How often are the sewer lines around your home checked by a professional? Consistent sewer line inspections are vital for staying abreast of deteriorations. Make no mistake, sewer pipe lines do not last forever. Even knowing this fact will not alleviate the large bill that comes along with traditional sewer line repairs, which averages at about $2,523 or so. Here are a few tips on how you can stay on top of the situation without the headache.
Why Are Regularly Scheduled Sewer Line Inspections Even Recommended?
The website The Balance cites that sewer line inspections range from $80 to $300 depending on a few factors, such as the length of pipe to be inspected and so on. Why should you pay this fee? Simply put,
you don’t know what’s going on underground. In fact, when you do eventually see problems inside the house plumbing it is usually due to a problem that has been going on for a little while under your radar.
Here Are a Few Things That Can Go Wrong With Sewer Pipe Lines.
A lot of things can go wrong with sewer pipes. Problems arise such as burst pipes, tree roots growing into or through the pipes, and general deterioration due to advanced age. These problems are to be expected. But did you know that pipes laid before the 1950s are likely to be a type of pipe known as Orangeburg? These pipes were made from compressed wood pulp, tar, and a few other things that clearly do not hold up well over the years. Many homeowners have found that decaying Orangeburg pipes have caused noticeable problems within their home’s plumbing system.
The Sewer Pipe Inspection: What to Expect.
Sewer line inspections need to be completed one every two years, or sooner if you suspect a problem. If you’ve never seen it done, the process of inspecting sewer pipes may elude you. It’s simple: the technician will explore the pipes with a special camera snake that is fed into the pipes. The technician will inspect for clogs, a pipe bursting, deterioration, and tree roots. When this is performed regularly, homeowners have a better chance of preventing major mishaps. They will also be better prepared for when the pipes need to be replaced.
The Perks of Trench- Less Pipe Repair Over Other Methods.
Sewer repair costs on between $1,000 to over $4,000 on average, and between $7,000 and $25,000 for complicated repairs requiring digging. Why the large range? Repairs cost more when the company needs to dig a large hole to access the sewer pipes. But there is another way. Many homeowners are interested in trench- less pipe repair instead of the traditional method. Just as its name explains, this option relies on not digging up the road or yard to complete repairs. Instead, the technicians will implant fresh sewer lines into the pre- existing pipes, keeping costs and time lowered.
The “catch” so to speak with this repair option is that it doesn’t work for everyone. Some repair jobs are simply too involved to be solved with this method. Also, trench- less pipe repair requires a skilled worker. It is imperative that homeowners find a well-reviewed company to do the job.
Sewer line repairs can be extremely costly. It is best to not be blindsided in these matters. Stay proactive about the health of your sewer pipes. While there are times that the unexpected occurs, keeping yourself informed through consistent inspections will help you plan for those big ticket repairs down the line.
