Mar 24,2023

Different Types of Sewer Line Replacement

The sewer line is buried underground and take for granted by most homeowners and businesses. In reality, the sewer line is arguably the most crucial piece of plumbing in the system, connecting the building’s drains to the sewer main running under the public road. Luckily, the sewer line is built to last decades – provided proper care and routine maintenance. Eventually, however, the sewer line will have to be replaced, and you have options. In this brief article brought to you by Rooter Man of Los Angeles, we review a couple sewer repair and sewer line replacement techniques.

Traditional excavation

The conventional method of repairing or replacing sewer lines involves digging a trench to access the damaged section of the sewer line. Once the damaged section is exposed, it can be repaired or replaced. This method is often the most costly and time-consuming, but it is also the most effective for complex or extensive repairs.
Though a traditional sewer repair or replacement comes with a relatively low upfront price, the quote generally includes the excavating and repair or replacement costs as well as the labor costs. The quote usually does NOT include the cost of restoring the property. The trouble and cost of returning the excavated area to its original condition is usually what turns property owners off.

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Trenchless sewer line repair and replacements

A trenchless sewer line replacement or repair is exactly that: it does away with the extensive digging associated with traditional methods. How? There are two primary methods, which are pipe lining and pipe bursting.
With pipe lining, plumbers insert a flexible liner into the damaged sewer line. The liner is then inflated to coat the damaged pipe(s) with solid epoxy or resin. Once cured, or hardened, it forms a new layer within the existing pipe. This is sort of like patching the damage from within and it is ideal for minor damages.
For severe or extensive damage, the trenchless option of choice is pipe bursting. This method involves using heavy machinery to pull a new pipe through the damaged pipe, replacing the old pipe in the process.
Both trenchless techniques are minimally invasive usually requiring only a couple of small access points to insert the necessary equipment. Though the upfront cost of a trenchless sewer line replacement or repair is slightly higher than the traditional method, it saves property owners from having to restore large swathes of the landscape.
When to schedule sewer line repair or replace the sewer line
With the sewer line buried feet underground, off-the-cuff inspections are not feasible. This is why periodic sewer line inspections are so valuable. Professional plumbers in Los Angeles have the eye and equipment to check for issues and damage. Still, there are signs of trouble you can watch out for. It might be time to schedule sewer repair or a replacement if:

Multiple sinks and drains are clogged or backing up.
There are foul odors, rancid puddles, or patches of overly lush and green grass in the yard.
You notice pest and rodent infestations.

Call Rooter Man of Los Angeles if you notice any of these tell-tale warning signs. We are happy to schedule a convenient appointment or arrange an emergency sewer repair today.