Several factors influence the total cost of residential sewer line repair. Knowing these determinants can help homeowners understand how they’ll be quoted a price for the work.
Gurgling noises or a rotten smell near a home drain can signal a broken sewer line. This problem should be addressed immediately to avoid severe sewage backups.
Gurgling Pipes
If your sink drains are gurgling or your toilet makes bubbling noises, there’s likely an issue with the main sewer line. A clog in this pipe can cause your entire home to experience plumbing problems, from backed-up toilets to smelly drains. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy to diagnose and treat, but acting quickly before they worsen is important.
If you have a clogged or damaged sewer line, you’ll need to consider the costs of replacing or repairing your drains and pipes. Depending on the damage, you’ll also need to pay for cleanup.
The cost of residential sewer line repair varies, depending on the type of work required and the severity of the problem. The most common method is excavation and replacement, where your plumber digs up the old sewer line and installs a new one. This method can be more expensive, but it’s often the best option if your old sewer line needs replacement.
A less invasive method is pipelining, where your plumber installs a tube (similar to a deflated hose) that expands and hardens inside the existing sewer line. This method is typically cheaper than excavation and replacement, but it may need to be more durable. If tree roots invade your sewer line, root removal costs $200 to $600.
Foundation Cracks
When a home’s foundation starts cracking, this could be an early warning sign of a sewer line problem. This issue is usually caused by a broken pipe that allows water and waste to leak under the foundation. The leaking water can wash away the soil that supports the structure; over time, this can cause the foundation to crack or bow inward.
A homeowner should call a professional plumber when they notice any signs of a broken sewer line. Not addressing the issue promptly can lead to expensive repair costs and potentially hazardous side effects, such as sewage backups in the basement or yard.
The cost of repairing or replacing a sewer line can vary significantly, depending on the location of the pipes and what type they’re made from. A typical PVC sewer line is inexpensive to replace, while cast iron and copper piping can be more costly. The age of the pipes should also be considered, as older pipes are more likely to experience problems than newer ones.
Some homeowners replace their sewer lines using a trenchless method like pipe bursting or cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP). This saves them from paying for landscaping damage, labor and equipment rentals to dig up the old pipes. However, if the existing lines are old and outdated, full replacement with modern piping is often the best option.
Tree Root Invasion
As roots seek moisture for growth and nutrient transport, they are naturally drawn to water lines. The cracks, misalignment, and leaking joints of a sewer line are just what they’re looking for to penetrate and damage the pipes. Once inside, the roots grow rapidly, absorbing as much water and “natural fertilizer” (sewage) as possible. This swells the pressure within the pipe until it breaks apart or causes the entire line to collapse.
When this happens, sewage will spill out into the yard and can cause various issues, from standing water to spongy grass and an odd smell. It may also cause low or no water pressure or a complete sewage backup into the home.
A plumber can diagnose root invasion by a detailed sewer camera inspection and determine the best action to clear out the damaged pipes. This could include using a rooter or an auger to slice through the roots and flush out the pipes with high-pressure water. It may also be necessary to reroute the sewer lines or install new ones entirely.
The most cost-effective solution is to prevent root invasion by having a routine camera inspection and sewer cleaning each year. In addition to keeping your plumbing system running smoothly, this will help detect small problems and stop them from growing into bigger ones.
Sewer Backups
Sewage backups are smelly and unsightly and can also contain dangerous bacteria like Shigella, Salmonella, E coli, Giardia, and Rotavirus. They’re usually the result of clogs or broken pipes, which push waste from your drain pipes back into your home. These clogs and breaks can be caused by cooking grease, hair, paper towels, single-use wipes, and other solid objects that wastewater pipes were not designed to handle.
If you suspect a sewer line problem, there are a few things you can do to check. Start by checking all of the drains in your home — toilets, sinks, and bathtubs — to see if they are draining properly. You can also check the outside cleanout pipe, usually a white or metal outdoor pipe. If you notice sewage backing up into this pipe, it’s time to call a plumber.
Another sign of a sewer line issue is if your basement or other parts of the house are flooding. This could be a sign of a ruptured line or a collapsed foundation.
The best way to keep your residential sewer lines in good condition is by having them inspected and maintained regularly. If you need clarification on your last inspection, make an appointment with a plumber to do it. A regular review can help prevent clogs and other problems that lead to expensive repair bills.