When to Replace Sewer Lines Vs Repair

Your main sewer lines can last for decades – if you have an older home, your existing sewer lines may already be decades old. The good news is that many people never need to replace their sewer lines and many can be repaired when a problem arises. However, when should you invest in replacement versus a repair? Here are some circumstances when replacement may be a better option.

Multiple Repairs

If you have already needed to fix a cracked or leaking sewer line and are having more problems, it may be best to replace the pipe. Patching the pipe over and over can cost more in the long run than replacement, and it is a major inconvenience each time it occurs.

Poor Pipe Material

Many older sewer lines were made with cast iron, cement or other corroding material. These pipes were made to last, but they will also corrode over time. If you have a broken or corroded pipe, it is probably the beginning of a long line of problems. Replace with a more durable material to avoid future repairs.

Location Problems

Did your sewer line burst from tree root invasion or weight from vehicles? If your sewer is located in an area where it is susceptible to damage, it may be best to replace and move it to a better spot.

It can be a hefty investment to replace sewer lines, but it may be more cost effective than multiple repairs. Before you spend money on a repair, consider whether it may be best to complete a full replacement to avoid more expense and headaches down the road. Talk to your sewer professionals about your options.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Is a Sewer Line Replacement Covered Under Homeowner Insurance?

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

Should You Replace Your Main Sewer Line?

The main sewer pipe or line that whisks your home’s waste away to a septic system or city sewer can last for decades. Many old sewer lines still exist that were made from clay, lead, concrete or metal, first installed forty, fifty or more years ago. While these pipes have done their duty, they are more likely to have problems in the future. If you have one of these older types of sewer lines, is it time for replacement?

You may think if there is not a problem, why fix it? True – you can wait for a problem to arise and then replace the pipe if needed. That day may come sooner than you think. If a sewer line is over thirty years old and made from a material that deteriorates like metal, concrete or clay, the day may come when there is a large sewage pool in your yard, or a sewage backup into your home. Or, you could proactively replace your old sewer line now before you have a sewage emergency stinking up your home.

Replacement Options

Most sewer lines now are made from PVC or plastic. These will not corrode from moisture or age, and they tend to withstand tree roots invasion better than the older types of pipe. Once in place, it is unlikely that you will need to repair or replace your sewer line again in your lifetime, so it is a wise investment.

If you are not sure what type of sewer line you have, you can get yours inspected by your local sewer service company. They can do a camera inspection to check the inside of your sewer line to determine the type and condition and give you options for replacement, if needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Relining Sewer Lines Instead of Replacement

When a sewer line or pipe is cracked or begins to corrode, the first thing that comes to mind is needing to replace the pipes. For many homeowners, this can be a larger expense than they are able to fit into their budget. However, in many cases older sewer lines can be relined, repairing the issue while extending the life of the pipes. Relining can save money and be a viable solution for sewer line problems.

Relining for Sewer Pipes

Old sewer lines that were cracked or broken in the past often had to be dug up and replaced with new pipes. New technology offers different solutions that are faster and usually less expensive than this old method of sewer line replacement. One option is not to replace the pipe at all and instead reline the pipes. This method can be done without digging up the pipes, saving both time and money.

Relining uses a synthetic lining that is inserted into one end of a broken or corroded sewer line. The tube is inflated with hot air to press the lining against the inside of the piping. The lining is attached with a resin that adheres to the interior of the pipe. This creates a seamless lining that covers any cracks or breaks in the pipe, extending the life of the sewer line.

Pipe relining is a great option for repairing many sewer line problems quickly and affordably. Since there are no seams, lining is excellent to protecting pipes from root invasion which is common in traditional sewer pipes. To learn more about sewer pipe relining and whether it is an option for your old sewer pipes, contact your local sewer service company that offers pipe relining.

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

Are Sewer Line Repairs Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?

If you have just found out you will need to have some or all of your sewer lines repaired or replaced, you may be wondering if homeowner insurance will cover these costs. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question without knowing how the sewer lines were damaged and what type of coverage you have on your policy. The good news is that some sewer line repairs can be covered under insurance, making it worth the effort to investigate.

