OttawaTrenchless Sewer Repair versus Sewer Replacement

Trenchless Sewer Repair versus Sewer Replacement – Which is Better?

It seems that more and more people are becoming interested in Trenchless Sewer Repair, but is trenchless better than a sewer line replacement?

Although there is a variety of trenchless procedures to choose from, most plumbers would agree that the most long-lasting and effective solution is excavating and replacing the sewer pipe.

Read this article to find out why!

Sewer Excavation Repair

What’s The Process For Sewer Line Replacement?

Discovering There’s An Issue

Most homeowners only choose to replace a sewer line when they’ve encountered an issue caused by a damaged sewer line. This can be clogged drains, drain backups, slow drainage, oddly healthy grass, soggy lawns, foundation cracks, insect or rodent infestations, etc.

The homeowner will usually encounter one or more of these issues and call a plumber. From there, the plumber will come over and try to fix the issues. Sometimes, everything will seem A-okay and you and the plumber will be satisfied with the success of the solution. For example, the plumber may clear the drain blockage.

What's The Process For Sewer Line Replacement?
Trenchless Sewer Repair

However, the plumber may immediately realize there’s a bigger problem. Other times, the plumber will only know there’s a bigger problem if and when he’s called for a return visit because the problem has reoccured.

Please understand that plumbers don’t have X-ray vision, and most homeowners wouldn’t want to pay an additional cost to use sewer camera equipment unless they know that it’s necessary. While return visits due to unseen sewer issues are fairly rare, it is normal within the industry. But, if you want to potentially save a step, ask your plumber about using the sewer camera while he’s over!

Investigating With A Sewer Camera

Once the plumber realizes that he must dive deeper to investigate the sewer issues, his next move will be to run a sewer camera inspection. Sewer cameras are cameras connected to a long and flexible cable that can navigate through your drain and sewer pipes. They’re waterproof, they’re equipped with a built-in light to illuminate the inner pipe, and they should also have a locator if a sewer replacement is on the menu – we’ll talk about the locator after.

The camera connects to a monitor so the plumber and homeowner can see what’s going on. Some common discoveries are that tree roots have grown into the pipe, the pipe has cracks or holes, the pipe has sagged or collapsed, etc.

Trenchless Sewer Repair
Trenchless Sewer Repair
Coming Up With A Plan

Now that the plumber and homeowner know the problem, a decision must be made. For any of the issues listed above, the best and longest-lasting solution is to dig up and replace the sewer pipe. However, if you read the title of this article then you know that trenchless options are available, these are repairs that don’t require any digging. Another alternative to consider for tree roots is to blast the tree roots out with a hydro jet service or chain knockers – but, these are temporary fixes.

Assuming you’ve decided to excavate and replace the sewer line, we’re going to need the exact location of the problem to minimize damage to your property. Not all cameras have locators, so some companies must take an educated guess. However, better-equipped plumbing companies use higher-quality cameras that have a locator function.

Once the camera is near the issue in the sewer pipes, a device built into the camera can transmit a signal. From there, the plumber can walk along and follow the sewer lines with his handy locator. Depending on the quality of the hardware, the locator can identify the location and depth of the sewer camera within a couple of inches so the plumber can mark the spot!

sewer line locator
sewer repair
Doing The Sewer Replacement

The next step is scheduling the operation and getting to work! At John The Plumber, we’ll take care of everything. We’ll dig up the ground, remove the affected sewer pipe, place a thick layer of sand to support the pipe, tamp the ground, install the replacement sewer line, cover it with a layer of sand for protection, backfill the earth pack it down in layers, and leave you with a fully-functioning sewer that will last you many years to come!

It’s important to note that not all plumbing companies are the same. Some companies really go the extra mile for their customers, while others are only in it to grab your money and go. A sewer replacement is a really big job and we strongly recommend finding a company that does good work. Some things to look for in a plumbing and sewer company is a good reputation with many good and legitimate reviews, clean professionals who are clearly experienced and professional, teams that use the right equipment for the job (including safety equipment), representatives that discuss the price in detail and upfront, and organizations that have a long history with sewer service.

A Brief Introduction To Trenchless Sewer Repair

The story beginning for a Trenchless Sewer Repair is very similar to a normal sewer replacement, however, the repair is considerably different.

Trenchless sewer repair is the process of repairing a sewer from the inside, without needing to dig up any property. It usually involves bonding some form of plastic to the interior wall of the pre-existing sewer line.

Homeowners that choose this process usually do so because the final cost of the entire process saves a bit of money and their yard remains intact.

