Sewer Line Repair and Replacement: What You Need to Know
Two of the methods available to homeowners for replacing drainage lines are pipe lining and pipe bursting.
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Sewer line replacement is sometimes necessary to avoid costly water backups in your home. If the sewer lines in your home are faulty but don’t need full-on replacement, technicians will often recommend pipe lining or pipe bursting instead.
Replacing or repairing your home sewer lines can be an unpleasant and expensive experience, so it’s important to educate yourself about the process beforehand. That’s why home insurance broker
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has compiled this guide to help you address the signs and symptoms of a defective sewer line quickly and efficiently.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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Sewer line repair and replacement methods
The best method to repair your faulty drainage lines depends on the situation. The nature and extent of the damage will determine what to do about faulty sewer lines.
Pipe Lining
If there’s only minimal damage to your lines, you can probably fix the issue with pipe lining. The plumbing technician will insert an epoxy-covered inflatable tube into your sewer line and inflate it. When the epoxy presses against the pipe’s edges, it will seal any cracks and restore the line to full functionality.
Pipe Bursting
For damage that’s a bit more serious, you’ll need to have a repair service perform a pipe bursting instead. A plumbing technician will run a drill bit through your line to destroy the old pipe and replace it with a new one at the same time.
This method is more expensive and time-consuming but will spare you the trouble of having to dig up your yard.
Traditional line replacement
If the damage is beyond repair, you’ll have to pay for an entire sewer line replacement. Unfortunately, this will be a very costly and invasive procedure, as the plumbing technicians will have to excavate your yard to locate and replace the broken lines.
How much does sewer line repair cost?
Regardless of the repair method you need, repairing sewer lines is not cheap. Costs will typically range from $50 to $250 per foot, with most people paying between $50 and $125 per foot. The cost depends on the extent of the damage, the length of the line, and the location of the faulty line on your property.
What about replacement?
Full sewer line replacement may cost more than repairs. Replacing a line typically costs between $1,000-$4,000, while putting in a new main sewer pipe that connects to the street can run you as much as $25,000.
The materials used to replace the pipes will affect your pricing. You can often use plastic PVC pipes, but in some cases you may be required to pay for more expensive cast iron.
Possible causes of sewer line damage
A sewer pipe can be damaged in a variety of ways.
Tree roots
Tree roots are a common cause of damage to sewer lines. As trees grow, their roots follow sources of water. This can bring them into contact with your drainage pipes, especially if there is already a small crack in the line.
Once they make contact with a pipe, the roots attempt to force their way inside, which can cause clogging and breakage.
Corroded pipes
Despite their rust-resistant coating, drainage pipes are highly susceptible to calcium and magnesium buildup from regular use. These buildups cause corrosion, which leaves the pipe at risk of developing leaks and cracks if left unaddressed.
Clogging
Sewage lines can easily become clogged if foreign debris enters the system. The drainage pipes in your home are only able to handle human waste and toilet paper, so avoid flushing anything else, like paper towels or plastic trash. These items will not break down properly and cannot be removed by drain cleaning chemicals.
Extreme temperatures
During periods of markedly cold weather, expanding ice can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Extreme heat is also capable of rupturing pipes, but this situation is highly unlikely.
How to identify damage to your sewer line
It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a damaged sewer line system so that you can quickly remediate the issue.
Flooded or foul-smelling yard
If you notice that your yard has flooded, you could be dealing with a faulty sewer pipe. A nasty smell is another indicator, as sewage gas can leak through the soil in your yard. This may occur before the sewage actually surfaces, so be mindful of strange smells.
Water draining improperly
If multiple areas in your home are clogging or not draining properly, this can indicate a blockage in the main sewage line. Strange gurgling from your toilet can also indicate a serious blockage.
Water damage
Mold appearing on the walls or floors of your home is one of the first signs that a sewer line has been damaged or broken. If you notice the sudden appearance of water damage, contact a plumbing professional as soon as possible.
How to protect existing sewer lines
Although you can’t always prevent damage to your sewer lines, there are still a few preventative maintenance measures every homeowner should take.
Yearly inspections
Have a plumbing technician conduct an inspection on your sewage system at least once a year. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises and ensure that your pipes remain in good working order.
Proper landscaping
As mentioned earlier, tree roots are capable of damaging your drainage lines. Remove any problematic trees from the area around your sewage system to prevent such an issue.
Proper usage
Don’t abuse your pipes. Remember to only dispose of toilet paper and human waste through your sewer lines. No flushing paper towels!
Find affordable home insurance
Home insurance won’t always cover a damaged sewer line, but it’s important to have a protective policy to safeguard your home from many other covered perils.
If you want to find a better rate, just use
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How long does it take to replace a sewer line?
It usually takes several days to replace a sewer line using the traditional method, as a technician must use heavy machinery to dig a trench and reveal your pipes before work can begin. Consult your plumber for a more accurate estimate.
How long will my new pipes last after replacement?
The material of your new pipes determines how long they will last. PVC pipes can last over 100 years. Cast iron pipes are usually rated for between 75-100 years. Clay and cement pipes typically last around 100 years.
How long will repairs to my pipes last?
Pipe bursting and pipe lining are both known for their longevity. These repairs can last up to 50 years, depending on the pipe’s material.
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