Main Sewer Line Replacement: Your Questions Answered

When you’ve learned you have a nightmare of a problem to fix in your home, it’s only natural that you have a lot of questions. If you feel overwhelmed of where to start when it comes to restoring the comfort in your home, start here.

As experts in main sewer line replacement, we’ve addressed some of the most important questions about main sewer line replacement costs and options. If we don’t touch on your exact question, we’re only a call away and more than happy to answer your questions and help you employ the best solution for your situation.

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Here are the top FAQs regarding main sewer line replacement:

How much does a main sewer line replacement cost? The first question everyone wants to know – even before “how long am I going to have to go without using my bathroom?” – is: “how much does a main sewer line replacement cost?”

A technician has to look at several factors contributing to a main sewer line replacement before he can give you an accurate estimate, such as:

• Trench vs. trenchless
• Video inspection
• Pipe conditions
• Size of damage
• Material of old and new pipe
• Location of damage

What is trenchless sewer line replacement?

The largest factor when discussing main sewer line replacement costs is whether or not the job can be completed using trenchless technology. If the sewer main must be replaced using the traditional trench method, then your total costs could be much higher.

This is because the traditional method requires digging a trench to remove the existing sewer line and replace it with a new one. The trench must be dug around the entire main line, so this may mean disrupting your lawn, your landscaping, your sidewalk, or, worse, your patio, deck and parts of your home. Once the sewer line has been replaced and the dirt has been filled, you’ll have to spend more to grow a new lawn or refinish your landscaping.

Trenchless technology only requires one or two small access points, so there will be much less disturbance to your yard and home. Less disturbance means less money to rehabilitate your curb appeal.
With just two small holes – about three feet wide – that are dug at either end of the main sewer line being replaced, a new sewer pipe can be inserted using pipe-bursting technology.

Time is also a large factor in trench versus trenchless operations. Trenchless takes less time, saving you money on man hours. Trenchless also helps you avoid days or weeks of dirt piles and equipment in your yard and gets your sewer system back up and running more quickly.

What’s the difference between traditional and trenchless sewer line replacement methods?
Here is a helpful breakdown highlighting the major differences between traditional and trenchless sewer line repair:

• Traditional
• Trenchless

Access

• Large trench
• One or two small holes

Process

Lawn, landscaping and possibly driveway, sidewalk, patio, deck or home could be disrupted
Minimal effects

Additional Costs

• Significant property repair costs
• Little to no property repair costs

Time

• No sewer service for days
• No sewer service for 24 hours

What is a video pipe inspection? A sewer line camera inspection can:

• Quickly and correctly identify plumbing and drain problems
• Save you time and money
• Minimize the impact a sewer problem has on your property

Lead to less invasive cleanings and repairs because it pinpoints the exact area of the system with the problem,. Ensure you won’t have a bigger problem on your hands down the road

Once there is video evidence of the plumbing issue, an efficient and budget-friendly option(s) for repair can be discussed and used.

How much does it cost to camera a sewer line?

• Hiring the right team the first time can have a major impact on your overall costs.
  On average, a residential video pipe inspection can cost between $100-$800, depending on the length of the pipes, extent of damage, local rates, etc.
• After you’ve identified the fact that you need a plumber because you smell sewage or notice large puddles in your yard, make sure you thoroughly research your options
• Each plumbing team will want to complete a video inspection of the main sewer line so they can correctly identify the problem, it’s location and how to best fix it
• So, it goes without saying, hire a team for the video inspection that can offer you the widest array of solutions – such as both traditional and trenchless sewer line repairs.Can trenchless technologies be used with older pipelines, such as Orangeburg pipe?

Trenchless sewer line replacement, or pipe bursting, can be used on a wide range of pipe types and sizes, and in a variety of soil and site conditions. But, there are some limits. Any specific questions regarding your pipe’s material and condition should be addressed with sewer line repair experts.

What size pipe can be replaced with trenchless main sewer line replacement?

Most pipes replaced with pipe bursting range from 2 to 36 inches in diameter. If you’re planning to re-install a larger pipe, it is not recommended that the new pipe be more than 3 inches larger than the existing pipe. This is because larger upsizing requires more energy and thus causes more ground movement.

The typical length of a trenchless sewer line replacement is between 300 and 400 feet. Longer bursts usually require more powerful equipment and more time. What pipe material is best for trenchless main sewer line replacement? Pipes most suitable for pipe bursting are brittle, such as vitrified clay, cast iron, or concrete.

What is the ideal pipe location for trenchless main sewer line replacement?

Every pipe bursting procedure will cause some ground displacement, so the location of the main sewer line is a major consideration when determining if trenchless is an option. The extent of the ground displacement depends primarily on degree of upsizing, type of soil around the sewer line, and depth of the sewer line.

The following are examples of main sewer line locations not favorable for pipe bursting:

• pipes in expansive soils
• pipes enveloped in concrete
• pipes with large obstructions such as long sections of completely collapsed pipe
• pipes adjacent to other pipes or utility lines

In addition to the location of the main sewer line, the type and location of the problem within it may also affect whether or not pipe bursting would be recommended. The following are examples of some considerations:

• Is it just cracked, or is it completely broken and collapsed in some places?
• Have roots invaded the sewer line, and how much have they grown inside?

Are any parts of the existing pipe bellied, or sunken? And, are they large enough to collect waste that can lead to backups?

How long will a new main sewer line last?

Again, there are many factors that affect longevity including installation (remember, choosing the right team is very important!), type of soil, pipe material and more. Most replacements can guarantee you 50 worry free years because the new pipes are made with more durable materials, such as PVC, and are seamless which keeps roots from infiltrating.