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As a homeowner, discovering that your sewer pipe is broken and needing to be replaced is one of your worst fears. Your main house sewer is the main connection between your property and the main sewer of the city. Sewer lines are the main connection between your home and the city’s sewer system. They allow liquids and solids to be transported away from your home.
These lines can be damaged over time. It can be caused by sewer problems such as the settlement of the pipe or tree roots infiltrating into the line. It is important to be knowledgeable about the replacement of sewer lines.
The cost of a sewer line replacement can be high and it is also a time-consuming job. You will need to repair or replace your sewer line as soon as possible if this nightmare is your reality.
Three factors that affect the time to replace a sewer line
Technically, there are multiple factors that influence the time it takes to replace a sewer pipe. For simplicity, these factors can be divided into three main categories:
How to determine the depth of the house sewer line and public sewer
The depth required for excavation is one of two factors that affect the time it takes to replace the sewer. A house with a slab on grade can take up to two days less time to replace a sewer line than a home with a basement. Excavating less than five feet deep is different from excavating eight feet deep or more.
Length Of The Run Of Pipe
The length of the pipe is another important factor in determining how long it will take to replace a sewer. For example, the length of a pipe run will be drastically different between a building located at the property boundary and a house with a 40-foot front yard. The time required to replace a sewer pipe will also be affected by this. It could mean the difference between NYC’s 2 or 3 day jobs and 4 or 5 day jobs.
Accessibility Replace a sewer line
How easily can your sewer contractor access the sewer pipe? Your contractor will be able replace the sewer line faster if they can access it easily.
Sewer replacement can be complicated by underground utility lines
There are a few items of interest, but they’re not the major factors in sewer work
You may have many questions if you need sewer repair. Some of these 5 factors may cause you concern. Rest assured that many of these factors do not impact the time required to complete sewer work.
The location of the blockage or break is NOT a major factor
When estimating the time required to replace a sewer line, the location of a blockage or a break does not play a significant role. It is a bigger factor when it comes to a partial or spot replacement. If the clog occurs inside your home, you can expect to have a sewer repaired in one day. A clog under a sidewalk or street could require two to three days of sewer repair.
2. Types of Sewer Line Damage
The type of damage you have will determine the extent of your work. The type of damage will not impact the time it takes to replace a sewer line, as the entire pipe is being replaced. The type of problem, like grease, roots or a backpitched pipe will determine whether or not a replacement is needed. A back-pitched pipe, for example, usually requires a complete sewer replacement.
Root infiltration within a sewer pipe
3. Different types of pipes Required to replace a sewer line
You must take into account the pipe material, as well as its age, when replacing a sewer. Certain materials need extra care. The pre-existing pipe material does affect the difficulty of replacing a sewer.
4. The Availability of Materials can be a Factor
Do they have the materials on their trucks that are needed? Will they have to rent or order equipment, materials and fittings? This is why you should hire an experienced and dedicated sewer contractor. What is a difficult job for one contractor, may be routine and commonplace for another.
5. The Age of Existing Sewer Lines
To maintain temporary sewer service for building occupants, older pipes must be replaced with extra care. The time it takes for the sewer to cure before it can be used is important in the case of sewer lining, which is not allowed or code-compliant within NYC.
Why should homeowners know how long it takes to replace a sewer line?
Understanding the timeline of sewer line replacements is important for homeowners to plan and prepare properly. This can help to minimize the inconveniences and disruptions that are caused by this process. As a homeowner you can estimate the costs of temporary accommodations and alternative arrangements if you know how long it will take to replace your sewer line. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration when it comes to sewer work.
Planning ahead
Homeowners can adjust their schedules if they know how long it will take to replace the sewer lines. So, the daily routines of homeowners won’t be too affected. Water may be available before the crew begins work, but it will not be once they begin.
Process During the Management
The excavation required to replace sewer lines can block access around the property, or disrupt water/sewage services. Knowing how long the problems will last can help you to manage your expectations or create a secondary entry point such as a side or back door.
Understanding The Considerations of Cost
The cost of replacing a sewer pipe is not small. It is important to estimate the length of time it will take to replace a sewer line. This will allow people to plan their budget and determine the potential costs.
Health and Safety Issues
Sewer lines that are damaged or malfunctioning can pose serious health risks. These include sewage buildup, hazardous gases or even mold or sewer bugs. The timeline is important because it gives homeowners an idea when these potential hazards and nuisances will get addressed.
Regulatory Compliance
Many local municipalities have specific guidelines for sewer replacement. It is important to know the estimated project duration in order to ensure that all requirements are met without delay. The permitting process typically involves multiple public agencies.
Knowing the time frame for sewer line replacements not only allows proper planning but also helps homeowners calculate costs, provides peace of mind about safety, and ensures that the process is in compliance with local guidelines.
What to Consider When Replacing Sewer Lines
It is important to understand the impact of sewer work on your home and your service. Keep in mind these important points when planning sewer work.
- Sewer Service Disruption
- How long will I be without sewer service during the replacement project?
- Is there a temporary alternative or accommodation available during the replacement of the sewer line?
- What should I do to minimize any negative impact on my normal activities and routines?
- Is there any restriction on the use of water during the replacement or specific instructions my family needs to follow?
2. Impact on Property
- What steps must I take to protect my property when replacing the sewer line?
- Is there going to be any digging or excavation? What can you tell about the location and extent of the excavation?
- What should I do about my driveway, landscaping, etc.?
- What will you do to repair any damaged or disturbed areas that may occur during the replacement of the sewer lines?
3. Debris, Noise and Dust
- What can I expect in terms of noise, dust or debris during the sewer replacement?
- What is the preparation required of the property owner?
- Are there any barriers that will limit the spread of dust and debris on my property?
- What will you do to ensure that your team cleans the area properly once the project is completed?
4. Regulations and Permits
- Do I require a permit for the replacement of my sewer line? Who is responsible for ensuring that the permits are received?
- Have you ever had to comply with any relevant regulations?
- Do you have the ability to conduct any inspections necessary and make sure that codes are being followed?
Asking these questions will help you understand the impact of the replacement sewer line on your property and sewer service. You can then plan and make the necessary arrangements.
Should You Hire A Professional To Replace Your Sewer Lines?
Leave the job of replacing sewer lines to those who are experienced. If you want to ensure that the work is done properly and in compliance with local regulations, you should hire a sewer contractor.
A sewer contractor with the right qualifications can help you get your sewer line working again. The experience that they have acquired over the years will ensure a quick completion of the job, causing as little disruption as possible to your everyday life. Let professionals do the job for you.
M & B Services offers a no-obligation, free on-site evaluation. They will also provide a detailed description about the sewer work.