How Affordable is Trenchless Sewer Line Repair?
In most cases, the latest and greatest technology is more expensive than the old-fashioned option. But one area where this isn’t necessarily the case is sewer line repair and replacement. Many homeowners are happy to hear those trenchless pipe repair methods are quicker, less disruptive, and often less expensive than traditional methods that require extensive digging.
What is a Sewer Line?
When you think of your home, the visible parts often come to mind. But there is a hidden infrastructure beneath the surface, including the water and sewer lines. These are as important as the visible elements; when they aren’t functioning properly, it can be a major disruption.
Your home’s sewer line is responsible for carrying wastewater and other materials away from your home’s plumbing system. It is a crucial component of any modern home, so keeping it in good condition is important. It consists of all of the plumbing lines that run from your home to the city’s main sewer line.
Your home has at least a sewer line. You do not see the pipes because they run underground. Any problems with your home’s sewer line can be a major inconvenience and costly to repair. That is why you should invest in sewer line inspection and maintenance.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Problems
What are the main causes of sewer line problems? Here are some of the most common causes:
Tree Roots
If you have large trees near your home, the roots can grow into your sewer line and cause blockages. The water from your sewer line is an attractive source for the roots, and they will often try to invade it. Over time, this can lead to clogs or even breaks in the pipe.
Broken Pipes
Another common cause of sewer line problems is broken pipes. These can be due to age, corrosion, or shifting soil. If the pipe has a crack or breaks, it will lead to water escaping and potential flooding.
Large Items Flushed Down The Toilet
Your toilet is not a trash can! Flushing large items like diapers, wipes, or cotton balls can cause major blockages and even lead to broken pipes. We all know that the pipes that run from the toilet are relatively large, but they can only handle so much. Over time, they become clogged and can cause major issues.
Ground Movement
Another common cause of sewer line problems is ground movement. If there is a lot of shifting in the earth around your home, it can cause the pipe to become unstable and crack. This can lead to leaks and other major problems with your sewer line.
Grease And Fat
One easily preventable cause of clogs in a sewer line is grease and fat. If you pour fats or oils down the drain or the kitchen sink, they can build up on the inside of your pipes and eventually create a blockage. That is why you should never pour grease or fat down the drain.
Age And Wear
Finally, age and wear can also be a factor in sewer line problems. As pipes age, they become more brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your pipes in good condition and preventing problems.
Now that you are aware of the main causes of sewer line problems, you can take steps to avoid them. However, despite your best efforts, you may still need to repair or replace your sewer line in the future. This is where trenchless pipe repair can come in handy.
What is Trenchless Sewer Line Repair?
Before we get to trenchless methods, let’s talk about the traditional way of repairing or replacing a sewer line. This involves bringing in heavy-duty equipment to dig up the property for as much as the entire length of the underground pipe. This was necessary because it was hard to detect where the blockage or breakage was below ground. Once the pipe is unearthed, it could be repaired or replaced, and then dirt is returned to cover the sewer line. Sounds intense, doesn’t it?
Thankfully, now we have modern techniques that allow us to be more precise and less disruptive. Trenchless methods mean there is little or no digging up the property to reach the sewer line. Depending on your situation, there are a few different trenchless techniques that can be used.
With trenchless pipe bursting, a device with a unique head is inserted through the sewer line. The head breaks apart the pipe, and a new pipe is inserted in its place.
Another method is trenchless pipe lining, where a small hole is dug on the property so a camera can be placed in the sewer line. Once the broken section of the pipe is located, machinery is used to open up any collapsed pipe from the inside, and then a special resin is applied to the exterior of the pipe to re-line and seal the sewer line.
Why Trenchless Can Actually be Less Expensive
While trenchless pipe repair is more innovative, faster, and less destructive to the property, you might be surprised to learn that, in many cases, it can cost less than trench-digging methods. This is because the traditional method requires expensive machinery and extra labor, which drives up the price tag.
Another exciting part about trenchless solutions is that they can be used for all types of sewer pipe materials, even the ones that are incredibly outdated. That includes Orangeburg, clay, cast iron, PVC, and more.
Trenchless Sewer Line Repair in The Murrieta, San Diego, or Winchester Areas
At Liberty Plumbing Heating And Air Conditioning, we understand that no one is going to be excited about having a blocked or broken sewer line. But you can take some solace in knowing we have the best tools available to save you money and hassles if the job needs to get done. To learn more about trenchless sewer line repair or request an estimate, call us today at (951) 760-4215.
