Sewer Line Replacement

There are many ways to tell that a sewer line may need to be replaced. The most common and obvious are frequent clogs and slow drains. Also, if the sewer line is old or made of outdated materials (like cast iron or clay tile), it may need to be replaced. Other indicators are the severity of any damage seen with a sewer camera during inspection, foul odors, and foundation cracks. Unexpectedly lush grass or other vegetation may also suggest a leaking sewer line.

The cost and benefits of sewer pipe relining make it an appealing option for many people. It is much less invasive than line replacement, and in many cases, it can be just as effective. With pipe bursting, a new line is pushed through the existing pipe. With relining, a new layer inside the pipe is added, effectively making it new again. The life of the sewer system can be extended from anywhere between 15 to 50 years using this method, which in many cases is quicker and far less disruptive to the routine of people using the affected space.

Sewer pipe lifespan depends on several factors, including the materials used and environmental conditions. Clay sewer pipes generally last about 50 to 60 years. PVC pipes, however, can last 100 years or more, and cast iron pipes can last about 75 to 100 years with proper maintenance.

Replacing sewers is an expensive undertaking. The very materials needed—the pipes themselves—are extraordinarily costly. They must be made of durable, corrosion-resistant substances, and their placement requires skilled labor. Much of the work necessitates digging, and that labor adds to the already considerable price. Compliance with a host of local regulations and securing the necessary permits also costs money. There's the question, too, of whether the work will necessitate repairs to or replacement of adjacent infrastructure. That all adds up, significantly, to the total. And all this is before we consider the location of the work, the depth of the pipes involved, and how those factors will influence the price as well.

An urgent problem that needs to be solved right away is a broken sewer pipe. The cracked pipe can create several harmful situations, such as letting sewage escape, which threatens the health of anyone nearby; introducing unsightly, dangerous, and smelly materials into the environment; and potentially leading to very expensive damage to property, especially if the repairs involve digging up the yard and landscape. A cracked pipe can also create a load of nasty problems that really put the "ugh" in "plumbing issues."

The expected lifespan of a modern sewer line is between 50 and 100 years, depending on the substance from which it is made, the quality of the installation, the conditions of the surrounding soil, and how well the line is maintained.

Sewer line damage is generally not covered by homeowners insurance, unless a covered event such as fire or severe weather caused the damage. Most policies do not cover the kind of things that might damage a sewer line, like tree roots—tree roots are actually one of the most common causes of sewer line damage, and they're not covered by homeowners insurance. But you might be able to get an endorsement for your policy that would cover sewer line damage. If you're not sure whether your policy covers sewer line damage, it's a good idea to review your coverage with your insurance provider.

There are many signs to look for in order to identify a broken sewer line. The first is the unpleasant odors around your home. Then there's the slow draining and frequent backing up of sinks, toilets, and showers that seem to be on the same circuit. Next, the lawn—oops, I mean, what's left of it—is either dying due to drought or thriving thanks to a leak in the sewer line. Seen any critters in your house lately? First, the smell; then, the sounds of gurgling pipes; next, the presence of "our future houseguests" (mold and mildew). If none of these indicators are clear to you, a professional inspection with a sewer camera or dye test can help get you a clear diagnosis.

Begin by conducting a careful inspection to determine the extent of the damage using a sewer line camera. Then choose your method of repair in accordance with the severity and location of the cracks. You might use an epoxy sealing method if the cracks are minor, but choose pipe lining or pipe bursting for major repairs. Any method you choose will require a considerable amount of time and labor to effect a successful repair; also, you'll need to pull permits in all likelihood, not just because it's a good idea for keeping you out of hot water with your local authorities but also because two of the repair methods could get you in trouble if you don't because they involve quite a bit of digging. Of course, using a professional plumbing service instead of attempting a DIY repair would nullify those concerns.

In numerous instances, local authorities are not held accountable for financing the repairs of sewer lines located on private property. Generally, property owners are the ones who shoulder the responsibility for maintaining and repairing the sewer lines that extend from their homes or buildings to the public sewer main. Usually, local governments only tend to the infrastructure of public sewer mains. That being said, local jurisdictions' policies can vary quite a bit, so it's a good idea to check with local authorities to make sure you know the specifics of what's required and who pays for it.