You should be prepared if you need sewer repair services by knowing the differences between sewer repair and sewer replacement, and also what sewer repair costs are.
Continue reading to find out more about sewer replacement and repairs, including how to deal with them and the cost.
What is sewer line repair and replacement?
When your sewer line has a smaller issue, like a crack or clog, it is very common to need to repair the line. Sewer line repair is cheaper than sewer line replacement because only a small section of your sewer line requires plumbing services.
Sadly, some damages are more serious. You’ll have to replace the sewer line if it is damaged more severely. This will cost you a lot of money. Sewer lines can be repaired in many ways.
Cable Cleanup
Cleaning cables is an easy way to maintain your home. This is a great tool for simple repairs or routine maintenance. The spinning cable is equipped with blades that cut through the roots and clear small drains.
The cable can not only remove obstructions such as roots and blocks, but can also restore your pipes’ original diameter. This will increase flow and make your drainage system more efficient.
Hydrojetting
Hydrojetting uses a powerful water jet to remove dirt and grease, as well as cut through roots and debris. The water jet’s force pushes the debris down the drain and cleans it.
Hydrojetting uses a camera, which is one of its best features. The camera lets the sewer repair technician see what he’s cutting through, and focus on the problematic areas.
Pipe Replace
Sometime, replacing the sewer line is the only way to fix the problem. A replacement is necessary if a pipe collapsed due to tree roots or was destroyed.
The technician uses a camera to explore the pipe and find the damaged area. The camera can then signal to the technician which area needs to be repaired.
The technician will have a much easier time, as they’ll know exactly where and how deep to dig. This method saves time and money by avoiding costly excavations of your lawn and sidewalk.
The primary causes of sewer line damage
There are many things that can damage your sewer line. Knowing about them will help you keep your sewer lines in good condition for many years.
Tree roots
Damage to sewer lines is often caused by tree roots. Tree roots are attracted to water and will grow near water sources. They therefore seek out sewer lines and thrive there.
Tree roots can wrap around sewer pipes when they come into contact with them. The roots can cause the pipes to clog and become weaker.
If they are left unchecked, tree roots can cause the pipes to break. You are more vulnerable to tree root damage if you live in an older house that has clay sewer pipes.
Corrosion of Pipes
The majority of sewer pipes are made out of galvanized metals, such as steel or cast iron. The galvanized metal protects against corrosion and rust caused by the accumulation of magnesium and calcium.
Untreated corrosion can cause bigger problems in the future. This corrosion can lead to leaks and cracks that will require pipe replacement or sewer line repairs.
Clogged pipes
The sewer lines are not as strong as they appear. They were designed to only handle toilet paper and human waste. Food wrappers, paper towels and other trash can cause your sewer line to clog.
Drain cleaning liquids won’t work to clear a blockage caused by these items, as they don’t dissolve like toilet paper or human waste.
It is important to keep this in mind when cooking. Pouring grease down the drain can cause pipes to clog when you are cooking with oil or making something else that creates a lot. Instead of pouring them down your drain, allow them to cool and then dispose of them in the trash.
Extremely cold temperatures
The weather and temperature in your area will also affect the life expectancy of your sewer pipes.
Water in your sewer pipes expands and freezes when it is extremely cold. The metal pipe may burst or rupture as the ice expands. This will cause leaks in your sewer system.
Sewer Line Repair Signs
If you are concerned that your sewer pipes need to be repaired, then look for obvious signs. You should contact a sewer pipe repair specialist if you notice any of these signs before the situation becomes an emergency.
You’re yard is flooded or smells like sewage
If you notice your yard is flooding, it could be a sign of a sewer line issue. Sewer lines can be anywhere between 2 feet and 6 feet underground, depending on climate.
Flooding can occur quickly in areas where sewer lines are close to the surface. Water will seep into your lawn and be visible at the surface. The water will smell like sewage.
Problems Draining Water
Clogs in the pipes that are directly connected to your drain can cause some drains inside your home to have difficulty draining water. Showers and faucets can be affected by this.
You may notice multiple drains that don’t work in your house. This is an indication that your sewer line has a problem.
The toilets can also show signs of drainage problems. When you flush the toilet, you may hear strange noises. This could indicate a sewer line blockage.
Water Damage to Your Home
Water damage is another sign that your sewer line has been damaged or clogged. Mold growth on the walls and floors of your home is a first indication that this problem exists.
Mold growth is an indication that your sewer system may be malfunctioning. Call plumbing services as soon as you notice this.
Do you need sewer line repair?
Sewer lines transport sewage from your home and process it at a water treatment facility. If your sewer lines don’t work, they can damage your home and cause health problems for you and your loved ones.
Repairing your sewer line can prevent your home from flooding and mold growth by ensuring that it drains correctly.
Do you have problems with your sewer system? Schedule your sewer repair with M & B Services today.