Sewer lines play an important role in waste drainage in both commercial and residential properties. They are well-connected pipes that flow waste from inside the property to a drain or main street sewer. Occasionally, these pipes can get damaged, rusty, or clogged, which is a severe problem, and immediate attention to resolve the matter must be taken. A repair can be your number one option, but if it doesn’t guarantee reinstatement to a well-functioning sewer line, a replacement must be done.
Sewer line repair and replacement are still confusing to many, so understanding the difference between them is quite important. Let’s have a look at the key differences:
1. Sewer repair
Sewer lines may develop leaks, corrosion, or cracks over time. After you inspect your sewer line and find the pipes with such damages if they are not severe, a repair using technologies such as pipe relining guarantees you of a fix to normal waste flow in them. You do not have to, however, worry about pipe relining if you cannot afford it. You can dig up the trenches and repair your sewer pipes, which is also a perfect way to mend the damage.
A leak test is one of the best inspection methods. You can consider sure where you need to repair, and if you did a perfect job. Corrosion on your sewer line pipes may require some cleaning before they get severely rusty, and a replacement becomes the only option. An average repair on your sewer line can cost you $4,000-$25,000 for all works.
2. Sewer line replacement
A replacement would be the last resort you can go for if a repair cannot guarantee a fix to your sewer line. After you realize that the issue is severe or cannot be resolved after trying a couple of times, do not hesitate to replace parts of your damaged sewer line. Severe damages on sewer lines can be caused by excess corrosion, overgrowing roots, big bursts, and excavation tears. An inspection needs always to be done first before any corrective measure is taken into consideration.
Before you replace any parts of the sewer line, consider the other underlying factors that led to the need. For example, the overgrowing roots need to be cut off since you want to resolve it entirely. Do not forget to look at the other sewer line parts such as fixture drains, p-traps, clothes washer standpipe, and nozzles because they may need a replacement. A replacement can cost you about $92-$238 per foot for a traditional excavation, whereas a trenchless one can range from $6,000-$12,000
Who do you call when you need a repair or replacement?
A repair or replacement on your sewer line doesn’t need to stress you. You can always consider a sewer or drain company for either of the services because most contractors can handle both. However, a reliable sewer or drain contractor should have specialized equipment for either the use and the professional skill to guarantee your money value.
The brand should have a well-seasoned staff who is certified in the service and has an OSHA code of conduct while handling such kind of works. Excavations in either a repair or replacement should not be left unattended, and the job should be done correctly as per the client’s expectations or exceed them.
Wrap up
Sewer line repair and replacement should never be rushed into. A thorough inspection and assessment need to be done first before hiring a contractor for the job. Before you replace, at least be sure you need it and not spend a lot while you can resolve the matter by repairing it. However, if that’s the only option you have, do not hesitate or ignore your contractor’s advice.
