Is a Sewer Line Replacement Covered Under Homeowner Insurance?

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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No homeowner wants to find out they need a sewer line replaced. Not only can it mean digging up your yard and the inconvenience of no plumbing in your home until it is fixed, it is an expensive project. If you come home to a sewage backup into your home or a sink hole in your yard due to a broken sewer pipe, you need to know your options, especially when it comes to managing the cost. In some cases, you may be able to make a claim to your homeowner insurance to help pay for the repair or replacement of your sewer line.

Replacing Old Sewer Lines

If your sewer line is a few decades old and finally cracked from general wear and tear, it is unlikely that this will be covered by homeowner insurance. Pipes wear out and it is expected that they will need replacement eventually.

Check Your Policy

Whether or not you can use your homeowner insurance to help offset the cost of replacing your sewer line depends on a few different factors. What caused the damage to the sewer line is important – was it an earthquake, flood, crushed under a vehicle, or tree root invasion? Next, it depends on your policy and insurance carrier. Some situations may be covered under a general policy, but damage from natural disasters like earthquakes may require a special type of coverage. The best way to find out if you are covered is to carefully read through your policy or talk to your insurance agent.

While sewer line replacements are not cheap, it is a project that usually only needs to be done once every few decades. Talk to your local sewer line installation contractor to discuss your options to find the best way to cope with the cost.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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Avoiding Sewer Line Problems

April 3rd, 2017 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Sometimes, a clogged or broken sewer line cannot be avoided, but other times there are preventive measures that can be done. No one wants the unexpected mess and expense of a sewer backup, so here are some tips to prevent sewer pipe issues and avoid costly repairs:

  • Be careful what you put down your drains. Many sewer line problems are clogs that form from fat, grease, hair and other items that create sludge in pipes. Use drain strainers to catch hair/soap in showers; avoid putting grease or fat down the drains. Managing what goes down the drain can protect your indoor and outdoor plumbing.
  • Keep vehicles off your lawn. A heavy vehicle driving over where sewer lines are located can damage the pipes and cause a broken sewer line. Restrict vehicles from areas in your lawn where sewer pipes are hiding beneath the surface. It only takes one instance to put a crack in a pipe or detach joints in your underground sewer line.
  • Schedule regular inspections and cleanings. Your sewer lines can be maintained to avoid many unexpected issues. Having your sewer lines inspected with a digital camera can catch small issues before they become emergency repairs. Your sewer service company can use digital video technology to check for roots, sludge and other repair issues. Hydro-jetting can be used to clear sludge or tree roots that could put your sewer lines at risk for clogs.

Don’t wait for sewer line problems to occur out of the blue. Maintain your sewer pipes and avoid clogs, backups and other messy problems. Call your local sewer service company to schedule an inspection and hydro-jetting to keep your pipes clear and in good repair.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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Sewer Line Problem? Clogs Versus Broken Pipes

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Sewer Lines
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A sewer line problem is never a fun surprise. Since sewer pipes are located underground, it can be an issue that sneaks up on you, slowly becoming a big problem. But what exactly is going on underground? If you are noticing that your drains are slow to dispel water or your toilet backs up, there is an issue, but what? The two most common issues are sewer line clogs and broken pipes, so which is causing your sewer backup problem?

Clogged Sewer Pipes

If you have a major clog in a sewer line, it is usually a gradual issue that slowly becomes worse. You may notice that your bathtub or kitchen sink seem to take longer to drain, becoming slower and slower. There may be a nasty odor coming from your drains as wastewater sits in the pipes in your home. Fats, oil, paper, inorganic objects and even tree roots can cause clogs that continue to close the inside of your sewer lines, eventually causing a backup into your home.

Broken Sewer Pipes

A broken sewer line can also cause a backup, but it is usually more sudden than a clog. Also, if a pipe has broken, it is most likely leaking out wastewater into the ground. You may see an area in your yard that is wet or sunken above the broken pipe. There also could be an odor in your yard, alerting you to a sewer leak below the surface.

If you have noticed any of these issues, you need to call your local sewer service company to inspect your sewer lines. They can quickly find out whether it is a clog or a broken pipe and offer a repair solution.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

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Sewer Line Repair: Is it Your Responsibility or the Utility Company?

September 22nd, 2016 Posted in Sewer Lines
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There is a problem in your sewer line between your home and the main sewer line. The question is, are you responsible for repairing the issue or is your utility company liable for repairs? While every situation is different, there are some standard practices that can help you determine who will foot the bill for the repair. Here are some tips about sewer line repairs.

