Sewer clogs and line damage cause leaks and water damage that threaten your home’s foundation, and if left untreated, can lead to mold, mildew and bacterial contamination.
Under normal conditions, a properly installed and maintained sewer line should last between 50 and 100 years. But, over time, shifting soil, tree roots and improper drain maintenance can cause your pipes to become damaged and need to be repaired or replaced.
If you suspect your sewer line is damaged, it’s important to hire a plumber with experience in underground pipe repair and installation. You’ll want to make sure they use trenchless methods, which have a much lower impact on your landscaping and property. Trenchless pipe repair methods, such as CIPP (cured-in-place) liner or a sleeve, involve inserting a fabric liner impregnated with epoxy that creates a new pipe inside the existing one, sealing cracks and gaps.
Other trenchless repair methods include sliplining, which involves installing a smaller high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into the old damaged pipe and filling in any holes and cracks with grout. This method is effective for reducing leaks and restoring structural integrity without a full replacement. For extensive damage, a complete sewer line replacement is often necessary.
For more information about your options for repair and replacement, request a free consultation from a local plumber or sewer expert. Ask them to send a plumber into your home with a video camera to inspect the condition of your pipes. Then, they can recommend the best solution for your needs.
Taking care of sewer problems as soon as you notice them will help to prevent expensive damage to your home and yard. Regular inspections by a qualified plumber can also spot potential issues before they become severe, saving you money and hassle in the long run. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine when it comes to sewer line repairs!
Cost
Several factors can affect the cost of sewer line repair. Labor is usually a significant chunk of the total cost, and skilled plumbers with extensive experience can often command higher prices. Larger projects that require substantial digging will also add to the overall cost. Additionally, the cost of obtaining the required permits to complete the work can drive up costs.
The length of the pipe that needs to be replaced can also impact the price. Generally speaking, full replacements of sewer lines are more expensive than replacing one or two damaged sections.
Homeowners should also be aware that the cost of repairs to a sewer line can sometimes be a deductible on their homeowners insurance. However, this depends on the specifics of the policy and whether or not a break was caused by something the homeowner could have prevented (like “flushable” wipes that aren’t actually flushable).
It’s possible to avoid major repairs and costly digs by choosing trenchless methods for sewer line repair. Licensed plumbers can use cameras to check for clogs and other issues, and hydro jetting can often clear them without the need for excavation.
Other trenchless methods include pipe lining and pipe bursting, which are less disruptive than traditional excavation. Both of these methods can provide long-term fixes for aging pipes, and they’re often cheaper than replacing the entire line.
In general, a broken or cracked sewer line can be a big headache for any homeowner. It’s important to know what your options are for repairing or replacing the line, and to keep in mind that any delay in acting can cause further damage and even lead to a collapsed sewer line.
Symptoms like gurgling in the drains, rodent sightings, and soggy lawns should never be ignored because they can indicate a severe problem with your sewer line. Contact a local plumbing company right away to schedule an inspection and get a professional opinion on the best course of action. If your sewage is backing up into your house, you’ll need to call in an emergency crew immediately to prevent a health and safety issue.