Sewer repair or sewer replacement
When you are considering how to deal with sewer problems, you may wonder which course of action to take. Should you repair a part of your sewer, or should you completely replace it? This is a decision faced by many homeowners. Let’s take a look into both sewer service options and decide and help you see which fits best for your family. With a better understanding of the process, you’ll be able to decide if sewer repair or replacement is right for you.
Sewer Repairs
What is a sewer repair?
A sewer repair is the replacement of a small section of your home’s sewer pipe. Typically, it includes the installation of a cleanout (or access point) at the point of repair. This enables your sewer to be accessible for maintenance in the future. Generally, sewer repairs happen on sections of pipe 10 feet or less long.
When would you need your sewer repaired?
A sewer repair is a great solution if your sewer line only has a problem in one specific area. Roots in one joint, a small crack, or a defect in a single spot do not warrant the replacement of your entire line. Most sewers in Baltimore last for 80+ years. If there is only a problem in one particular spot over the course of the sewer’s lifetime, there is a good chance that no further problems will develop for some time.
A sewer repair is also a good option when your sewer line is very long. Many homes have sewers longer than 100 feet. It would be cost-prohibitive to replace the whole run, especially if there is only a problem in a single 1-foot section.
A sewer repair is also an effective solution for problems off of your property. These issues could include, root intrusion, pipe dips, cracks, etc. Typically your municipality is responsible for maintaining these issues, however, if there is no access to this section (such as an exterior sewer cleanout) they are unable to help. In this instance, it would make sense to have a sewer repair with a new cleanout installed. This access point allows the municipality to maintain the portion of your sewer line that they are responsible for.
Methods of sewer repair
Sewers repair can be achieved through many methods depending on what works best for your home and budget. C.A. Taciak & Sons offers both conventional open cut trenching and trenchless repairs. One particularly effective sewer repair method is “pipe patching.” If you already have an exterior cleanout and there is sufficient access to your sewer line, a pipe patch is possible. This method involves installing a patch of super durable epoxy resin over the defect inside the pipe. Pipe patching works against root intrusion, faulty joints, cracks, etc. Pipe patching typically does not require any excavation and is truly trenchless. It is the best option when a cleanout does not need to be added to the sewer line.
Sewer Replacements
What is a sewer replacement?
When performing a sewer replacement, your home’s sewer piping is completely removed and replaced with a fresh new line. The stretch of pipe from the point where it leaves your home, to the point that it leaves your property, is replaced. Depending on your municipality and the length of your sewer run, one or more new cleanouts are installed.
When would you need your sewer replaced?
Your sewer should be totally replaced when there are multiple problems spread out through the line. For example, if there are tree root intrusions spaced every 10 feet and the sewer line is only 50 feet long, it would make sense to just replace the whole thing. It would be a total waste of money to only repair one section of your sewer if other areas also need to be addressed.
The ratio of problem sewer pipe to useable pipe must also be considered. If your sewer is only 20 feet long, it would not make sense to have a 10-foot-long repair. Other problems, like a pipe that settles flat, should be completely dug up and fixed. All in all, you should consider what makes sense as an investment to your home.
Methods of sewer replacement
There are various ways to replace your sewer line, which work with the nature of your property and the needs of your family/budget. Traditional open cut trenching is the most common method of sewer replacement. While a hole will be dug in your yard, we perform precise excavation and are conscious of your hardscaping during the replacement. No matter if your project is big or small, we strive to dig up as little of your yard as possible. We also offer trenchless sewer replacement methods like pipe bursting, which requires minimal disturbance to your yard. There are options for every budget and every job.
Let’s Get Started!
So when weighing the decision between choosing sewer repair or sewer replacement, remember to consider:
- how much of your sewer requires attention
- how frequently are you paying for sewer services
- what is your budget?
If you still are looking for guidance, we would be happy to offer you a no-obligation sewer consultation. If you’re ready to get your home’s sewer squared away, give us a call!
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