Dealing with a sewer line issue can be incredibly frustrating. Most issues lead to the line frequently backing up, resulting in sewage backing up into some of your drains. Sewage backups can be costly, as they can do significant damage to flooring and furnishings. The other major concern is that many common sewer problems are quite costly to fix, and sometimes, the only option is to replace the line. Let’s examine the typical costs of sewer repair and sewer replacement, the option that is the better choice for specific situations and how to spot the signs of sewer damage and other issues.
Average Cost of Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
The cost to overcome a sewer line issue can vary dramatically depending on the specific problem. For a basic sewer line repair, such as unclogging the line or clearing out tree roots, the cost is only a few hundred dollars. More extensive repairs, such as when the pipe is cracked or has holes, can potentially cost a few thousand dollars.
What you can expect to pay for a full sewer line replacement depends on factors like the length of the line, the type of pipe being installed and whether you’re doing a traditional or a trenchless replacement. The cost that the company charges per hour for labor is also a major factor. The average cost is around $4,000, but the work can sometimes cost between $10,000 and $25,000.
Trenchless sewer replacement typically has a slightly higher cost per linear foot of pipe. However, it’s often more cost-effective overall. With a traditional replacement, the plumbing company must excavate the line and may also need to tear out concrete if the line runs under a driveway or sidewalk. That means you also need to factor in the additional cost of restoring the landscaping and replacing the concrete.
Trenchless replacement is done through a process known as pipe bursting. After digging a small hole, plumbers use a winch to pull an auger through the old line to break it up. Then, a flexible pipe is run through the hole left by the old line to connect the new pipe to the home and the sewer main under the street. This allows plumbers to fully replace the line without needing to do any major excavating and without disturbing much of the landscape.
Whether you opt for traditional or trenchless replacement, it’s still necessary to dig a hole in the street so that plumbers can attach the new pipe to the municipal sewer main. The local municipality normally takes care of patching the street. However, they will typically bill you for the cost of repairing the street.
How to Decide Between Sewer Repair and Replacement
If the sewer line only has some cracks or holes in it, it’s often possible to fix it using a technique known as trenchless pipe lining. This involves inserting a flexible tube coated in epoxy resin into the damaged section of pipe. A bladder is then used to inflate the tube, filling up the pipe. The epoxy ensures that the tube adheres to the inside of the pipe and fills in the cracks or holes. As the epoxy hardens and cures, the tube creates a strong, durable new pipe within the existing line.
If the sewer line has anything other than minor damage, such as if it’s broken or has collapsed, the only option is to replace it. Another issue plumbers encounter fairly frequently is an older sewer line that has settled over time and either has developed a “belly” in it or no longer has adequate slope to drain properly. In both situations, trenchless replacement isn’t an option. The fact that trenchless replacement inserts the new pipe into the hole where the old line was means that the new line would still have a sag in it or wouldn’t have the correct slope.
The first step in determining whether the sewer line can be repaired or will need to be replaced is to perform a video camera inspection. The camera helps a plumber assess the condition of the pipe from the inside and determine what the specific issue is or the extent of the damage.
If the inspection reveals that tree roots are growing inside the pipe, a plumber can fix the issue and get the line draining properly again by rooting or hydro jetting it to clear the roots. However, this is only a temporary solution, as the roots will eventually start growing inside the pipe again. As such, this is a situation where you can save yourself a lot of headache and hassle down the road by having the line repaired through pipe lining. Without taking this step, there’s a high chance that the roots could cause the pipe to break, in which case your only option will be to replace the line.
How to Spot Sewer Line Issues
The most obvious sign that your sewer line isn’t draining properly for one reason or another is if you keep experiencing sewage backups in your home. Backups often indicate that the sewer line is clogged or has tree roots growing in it and needs to be cleaned. Constant backups can also indicate that the line is broken, collapsed, has a “belly” in it or has insufficient slope.
Several other signs that can indicate a sewer line is starting to have issues before it starts backing up. One thing to watch for is if all your drains and toilets are suddenly slower than normal or make gurgling sounds as the water goes down. A noticeable sewage smell from your plumbing fixtures is another indication that your sewer line isn’t draining properly and may be at risk of backing up.
There are also a few signs that usually indicate that the sewer line is damaged and sewage is leaking out underground. The most obvious one is if you constantly smell sewage in your yard. Other things to watch for include standing water, soft or spongy ground or lush, faster-growing vegetation near the sewer line. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a sewer inspection immediately. Just because your sewer line is leaking doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to replace it. However, the longer you wait to have the problem diagnosed, the greater the chance that the line needs to be fully replaced.
At Southport Home Services, we’ve been serving Southeast Wisconsin homeowners for over 15 years and can expertly manage all your plumbing, drain and sewer needs. From camera inspections and drain cleaning to repairs and replacement, we have the professional solutions to overcome whatever problem you’re dealing with. All our plumbers are highly trained, drug-free and have undergone extensive pre-employment checks to ensure the safety and security of our customers. We back up all our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and our team is available 24/7 to respond to any plumbing or sewer emergencies. To schedule a sewer inspection or any other service in Madison, Wausau, Caledonia or any of the surrounding communities, contact our experienced professionals at Southport Home Services today.
