Sewer Pipe Repair or Replacement: How to Make the Right Call for Your Home
Are you experiencing unpleasant smells and slow draining? If so, this may be the result of a damaged sewer line. In addition to being a smelly and unpleasant problem, it can also pose a serious health hazard to you, your family and your property.
Sewer pipes are the large underground pipes outside your home that carry wastewater from your drains to the municipal sewer system or septic tank.
When it comes to resolving issues with sewer pipes , there is the temporary option of repair or the more permanent solution of replacing them. Read on to find out which option may work best in your situation.
Signs Of Sewer Pipe Damage
Here are some warning signs that your sewer line is failing or broken:
- Unpleasant odours
- Smelly water flooding around the basement or foundation
- Water draining slowly from baths, showers or sinks
- Frequent drain clogs
- Leaking pipes
- Wastewater or sanitary sewers backed ups
- Mould in the walls or ceiling
- Water bill is higher than typical
- Drop in water pressure
- Indentation in lawn above the sewer line
- Foundation cracks or sinkholes
- Rodent or pest problems
Repair And Replacement Methods
If your plumber identifies damage to your sewer line, there are several potential methods they might use.
Relining involves inserting a resin-based, often epoxy, lining into the old pipe. This hardens, providing a new internal pipe within the old one. It typically requires little to no digging, so the ground above stays intact. It's a quick but temporary fix and it's cost-effective for minor to moderate issues like leaks, small cracks, and root intrusions.
Pipe bursting replaces an existing pipe with a new one by 'bursting' (breaking) the old one and pushing a new one into its place. This provides a whole new pipe with an extended lifespan and it allows for size upgrades. This means it is often a more comprehensive fix for damaged pipes. The downsides are that excavation may or may not be required to complete the work and it is generally more expensive than pipe lining.
If all else fails and the damage to your sewer line is extensive or widespread, complete replacement of your pipeline will be the only option available. This involves replacing pipes in their entirety and necessitates significant excavation of your property.
Common Sewer Line Problems And How To Fix Them
Cracks or Leaks
For minor cracks and leaks, your plumber will likely opt to repair the pipe. This can be done with trenchless repair methods such as lining or pipe bursting.
If your pipes are old, corroded and deteriorating significantly, there may be no option but to completely replace them. This is often the case when pipes are made of clay, cast iron and Orangeburg.
Complete replacement is often the best solution to widespread damage to several sections of pipe.
Tree Root Intrusion
Pesky tree roots are a common cause of blockages and minor fractures. In these cases, plumbers often opt for hydro jetting or root cutting to remove the problem root. They then line the pipe with epoxy resin to prevent future issues.
Severe root intrusion may necessitate a more drastic approach. If the damage is extensive, full replacement is the only option.
Blockages
If drainage issues are being caused by an isolated clog, professional pipe cleaning is undertaken. Combined with pipe lining or pipe bursting will rectify the issue.
If your home experiences repeated sewage backups, the sewer line may need to be replaced entirely.
City Code Compliance
You may need to entirely replace your sewer lines if they do not meet city code requirements. Many opt to do this when selling their home or doing major renovations.
Repairing Vs Replacing: Which Is Best?
Whether repair or replacement is most appropriate for your pipes depends on your individual situation.
If a professional deems your pipes to be in good condition, targeted repairs can help them to last longer without requiring full replacement. This is often more cost-effective in the short term, as long as the damage to the pipes is limited. However, the downside of this is that pipe lining or bursting tend to be only a short-term fix.
Since repair is a temporary solution, replacing your sewer line in its entirety can prevent expensive emergencies. This saves money in the long term as the solution tends to be lasting.
For repairs, disruption is minimal and work can often be completed during a day. On the other hand, replacement requires the earth to be excavated to give full access to the pipe system, meaning the work may take several days to complete.
In general, repair is best for minor, localised issues while full replacement is appropriate for widespread or severe damage.
Sewer Line Replacement Process
- An Issue Is Discovered
Most property owners only replace their sewer line upon discovery that there is a problem. This could be poor draining, damp lawns, foundation cracks, unusually healthy grass or an infestation of pests.
- Investigation With A Sewer Camera
Typically, your plumber will check your sewer line with a camera to identify any problems. These waterproof cameras are attached to a long, flexible cable that can fit through the pipes. They also contain an integrated light to illuminate the way forward.
- Choice Is Made Over The Way Forward
At this point, the plumber will suggest the most effective way forward, choosing pipe lining, pipe bursting or full replacement. Consequently, the work is completed, repairing or entirely replacing the sewer line, resolving the problem.
Need Work Done On Your Sewage Pipes?
If you are looking for a friendly, reputable and professional plumber to restore your sewer line, Mainline Plumbing & Civil are here to help. We service residential, commercial and civil clients in Dubbo and the Orana region. Call us today on 0423 627 149 or get in touch online to request a quote.
Alternatively, if you need another service, we perform general plumbing work ; installations and renovations; clearing of blocked drains; gas, electric and solar hot water system installations and servicing; and gasfitting.