  • Where is the damage located? One of the first things that will decide who will need to pay for the repair is where the damage is located. In general, most utility and municipalities hold the property owner responsible for repairing any damage to the sewer line on their property and even under the easement area. Only if the damage is at the connection to the main line will it possibly be covered by the utility company.
  • What caused the damage? Did a tree root from your property penetrate the sewer line? Or did it get damaged because a heavy vehicle drove over the top of it. The cause of the damage can also be a determining factor in who pays to have it repaired.
  • Do you have homeowner’s insurance that will cover the damage? In most cases, sewer line issues are the responsibility of the property owner. However, there are homeowner insurance policies that do cover certain sewer line repairs. It is always prudent to call your insurance company to see if it is covered under your policy.

To find out whether you are responsible for the repair, you will need to have a professional sewer service inspect your sewer line. They can explain where the damage is and what caused the issue. Make sure you hire a company that is licensed to repair lateral or side sewer lines in your municipality.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

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Broken Sewer Pipe? Pipe Relining May be a Solution

January 6th, 2016 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Maybe your drains began backing up in your home or you found a smelly, wet spot on your lawn – whatever the first signs, you now know you have a broken sewer pipe. It must be fixed but having your yard destroyed to dig up the pipe will ruin your expensive landscaping. There is another option that may save your landscaping and cost you less money for the repair – pipe relining.

Pipe relining is an economical solution to a broken pipe and often can be completed in just a few hours. It also has the added benefit of not needing to dig a trench to remove the old pipe, leaving your landscaping unscathed from the process. While not all sewer line breaks can be repaired with pipe relining, many can and offer a viable option for many homeowners.

Pipe relining is completed by inserting a balloon-like lining into the broken pipe at one end. It usually only requires a small hole to be dug to access the pipe end. Then the lining is expanded with hot air to adhere the resin coating to the inside of the pipe. Once the lining sets, the inside of the broken pipe now has a seamless interior that will last for many years and is even resistant to tree roots and corrosion.

If you find yourself with a broken sewer pipe, talk to your local sewer service company about repairing your pipe using pipe relining. It can also be used to reinforce all your old sewer pipes instead of replacement. It is usually much less expensive than intrusive pipe replacement and will leave your beautiful lawn intact.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

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Saving Money on Sewer Pipe Repair

April 30th, 2015 Posted in Sewer Lines
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If you have a sewer pipe issues, you may be concerned that the cost to repair or replace the pipe may be more than you can afford. While sewer pipe repairs can be costly, there are ways to reduce the cost of the repair. Not all pipes need to be dug up and replaced physically; there are other repair options that may save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars off your sewer pipe repairs.

Affordable Sewer Pipe Repair Options

The largest cost in traditional sewer pipe repair and replacement is not the materials; it is the amount of time and labor that is used to dig up old pipes. While this method is still used, there are other options that can save you money. Here are a few options to discuss with your sewer repair company that may reduce your costs:

  • Video inspection. The first way to determine what options are available is insisting on a video inspection of your pipes. This can pinpoint exactly where the problem is and what needs to be repaired. It may be an isolated area that can be fixed versus a full line replacement.
  • Relining options. Often a portion of a pipe or the entire pipe can be relined instead of replaced. There is no need to dig up the pipe and the lining is inserted where it is needed.
  • Trenchless replacement. If your entire pipe must be replaced, consider trenchless replacement with pipe bursting. This can reduce the labor costs while still fixing the issue with less disruption to your landscaping and usually at a reduced price.

There are many options available for sewer repair besides costly digging up the pipes. Talk to your local sewer repair company to find out what options are available.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

 

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Save Money Off Sewer Pipe Replacement with Relining

April 30th, 2015 Posted in Sewer Lines
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One of the larger expenditures in home ownership is needing to replace your sewer pipes. Although sewer pipes can last for decades, eventually they can crack or become corroded from years of use. Replacing all your pipes can be costly; however, in some cases you may be able to forego the expensive replacement and have a relining service performed instead.

Sewer Pipe Relining

Sewer pipe relining is an affordable alternative to replacing entire sewer lines. This process uses a lining that is fed into one end of a sewer line and pushed through the sewer pipe. Usually using hot air, the lining is inflated to push it against the interior of the pipe. The liner adheres to the inside of the pipe, creating a seemless, new interior to the pipe.

For sewer pipes that are cracked or even have become offset at the joints, relining can create a new path for sewer waste. The benefits of relining go beyond just a monetary savings; the new lining is durable and resistant to cracking and tree root evasion. It is a reliable option for many homeowners who do not want to pay for complete sewer line replacement.

