Should you repair or replace your sewer line?

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Oh, not again!

This is precisely what you say when a plumbing issue catches you off-guard.

A failing plumbing system is undesirable because it wreaks havoc. It is no wonder that homeowners hate dealing with the resultant hassle.

When an issue with the sewer line strikes, it leads to unsanitary conditions and severe water damage to the property. Therefore, corrective action should be taken sooner rather than later.

You will probably have to consider either sewer line repair or replacement to solve the sewer line issue.

However, to decide, you need to know more about the problem.

Are you wondering how you can detect an issue with the sewer line?

There are some telltale signs that you can consider.

Signs of Sewer Line Damage

The sooner you identify issues with the sewer line, the earlier you can implement a solution.

Don’t overlook your plumbing system, and be vigilant.  Here are some signs that you have broken or deteriorating sewer lines:

1. A foul odor on your property
2. A suspiciously slow drain
3. Frequent sewage backups and clogs
4. Visible mold or mildew in the house
5. Cracks in the foundation slab
6. An extra lush patch of grass near the sewer line
7. Insect or rodent infestation
8. Gurgling noise coming from drain

If you’ve experienced a number of these signs, there is a good chance that you are dealing with a sewer line issue.

Since homeowner’s insurance does not usually cover sewer line damage, you need to seek a solution yourself.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, protecting the home from water damage is incumbent upon every homeowner. Therefore, don’t take this situation lightly.

Isolate the Cause

Isolating the cause is essential to figure out the best subsequent action.

Since you do not have the expertise, required to figure out the issue entirely, you should consider hiring a plumber.

The professional will charge you an upfront troubleshooting fee to figure out what is wrong with the sewer line. Moreover, he will also be able to evaluate the severity of the issue.

After a sewer inspection, you will be able to make the right decision for your plumbing system. Here are a few common reasons why your sewer line might be malfunctioning:

• A poorly maintained plumbing system
• Tree root infiltration
• Wear and tear from aging
• A natural disaster
• Incorrect installation of sewer line

Usually, a sewer line is repaired to solve these problems. However, if the damage to the line is too complicated, a replacement may become necessary. In such a case, homeowners will bear higher sewer replacement costs.

According to HomeGuide, an average sewer repair costs $3,818, while a replacement costs anywhere between $3000 to $30000.

Traditional Sewer Repair

If there is a minor issue with the sewer line, repairing it may be more appropriate.

Trenching is a traditional plumbing method that is used to expose the problematic pipes through excavation. If you ask a plumber for a repair quote, be aware that the cost to dig the trench is typically not included.

A complicated sewer line system may require extensive trenching. Therefore, while traditional sewer repair may initially seem like the cheaper repair option, it can cost more than the trenchless method. After all, the cost of digging the trenches and the landscape replacement is usually not considered at first.

Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement

Through the trenchless method, you can expect the landscape to be left undisturbed.

Sometimes repairing a sewer line is not enough. If you’re stuck with persistent drain issues and want to find the right solution, consider trenchless sewer replacement.

An old and faulty sewer line will remain problematic despite the temporary repairs. Therefore, the replacement becomes inevitable. Homeowners should consider a trenchless sewer line replacement if they want to update their plumbing with seamless pipe technology. Not only is it a quicker and more versatile solution, but it is also cost-efficient in the long-run.

Trenchless sewer line replacement is 50 percent less expensive than more traditional and invasive methods. Additionally, it doesn’t even require any reforesting or replanting.

Listen to the Professional

The expertise of a plumbing professional can save you a lot of bucks down the line. Therefore, don’t ignore what they have to say.

If you have any concerns about the plumbing system of your home, discuss them with the plumber. After all, he may be able to give you a suitable suggestion.

Don’t opt for the cheaper option if the problem is too complicated. A temporary solution will result in an escalated issue later.

The Final Verdict

Issues with the sewer line are both frustrating to deal with and costly to resolve. After all, a deteriorating plumbing system will lead to long-lasting adverse effects on the property.

• You need to be vigilant so that you can avoid unnecessary harm and hassles.
• Look out for signs that indicate sewer line damage like a foul odor, sewer line backups, and slow drains.
• Call a professional for a sewer line inspection to figure out the complexity of the situation.
• If you have an aging sewer line, you should probably replace the sewer line. However, if there is very little sewer line damage, you should repair the sewer line.

Whatever you do, don’t opt for a temporary solution as it may prove detrimental in the long-run.

Author Bio:

About Ashley Rosa:

Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. As writing is her passion that why she loves to write articles related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well.  She is crazy about chocolates. You can find her at twitter: @ashrosa2.