Sewer Line Repair Vs Replacement How to Decide
Sewer lines play a crucial role in your home’s plumbing system. Thus, whenever you experience a blocked or broken sewer line, you need to fix this problem immediately. Maintaining your sewer regularly can help you avoid hefty sewer line repair and replacement expenses.
Warning Signs that Your Sewer Line Needs Repair or Replacement
Neglecting maintenance and repairs can result in a clogged or damaged sewer line, which ultimately leads to bathrooms flooded with sewage, busted pipes, and costly repairs. The plumbing system is complicated, and some problems are not possible to detect without any professional help. Here are some warning signs to beware of which arises the need for Sewer Line Repair or replacement:
1. Slow Drain
A slow drain indicates that a sewer blockage may be forming, leading to a backup or a clog. If you notice that your sink, bathtub, or toilet is draining slowly, it’s likely because of a sewer clog. However, it can also be an indication of a much bigger problem.
2. Blockages and Backflows
If you experience water backflow, it could sign a sewer or a drain problem. Whenever the water backs up while using the bathtub or sinks, you need to contact a professional plumber.
3. Sewer Odor
A foul odor is the most common sign of a blocked or clogged sewer line. This tell-tale sign indicates that there is a clog or a crack somewhere in your sewer line.
4. Damp or Soggy Lawn/Backyard
Undetected leaks in your sewer line can make your backyard or lawn soggy. You may also notice raised areas that indicate the presence of water underneath the surface.
5. Lush Patches of Grass
If your plants are suddenly growing faster, it could be due to a leaking sewer line. Your plants may be flourishing because of the extra nutrients that they receive from this unexpected fertilizer.
How to Assess the Damage
Whenever you notice any of the signs we mentioned above, contact a professional plumbing service to assess the damage. Such companies have special equipment for the situation. This equipment can include cameras that go through sewer lines, getting a better picture of the issue. An assessment will give you a fair idea of whether you should replace or repair the sewer line.
This is where Gallegos Plumbing comes in. We at Gallegos Plumbing are fully equipped to diagnose and repair or replace your damaged sewer line on both residential and commercial properties. Contact your local plumbers in Ventura County at Gallegos Plumbing today by calling (805) 243-2622.
Sewer Line Repair vs. Sewer Line Replacement
Sewer line repair is recommended when there are cracks in your sewer line. When there is severe damage, Sewer Line Replacement is recommended.
Professional plumbers will perform a pipe leak test, and then there are two ways for the process. The first way is trenchless sewer repair, and the second one is with a traditional approach.
Let us take a look at our experts’ determination on which solution is best.
Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
Gallegos Plumbing offers expert trenchless plumbing services that utilize the eco-friendly Nu Flo technology. We take care of any root damage or buildup using a pneumatic device, without digging on your property.
Later, we produce an epoxy resin to insert into the sewer pipe, using our video camera. The quick and hassle-free procedure works the same way as putting a stent during an operation.
We insert a bladder in the epoxy compound and leave the resign behind to adhere to fill in the leaks. After filling in the leaks, we later deflate the bladder and remove it. The United States Navy developed this impressive epoxy resin that could last for years to come. The trenchless method for sewer line repair can work for clay, cast-iron, and PVC pipes.
Sewer Line Replacement
When your sewer pipe has extensive damage that requires replacement, leave everything on Gallegos Plumbing that provides traditional sewer line replacement.
Our plumbing professionals will prepare a schematic diagram that will map out the damage and the work needed to replace the pipe and provide an estimate of the cost of the replacement.
Average Cost for Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
Replacing or digging a sewer line can cost between $50 and $200 per foot depending on different factors. In some cases, the price for the same procedure can be anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000.
If you contact a professional plumbing service, the average price for repairing sewage pipe leaks can be from $480 to above $600 for a commercial area.
Also Read: Our Ultimate Seasonal Plumbing Guide
Common Causes of Sewer Line Damage that can affect the Price
Here are some of the most common causes of sewer line damage that affect the overall price of repairing or replacing your sewer lines.
» Tree Roots
Over time, the roots of aging trees expand much further than initially expected. Therefore, even when there are no trees near your home, roots could still affect your sewer lines. You will have to replace the entire line if the roots invade it.
» Clogged Pipes
Professional plumbers use tools like an auger for Sewer Line Unclogging. Such equipment does not cause any damage but does a great job of cleaning your sewer lines. Moreover, this type of repair costs a fraction of what you must pay for a full line replacement.
There are other methods like snaking or hydro-jetting, that cost an average of $1,000. This type of repair is faster, but you also get long-term benefits to keep your sewer lines free of any defects and leaks.
» Deterioration and Age
Aging pipes are under a lot of stress. When the ground settles or shifts, it exerts significant pressure on the pipes and deteriorates them over time. Address this problem immediately if you want to protect your pipes from bursting. Since cleaning up, the waste will be much more expensive and cumbersome.
Ultimate Resolutions for Sewer Line Problems
In most cases, patching jobs are more expensive than replacing the entire sewer line. For that reason, it is crucial to schedule routine maintenance and inspection sessions. Moreover, be careful about what you throw down your drains. Never flush any paper towels, tissue papers, or disposable products into your drains.
Related: How to Clear a Clogged Drain
Nothing deteriorates your pipes like grease, oil, and dirt. Most of us are guilty of throwing starchy items like rice, pasta, and potatoes. Never throw any leftovers or stuff like coffee grounds and eggshells that can gradually deteriorate your pipes’ condition, ultimately damaging your sewer lines.
Moreover, if you have large bushes or trees planted near your sewer lines, cut them to clear your backyard and lawn. Another tip to make sure the water flows quickly through your drain is preparing a homemade solution. Pour a mixture of some baking soda and vinegar down your drain and rinse with hot water. This mixture will remove oil and dirt buildup, along with maintaining good and leak-proof pipes.
Final Thoughts
Whenever you experience any of the above signs or want a professional plumbing service, trust Gallegos Plumbing, your licensed plumbing contractor in Ventura County. We can inspect your sewer lines or drains’ health, and help you decide if you should repair or replace them. Routine maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs and replacements. Contact Gallegos Plumbing today to request any kind of plumbing service or call (805) 243-2622 to have your clogged sewer line issue handled by our professionals.
» Clogged Pipes
Professional plumbers use tools like an auger for Sewer Line Unclogging. Such equipment does not cause any damage but does a great job of cleaning your sewer lines. Moreover, this type of repair costs a fraction of what you must pay for a full line replacement.
There are other methods like snaking or hydro-jetting, that cost an average of $1,000. This type of repair is faster, but you also get long-term benefits to keep your sewer lines free of any defects and leaks.