There are some circumstances where relining is not an option, usually when there is an issue with the grade or slant of the sewer lines. If you are considering having your sewer pipes replaced, talk to your local sewer service company about the possibility of pipe relining. It can offer a substantial savings while still giving your home viable sewer lines for the removal of waste from your home that can last for many years.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

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Sewer Line Clogs Versus Broken Pipes

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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The two most common sewer emergencies are sewer line clogs or broken sewer pipes. Both are extremely frustrating for any homeowner; however, the signs and symptoms are usually different. Knowing what to look for can help you determine what may be wrong, even though both will most likely require a call to a sewer professional to get the problem fixed.

Clogged Or Backed Up Sewer Lines

A sewer line clog can be caused by several factors. Just like any plumbing pipes, sewer pipes can become clogged by grease, oil, hair, food and paper products that are put down the drain. Another common culprit is tree roots; the moisture in sewer pipes attract roots to penetrate the pipes and block the flow of waste.

A clogged sewer line usually results in several drains beginning to backup with sewage. These usually start at the lower level drains. At the first sign of your drains beginning to backup, call a sewer professional to inspect your sewer lines for a clog.

Broken Sewer Pipes

Sewer pipes, especially older clay or cast iron, can break or crack from weight, ground shifts, tree root invasion or corrosion. Once the pipe is compromised, sewer can begin to leak out of the pipes and into your yard. While it can sometimes be accompanied by a sewer backup, usually the first signs are areas of wet earth over the broken pipes or a foul sewer odor in the home’s yard.

The best way to find the clog or break is to have a video camera inspection done by your sewer service company. They can offer you options for how best to repair or replace the pipes, to get your sewer pipes back in perfect working order.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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Common In-City Sewer Line Problems

September 1st, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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If your home is connected to a city sewer, most likely all the pipes in your home and those which connect your plumbing to the city sewer system are your responsibility. This means that if there’s a problem, you will need to have it addressed quickly in order to keep your part of the system in good repair. Most problems which happen inside the home can be handled by your local plumber, but for sewer line problems, you’ll want to call in a sewer line specialist. Some of the most common sewer pipe problems include:

  • Blockages. Just like your indoor plumbing, your outside sewer lines can become clogged and cause waste to back up into your home. Food, grease, hair and many other items can clog your pipes, as well as tree roots and other outdoor intrusions.
  • Cracked sewer lines. Some of the older sewer pipes are prone to cracking after many years underground. If you notice any areas in your yard which have eroded, or wet soil in a particular spot, you may have a cracked sewer line, or worse, a broken sewer pipe.
  • Broken sewer pipes. A cracked sewer pipe can break in half, cause a large leak of sewer waste into your yard. If you notice a sink hole in your yard or any foul odors, make sure to call your sewer emergency professional immediately.

If  you have any of these issues, your sewer professional can quickly determine what the issue is, often without needing to dig up your sewer pipes. Many sewer service companies offer digital camera inspections which look directly into the pipes to find the problem through minimally invasive efforts. Keep in mind, however, that some municipalities require a side sewer contractor to perform certain work on city-dweller sewer line problems, so always make sure your contractor meets all the local legal requirements.

Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic

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Types Of Sewer Pipe Replacements

June 16th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Although sewer pipes can last for forty to fifty years or more, eventually there comes a time when they will need to be replaced. The difficulty with replacing these pipelines is that they are buried underground, often below a homeowner’s lawn. Traditionally, these pipes need to be dug up by creating an open trench and physically replaced, which can destroy expensive landscaping and also be labor intensive. However, which new technology, there are alternatives for sewer pipe replacement.

Trenchless Versus Open Trench Sewer Replacement

When it comes to sewer pipe replacement, there are now two options: trenchless or open trench. For homeowners who are looking for a fast, economical way to replace old sewer pipes, trenchless methods can be a viable option. Here are the differences:

–        Trenchless. Using newer technology, sewer contractors are able to leave the existing pipes underground, rather than digging a trench to remove old sewer pipes. Instead, two holes are dug, one at each end of the sewer line. A bursting tool is pulled through the old pipe, shattering it into pieces as it pulls a new pipe into place behind it.

–        Open Trench. The traditional method digs an open trench, removing the old pipe, then replacing it with new pipe, usually PVC, ABS or cast iron. While this can make a mess of the lawn and take more time than trenchless replacement, sometimes it is the only option. If there is not sufficient space between sewer lines and other utilities, it may not be possible to burst the old pipe into the surrounding earth without causing larger problems.

Anyone who is considering replacing their sewer pipes should research all their options. Trenchless sewer line replacement can be less expensive, plus it is quicker and causes less damage to the property. To learn more, hire an experienced sewer line replacement contractor to have your sewer system inspected and find out what options are available to you.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Sewer

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