SEWER LINE REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

If there’s only a short section of the damaged sewer line and the rest of the pipe is in good condition we can perform a spot repair.  That involves digging a small area to gain access to the underground pipe, then replacing the old pipe in just that section.

If the sewer pipe is generally in poor condition or particularly old, replacing the entire line is usually the most cost-effective option in the long run.  Even if your home or commercial building is relatively new the contractor may have used an older already existing sewer line.  That means corrosion and the earth have had plenty of time to cause problems, and materials later found by the plumbing industry to be inferior may have been used.

If a straightforward approach doesn’t quickly resolve the problem, we have state-of-the-art in-pipe video inspection cameras so there’s no guesswork and no unnecessary steps.  That saves time and money, and potentially a big disruption.  And you can have a look to see for yourself.

Various types of clogs — tree roots, some other foreign object, or sludge buildup — can usually be cleared inexpensively.  But if there’s a leak or an otherwise damaged line the sewer pipe will need to be repaired or replaced.  Common causes and problems include the following.

• Corrosion creates roughness that reduces flow, catches grease and debris, and may eventually lead to a leak.  Galvanized and cast iron pipes are especially prone to corrosion. 
• Older clay tile and other types may collapse due to earth movement, and root intrusions.
• Cracks, breaks open joints, and offset joints can occur in just about every type of older sewer line.  These problems also result from earth movements such as settling, erosion, and earthquakes. 
• Earth movement or poor installation can also lead to a dip, or “belly,” in the line.  Since sewage and drains flow by gravity, that low point accumulates sludge that causes frequent backups.

Fortunately replacing the entire line no longer necessarily means the major expense and disruption of digging up the old line.  Trenchless sewer repair can take care of a hard-to-reach location and even replace the entire line from just one or two relatively small holes. They also preserve well-established landscaping.  

• Trenchless pipe relining: pipelining is a minimally invasive process that allows for the rehabilitation of existing drainage pipes without having to tear it out and replace it conventionally. Pipe Lining is performed by inserting a resin-saturated felt tube into the pipe, inflating it, and letting it cure in place.  After the liner has cured, the result is a brand-new pipe within the old pipe.