The process of the repair itself is often comparable in price to a sewer replacement, however, the savings largely come from the avoided cost and hassle of lawn restoration.

However, while there are some slight savings and the process seems easier on the surface, Trenchless Sewer Repair is far from a perfect science, errors often occur, not all sewer issues can be repaired by a trenchless process, and a failed trenchless repair will cost you for the failed twice as you’ll pay for the trenchless attempt and the eventual sewer replacement.

Most professionals strongly recommend a Sewer Excavation and Replacement over a trenchless sewer line repair. However, we must admit that there is a market for trenchless.

A wise Redditor once said: “Buy once, cry once.” in reference to trenchless sewer repair.

Pros and Cons of Sewer Excavation and Replacement

Pros

Brand new sewer pipe made with ABS that will likely outlast your home

New building standards involve much more support than in the past

Surprisingly, is often less expensive than Trenchless sewer repair

Always a valid option for sewer repairs - never can't be done

No risk of a botched procedure

Can fix all sewer issues

Cons

Can cost more

The lawn or driveway must be excavated

Lawn restoration adds additional costs

Can take longer

Pros and Cons of Trenchless Sewer Repair

Pros of Trenchless Sewer Repair

It can be done in a single day

No Excavation Of Lawns, Driveways, and/Or Sidewalks

Less Property Damage

Lowers The Risk Of Damaging Other Underground Utilities

Some money saved

Cons

Not always successful

Not always possible

Usually narrows the pipe

If not positioned correctly, ongoing issues are likely to occur

Some pipes are too damaged to be repaired with trenchless options

Can't repair all sewer issues

Can cost more than a sewer excavation

Other utility lines may be at risk of damage from the pipe bursting method

Types of Trenchless Sewer Repair

As with most plumbing work, different situations call for different techniques. Some variables that will affect the Trenchless Sewer Repair technique include the age of the sewer, the sewer pipe type, the surroundings, etc.

With Trenchless Sewer Repair, some of the options you may encounter include:

Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining

Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP) is a process of trenchless sewer repair that involves inserting a resin-saturated lining into the sewer that cures and bonds to the old sewer pipe. This is perhaps the only example that is true where something can be both new and improved as a new sewer lining combines with an old sewer to make something more functional and stronger.

Spray Lining

Spray lining is a type of sewer pipe lining that uses a spray nozzle to coat the interior wall of the pipe with a polymer resin. Multiple coats can be applied as needed to add strength and durability to the inside of the pipe. Once coating is complete, curing takes approximately 4 hours. After that, your old sewer pipe is fixed and you’re ready to go!

Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting is an interesting technique that uses a bursting head to force a replacement sewer pipe through the old pipe. A bursting head is a conical-shaped device that’s attached to a pulling machine. The bursting head is pulled through the affected sewer with such power that it bursts the old sewer pipe. Connected to the bursting head is the replacement sewer, so a new pipe is placed as the old pipe is burst.

Signs Of Sewer Line Damage

Some common signs that you may have a damaged or broken sewer line include:

Drainage Issues

While clogged drains, toilet blockages, slow drains, and drain backups can all be isolated incidents, they can also indicate that you have a serious sewer problem.

Lush, Green Lawns

There’s a lot of plant food in the stuff that goes down the toilet, and a leak in your sewer is a generous buffet to your grass.

Soggy Lawns

Lawns should only be soggy when it’s raining!

Foul Sewage Smells

The smell of sewage on your property is usually a clear indicator that sewer gas has found a way out of the sewer!

Pest Infestations

Pests can use cracks in your sewer to enter your home, depending on the location of the crack.

Cracks in Foundation

As moisture makes its way under your foundation, the chances of cracking and damage climbs!

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both styles of sewer repair. However, in our longtime experience, excavating and replacing the sewer line is a better, longer-lasting, and more reliable procedure compared to any types of trenchless sewer repair.

Nothing beats getting rid of the broken, old line and replacing it with some high-quality ABS.

If you’ve found yourself dealing with any of the common issues discussed above, we hope that you’ll call a fast, friendly, and reliable plumber to take care of your problem as soon as possible… Somebody like… John The Plumber?

“John The Plumber is the best sewer repair company in the world! They sure are fast, friendly, and reliable!” – Most of our customers, probably.

Our Plumbing Service Area

John The Plumber is proud to have grown and satisfied the needs of countless Ontario homeowners.

We’re excited about the opportunity to serve our neighbours far and wide, offering a level of service that few plumbing companies can match.

When you’re dealing with drain issues, remember that John The Plumber offers:

When you need a plumber, John The Plumber is the last plumber you’ll ever call!