If you are having problems with your sewer line, you will likely have to make a decision whether to repair the existing sewer line or whether to replace it. Replacing is sewer line is an expensive proposition, but sometimes trying to repair it is just throwing good money after bad.
Your plumber or sewer septic contractor can help you with the decision making process. They have high tech video cameras that can be used to inspect the inside of the sewer line and provide you with information on its condition.
Repairing the sewer line will usually be much less expensive than replacing it and is the right thing to do if you have good access to the pipe and the rest of the sewer line is in good condition. Don’t spend money on sewer line repairs for a pipe that is poor condition.
Other considerations include whether the sewer line is properly sized for the home in the first place. If the sewer line was undersized to begin with, or if the home has been expanded and there are many more occupants than it was originally designed for, then the sewer line will be a constant source of problems until it is replaced with the properly sized sewer line.
If your sewer line is bellied or collapsed, a replacement is the better alternative. In addition, make sure the pipe is made from the proper material. For example, Orangeburg pipe is a type of fibrous sewer pipe that was installed in many homes around the country 40 or 50 years ago. This type of pipe deteriorates over time and is not worth repairing.
If your sewer line is in good shape, you may be able to have it repaired without digging by having it relines. If you have to replace the pipe, trenchless pipe replacement is an alternative method of pipe replacement that requires much less digging that traditional trenching techniques.
