When Is Getting a Sewer Line Replacement the Smart Decision?

A classic example is a sewer line replacement. As sewer lateral lines age, the probability of cracks, root intrusion, blockages and collapse from settling soil increase. If your sewer was installed in the 70s or earlier, it may need to be replaced. The best way to know for sure is with a pipe inspection. At Dauenhauer Plumbing, we use a fiber-optic camera to examine the condition of the inside of your sewer pipes and determine the extent and location of any problems.

Even a small backup can turn into a plumbing emergency, fast. Little problems left neglected will eventually lead to bigger problems. While you can sometimes clear the line when a blockage occurs, or only replace small sections of pipe as they fail, that’s just a temporary fix. If you ever decide to sell your home, you’ll have to disclose the sewer line problems to potential buyers. It’s often best to just update the sewer lines to more modern, durable materials.

If your home has clay sewer pipes, in particular, those need to be replaced. Clay pipes have been obsolete for decades. They’re the most fragile and are susceptible to breaks from shifting soil or root intrusion. Cast iron pipes tend to fail from the inside out, with the iron flaking away gradually on the inside of the pipe until it finally bursts. You’ll need to replace these sewer lines with plastic (PVC) pipe, which is more resilient.

While you’re better off being proactive, you may not need to replace your sewer lines. We offer free second opinions, and always perform a video pipe inspection so you can be sure there is a serious problem before you commit to a replacement project. However, if you want us to simply clean out a blockage, we can do that as well. Our guarantee is the best in the business; if the line gets blocked again, we’ll clean it again for free.

It’s also important to make sure that anyone you hire to replace your sewer lines has been properly trained, as accidents on this kind of job are extremely common. As the homeowner, you’re liable for any injuries that occur on your property. All our licensed plumbing techs are OSHA certified for competency and safety in trenching and excavation.

If you’re considering buying a home, be sure to have the sewer lines inspected with a video pipe inspection before you close the deal. Even if it’s a newer home, it could still be connected to older pipes. And if your sewer line is backing up in your current home, have a licensed, professional plumber check out the line.

When you know what you’re dealing with upfront, you can budget for replacement and won’t end up facing an emergency repair bill. Right now, we’re offering a $100 coupon on any excavation work. So if a sewer replacement might be in your future, it’s a good time to call Dauenhauer.