Determining the Cause of Damage

One of the biggest factors in determining whether sewer pipe damage will be covered under an insurance policy is the cause of the damage. Generally, normal wear and tear or issues caused by poor maintenance are not covered by insurance. Usually it must be a circumstance that was out of your control, such as an earthquake, flood or poorly installed pipes.

If your insurance policy covers the weather or earth-moving event that caused the damage, there is a good chance that the repairs will be covered. However, keep in mind that the insurance inspectors will be looking at the condition of the pipes. In some cases, it may be determined that the pipes were not properly maintained, making them susceptible to damage.

To find out if your sewer line repairs will be covered under your home insurance, call your insurance company and ask about coverage. This is a good opportunity to find out exactly what is covered under your policy and make adjustments as needed for possible future problems. If the repairs are covered, talk to your insurance about scheduling your needed repairs with your local sewer repair company.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

Can Any Sewer Line Be Replaced Using Trenchless Technology?

If you’ve ever seen a sewer line being replaced or repaired in the traditional method, you know it can require a substantial amount of digging and can do damage to surrounding landscaping. For many decades, sewer pipes were dug up, either by hand or with a backhoe, to remove old pies and install new ones. New technology now allows sewer lines to be replaced with a trenchless method, which requires very little digging. Still, there are some circumstances in which trenchless repair isn’t feasible.

When Trenchless Sewer Replacement Is Not An Option

Trenchless sewer line replacement uses a bursting head to shatter the existing pipe, while pulling a new pipe into place. This only requires digging a small hole to insert the equipment into the existing sewer line, causing very little disruption to the homeowner’s property. While this is becoming the preferred method for sewer line replacements, there are certain sewer pipes which will require the traditional digging method, such as:

–        Sewer lines with a poor grade

–        Pipes located too close to gas or utility lines

–        Pipes that have an extreme tree root infestation

–        Certain soil conditions or municipality regulations

In most cases, trenchless sewer line replacement offers a convenient way to have a new sewer line installed without the mess of digging. If you are considering replacing any of your existing sewer lines, before deciding which method to use, have your sewer line inspected by a qualified sewer professional.  Your sewer professional can determine whether your property is a good candidate for trenchless sewer repair, or advise you about other available sewer line replacement options.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

Repairing Old Cast Iron Sewer Pipes

If your home is a few decades old, or older, cast iron sewer pipes may still be in place around your property. Although cast iron pipes have been known to last for several decades, they can and eventually do rust or corrode. Common problems with the se older pipes are rust, or areas which leak and can cause the pipe to break. If your home still has older, cast iron sewer lines, you have a few options when they begin to fail or cause problems.

Repair, Or Replace?

Usually, the first sign that your cast iron sewer pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan is a leak or busted pipe in one section of your sewer line. It may be a joint dislocation or just a cracked pipe, both of which can be repaired. Many times a homeowner will choose to replace the portion of the pipe, often fitting a PVC pipe to replace the broken section of cast iron. However, once one problem emerges, there are bound to be more in the future.

While a small repair on your cast iron pipes may seem like an affordable option, it may be time to consider investing in a new sewer line. There are a few options to replace or reline your pipes to prevent future sewer problems. Some options include:

  • Full replacement. Digging up your old cast iron pipes and replacing them with PVC or other piping is the traditional method of sewer line replacement.
  • Trenchless replacement. Consider using trenchless replacement, which is less invasive, using minimal digging to install new piping.
  • Relining. If your cast iron pipes are still intact, an affordable option is adding lining to their interior, stopping leaks and rust from the inside.

Be aware that once you begin needing to have repairs on your cast iron sewer pipes, it’s only a matter of time before you will need a more permanent solution. Talk to your local sewer contractor about what options they have for replacing your old sewer pipes to prevent sewer emergencies.

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

What Type Of Sewer Pipes Do You Have Under Your Yard?

If you’re on city sewer, you may have no idea what type of sewer pipes you have, or even a general estimate of their age. Are they clay, plastic or cast iron, or have they been replaced with newer material? Although it’s not strictly necessary to know the material of which your pipes are made, this information can give you an idea of how long they’ll last. Each type of pipe has its merits,but each also comes with its own set of drawbacks and possible repair issues. 

