How effective is trenchless sewer repair?

digging for plumbing repair

Is trenchless sewer repair cheaper?

When a homeowner had a sewer line issue, they knew that not only would it be expensive, but it was destructive and intrusive. The plumber would bring in large equipment like backhoes and have to dig the yard up until they found the problem. Today, that destruction is a thing of the past with trenchless sewer repair system. 

What is trenchless plumbing repair? This is a fairly new method that allows plumbers to repair sewer lines without destroying a homeowner’s landscaping and lawn. There is no need to jackhammer the foundation and flooring or tear into walls with trenchless sewer repair procedures. Not only is it less destructive, but it is faster too. 

Because the trenchless method and process is complex, the equipment used is a new technology, like anything new, it takes some time for it to pay for itself. So, it may be as much as the traditional method of sewer line repair or even more. A trenchless sewer repair can cost up to $2,500 and for trenchless sewer replacement, $3,500. Some factors that affect the cost are: 

  • The Trenchless Method: There are different methods of trenchless technology that can affect the price you’ll pay. CIPP is the Cured in Place Pipe Lining technology that uses an epoxy pipe lining, which has a higher price tag. The Pipe Bursting technology is less expensive but will require the plumber to dig more holes.
  • The Sewer Pipe Size: The diameter size of the sewer pipe is a factor in material costing, the larger the more expensive.  How deep your sewer pipe is in the ground will affect the cost because he deeper the more the plumber will need to dig down. 
  • The Accessibility: Depending on where the trenchless sewer repair is located, under a patio or the house, if there is landscaping to work around, are things that can affect the cost of a trenchless sewer repair.
  • The Current Pipe Condition: The existing sewer line may be destroyed, making the trenchless sewer repair method impossible to take place. A cast iron pipe will need to be descaled before the plumber can proceed with the trenchless part of the job. This takes more time and could cost you if you’re paying by the hour. 

How does trenchless water line repair work?

Before any type trenchless plumbing work begins, the plumber will do a thorough inspection. Then a epoxy coated tube that has been cleaned by hydro or mechanically method is installed into the existing plumbing or sewer line.  The epoxy coated plumbing trenchless pipe replacement hardens and forms the new line. Essentially, this process is creating a new pipe within the existing pipe, completely sealing the existing and eliminating any previous issues. Including any channeling, cracks, deterioration, holes, scaling, or tree root intrusions. 

After the new lining has been installed, the plumber will use specialized robotic technology through the existing branch line pipes and reopen them. This new technology consists of cameras and a small television type screen where the plumber watches what is going on inside the sewer lines. This is all operated by a remote control. 

This tube that is inserted is flexible as it is inserted, allowing it to be navigated around any bends and plumbing connections while adjusting to any changes in the pipe diameter. After a period of curing (hardening), this liner becomes 100% solid and sealed, giving you up to 50 years or longer life expectancy. 

Can trenchless sewer repair fix a belly?

Not at this time, the trenchless sewer repair technology is adaptable to repairing a belly. The sleeve will follow the existing pipe only to end up with a belly. The belly repair requires the plumber to dig up at the belly and install new pipe.

Do I really need to replace my sewer line?

Well, it depends on what condition it is in and what kind of problem you’re having. Some indications that will tell you that sewer line repair is needed are any of the following: 

  • Gurgling noises in the toilet.
  • Shower, sink, or tub  drains become terribly slow.
  • Sewer smell in or outside your home.
  • Dark green, thick patches of the lawn are sinking.
underground sewer pipes

Is a broken sewer line dangerous?

What goes through a sewer line should answer this question. The raw sewage that passes through a sewer line from a residence is anything that is flushed down a toilet or poured into the sinks. This includes but not limited to the following: 

  • Human excrement
  • Beauty and hygiene
  • Detergents, soaps, cleaning products
  • Food waste

These things will mix together and create gas hazards, dangerous pathogens, and bacteria. The natural reactions of microorganisms that are inhabited in residential sewage is definitely hazardous.

If trenchless sewer repair is something you’re interested in for your home, you’ll want to call several plumber contractors and inquire if they know how to do trenchless sewer line repairs.  This isn’t a brand new technology, but not all plumbing contractors have taken any training and won’t have access to the equipment.  The last thing you need is a novice plumber trying something they aren’t experienced or trained to do and make your sewer line problem worse than it is already. Call 661-201-6016 today for trenchless sewer repair in Santa Clarita, CA.