If your sewer line has a problem, you might assume that you’ll have to dig up your whole yard and perform an expensive repair. Fortunately, modern technology has made it a lot easier to repair sewers. Pipe lining is a type of trenchless sewer repair that makes it fast and easy to get your sewer working again. Here’s what you need to know about this helpful Sacramento plumbing service.
What Is Pipe Lining Trenchless Sewer Service?
This service goes by many names including trenchless sewer repair, sewer relining, and trenchless pipe lining. Whatever you call it, it’s a convenient method of repairing a sewer line that runs under your yard and drains waste from your home into the city’s sewer.
This repair method usually works by pulling a hollow, flexible tube coated in epoxy into your sewer line. Once the tube is in place, it’s inflated to press firmly against the interior of the existing sewer pipe. This epoxy coating is then cured to create a waterproof seal around the interior of the pipe. Some less common types of pipe lining can also include spraying resin on the inside of the pipe or even installing a narrower pipe inside of the existing sewer line. Whatever method of pipe lining you pick, the end result of this procedure is a watertight sewer line that can drain waste without leaking anything into the surrounding soil.
Benefits of Sacramento Pipe Lining Services
Pipe lining is extremely popular because it doesn’t require you to remove and replace the old line. This means you don’t need to dig a huge trench in your yard. With pipe lining, you can keep your original landscaping in place and avoid disturbing trees and shrubs. This benefit is especially important if your sewer line runs under your driveway. With pipe lining, you can avoid the hassle of having to break up concrete or asphalt and redo your driveway after repairs are complete.
This method is also a lot more convenient. It’s a short project that can be done in hours and doesn’t require a lot of heavy equipment. Unlike a traditional dig-and-replace sewer repair, your entire yard won’t be a major construction project for weeks. In comparison, trenchless sewer repair is quiet, fast, and minimally invasive.
Another advantage of pipe lining is that it is very effective. Since you are essentially creating a new pipe on the inside of your existing pipe, it stops all leaks in their tracks. This saves you money and protects your home from damage. Pipe lining is very durable due to the industrial-strength resins and epoxies used in the project. A properly installed pipe liner can keep your sewer working effectively for up to 50 years.
How Much Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Cost?
Costs tend to vary depending on how your existing sewer is designed and how much of the pipe needs to be lined. On average, lining your pipes cost around $80 to $250 per linear foot.
In most cases, this type of sewer repair is cheaper than digging up and replacing your sewer line. Not only is it less work for your plumbers, but you also don’t have to pay to redo your landscaping or driveway. Some types of trenchless sewer repair can save up to 30% compared to traditional repair methods.
How to Tell If You Need Pipe Lining Sewer Services
Since your sewer line is underground, it can take some time to notice that there is a problem with it. However, even though warning signs are subtle, a leaky sewer pipe is a major issue that needs to be fixed. If you ignore it for long enough, it can destabilize the soil under your home and cause a cracked foundation or other structural issues.
The earliest sign of a cracked sewer is often a lawn that is abnormally green and lush in certain spots. The grass over the leak might feel soggy or have bubbles that appear in puddles. You may also notice unpleasant sewer gas odors or see insect infestations in certain areas of your yard. In homes with basements, mold or mildew can grow in certain spots. If the sewer is cracked in a way that has collapsed part of the line, you’ll also have slow-moving drains. In some cases, clogs can even cause raw sewage to back up into your home.
Is Your Home a Good Candidate for Trenchless Sewer Repair?
Keep in mind that pipe lining is only effective in certain situations. It works best for sewer lines that are mostly in good condition but have cracks or fractures along the length of the pipe. If your sewer line is completely collapsed and crushed, pipe lining will not work. This repair technique still needs an existing pipe in place for the lining to stick to.
Your home is typically a good candidate for pipe lining if it has PVC or iron pipes. Certain types of outdated and overly fragile pipes, such as Orangeburg pipes, are not compatible with pipe lining equipment. Finally, it’s important to recognize that pipe lining cannot solve all sewer problems. If your sewer line is improperly sloped, lining it will not fix the issue or help your drains flow better.
What to Expect During Your Pipe Lining Service
The process of getting your pipes lined is fairly straightforward. On the day of your sewer line repair, your plumbing company will start by finding an entry point and an exit point in your sewer line system. In some cases, they can use an existing drain in the house as one point of entry. Other times, they will need to dig a small hole in your yard. Usually, you end up with one to two small, deep holes dug near your sewer line.
Your plumber will then use these holes to pull the pipe lining equipment into and through your sewer line. They’ll start with a camera inspection to check out the line and then hydro jetting to clean the line. The inflatable bladder or other items used to coat your pipes with epoxy are then pulled through the pipe.
In most cases, your pipe lining is installed in a few hours, but if you have a very long sewer line with a lot of cracks, it can take a day or two. Once your pipes are lined, the only thing you have left to do is wait for the lining to cure. Most types of pipe-lining epoxy cure within 20 to 24 hours. After the lining is fully cured, you can use your drainpipes again.
Contact Us
Huft Home Services is here to help with all your plumbing needs. In addition to sewer repair, we also work with sump pumps, water heaters, boilers, and bathroom fixtures. Our highly trained team of experts also provides HVAC and electrical services throughout Sacramento and surrounding areas. Home performance inspections can also be done by our trained professionals. Financing is available. To learn more about our services, contact Huft Home Services today.