Types Of Sewer Pipes And Problems

The most common sewer pipes in homes built at least ten years ago are made from clay, cast-iron or plastic. Of course, regardless of what type of pipe was used when the home was built, there may be new piping which has been installed in recent years, including trenchless piping made from high- density polyethylene (HDPE). Some of the common issues with the main three types of sewer pipes include: 

  • Clay. Clay piping was very popular for many years before plastic piping became prevalent in the late 1960’s. Although durable, clay is also porous, attracting tree roots to their surface. These pipes can be cracked from invasive roots, splitting them open at the joints.
     
  • Cast-iron. Cast-iron has been used for sewer pipes since the 1800’s, due to its strength and longevity. It can last for a hundred years or more, which means many older homes still have cast-iron. The main issue is that very few sewer repair companies have the tools or skills to repair this type of piping, which means it usually needs to be replaced.
     
  • Plastic. PVC and ABS are very common pipes used in underground sewer lines and interior plumbing. It is resistant to root invasion, but is not as strong under pressure or weight. 

Regardless of the type of pipe you have under your yard, your local sewer service company will have options when it comes to repair or replacement.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

 

Avoid Sewer Pipe Nightmares

There are few things that can ruin your day faster than a broken sewer pipe. Unfortunately, if you have older cast iron or clay sewer lines running under your yard, it is only a matter of time before you’ll be forced to deal with breakage. These older sewer pipes can last for decades, however, they are very susceptible to tree root invasion and corrosion. The best way to avoid waking up to a horrid smell or backed up waste in your home is to reline or replace your sewer pipes now.

Trenchless Sewer Pipe Rejuvenation Options

If you know your sewer pipes are twenty years old or older, it’s wise to start planning now for the inevitable sewer pipe breakage. To avoid an expensive mess, it may be time to consider giving your sewer pipes a rejuvenation. There are two popular options available that are much faster than digging up your old pipes and replacing them. Instead, you can use a trenchless relining or replacement to save money and time.

  • Trenchless relining – If your pipes are still functioning yet are getting older, a pipe relining may be a good option. A seamless liner is inserted into your existing pipes, then heated and attached to the interior of the old pipes. This seals all the old joints and can prevent tree root invasion for years to come.
  • Trenchless replacement – In some cases, you may want to replace all your pipes instead of merely relining. Trenchless sewer pipe replacement uses a bursting head to shatter your old pipe underground, while pulling into place a new pipe. Only a small hole is needed, with no need to dig up your whole yard.

Don’t wait for your sewer pipes to break at the most inconvenient time. Reline or replace them now to avoid being caught in a sewer nightmare!

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Using Pipe Bursting to Replace Your Sewer Line

The old fashioned way of repairing or replacing your sewer line was to dig up your beautiful yard. With today’s new technology, your sewer line can be repaired or replaced, in most cases, by boring underground without ruining your yard. Rather than open cut excavation (trench digging), pipe bursting can be a restorative process used as an alternative instead of wrecking havoc with your landscaping.

Most of the work associated with this process is underground. Small holes are necessary to hook up service connections and for the entry/exit of the pipe bursting equipment. There may be some disturbing of your favorite foliage; however, the potential for land damage is minimal in comparison to that of major excavation.

New replacement pipe is, in essence, threaded into the old piping, using special heads that break the old pipe into pieces. In the process, the original hole is enlarged for the new pipe and the fragments of the old pipe are pushed back into the dirt. Hydraulic equipment pushes or pulls the bursting heads along the old pipeline, through smaller entry and exit points above ground, while also pulling the new pipe into place.

The only real limitations to this process are that the old pipes must be of a material that can be broken and the soil needs to be able to absorb the remaining fragment. Given the material of most pipeline installations, this method appears to be an excellent solution for storm and sewer line replacement.

If you are in need of repair or replacement for your existing sewer lines, be sure to ask your local plumbing/sewer specialist about trenchless pipe replacement. You’ll certainly find it a much quicker and less damaging process.