While you probably don’t think of your sewage line often, it’s one of the most critical aspects of your plumbing system. When this line works correctly, it will remove wastewater from your home’s tub, toilets, and sinks. However, when the line is damaged, it can cause an expensive mess, flooding, mold growth, nasty smells, and pest infestations. If you suspect your sewer line might have a problem or want to be prepared for the future, learn more about how you can tell whether you need a sewer line repair or replacement.

What Is a Sewer Line Repair?

If you only have a one-time clog, minor damage in your line, or a leaking pipe, a plumber can often repair or waterjet your line to solve the issue. During a sewer line repair, a plumber will inspect your pipe and find the source of the problem. Next, they may use water jetting to remove a clog or provide spot repairs to close up cracks or leaks in the pipe. They may need to dig up part of your yard for service, but they’ll usually recommend a trenchless repair if possible.

During a trenchless repair service, a plumber will insert an epoxy-coated sleeve into your pipe and move it to the damaged section of your pipe. The plumber will then inflate the sleeve to create a pipe within a pipe, effectively replacing the damaged portion of your line with a new one. This method of repair is much less costly and faster than a repair that requires excavation, making it a popular repair method.

What Is a Sewer Line Replacement?

While sewer lines can sometimes be repaired, experts need to replace lines with more significant damage. This replacement may be done via a trenchless method, or it could involve excavating your yard. With a trenchless sewer line replacement, a plumber will insert an epoxy-coated fiberglass sleeve long enough to fit your entire pipe. This sleeve then creates a pipe within your pipe, allowing experts to replace your line without digging up your yard.

However, if a trenchless replacement method doesn’t work, you’ll need a more costly and invasive sewer line replacement service. This more traditional method will involve digging up your yard to remove the older sewer line and replace it with a new one. Typically, a sewer line replacement that requires excavation is due to the line being extensively damaged. Since a traditional sewer line replacement is more invasive and costly, it’s critical you have your sewer line inspected annually by a professional to prevent extensive damage from occurring.

Signs You Need Sewer Line Service

To request a sewer line repair or replacement service, you’ll need to know how to spot a problem with your sewer line in the first place. Review the primary signs that you’re having an issue with your sewer line below:

• Your pipes make gurgling noises
• Your water bills have spiked unexpectedly
• Your yard has unexplained soggy areas and is greener than you’d expect
• You frequently see pests in your yard
• Your toilet bowl water levels consistently go up and down
• You can smell sewage inside your home or every time you step outside
• Your sink and shower’s water drains slowly

How Do I Know If I Need to Repair My Sewer Line or Replace It?

If you’ve noticed the signs above, a certified plumber can determine whether you need sewer line repair or replacement. After the plumber arrives at your home, they should inspect your sewer line with a specialized drain camera. This inspection uncovers how extensive the damage is and what sewer line service you need to solve the issue.

Besides the video camera inspection, you can also expect to replace your sewer line if your pipes are past their typical lifespan. For example, pipes made from hardened clay last around 50 to 60 years. Meanwhile, cast iron pipes last around 75 to 100 years, and PVC pipes last around 100 years. In older homes, you’ll need sewer line replacement if your pipes are reaching the end of their typical lifespan.

Other common reasons for needing a full replacement over a repair include:

• Pipes deteriorated beyond the point of repair
• Lines with major tree root growth
• Burst pipes

While replacements are often necessary, you may be able to receive a repair if your line is only slightly damaged or you’re dealing with a one-time clog that can be removed via water jetting.

Choose Boyd Plumbing for Sewer Service Near You in Rancho Cordova and Sacramento

If you’re looking for sewer line repair or replacement services in Rancho Cordova or surrounding areas, choose Boyd Plumbing. Our certified plumbers inspect sewer lines with specialized equipment and give you a thorough report of their findings. After inspecting your sewer line, we can provide any sewer line repair or replacement services you need. Through our partnership with Bonney, we can also offer financing services and multiple coupons to ensure our services meet your budget.

We welcome you to learn more about our sewer line repair and replacement services here. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!