Raw Sewage Backing Up Into Your Home
This is the most obvious sign that you need main sewer line replacement service. It's also, by far, the grossest sign indicating an issue with your sewer line.
In most cases, home insurance will cover sewer line damage from specific events. This includes extreme weather (excluding earthquakes and floods), vandalism, fire, and damage from vehicles or falling objects.
This pipe, which lies buried under the soil of your yard, can last anywhere from 50-100 years or more, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used.
The Life Expectancy of Your Sewer Line
PVC piping is light, waterproof, and long-lasting. Clay pipes can last 50 to 60 years, while PVC pipes can last more than 100 years. However, sewer lines often experience issues years before they reach their life expectancy.
Test Balls for Drainage Lines
To start the process, make sure your main line sewer cleanout is clear of debris and liquid. Next, insert the test ball and inflate it so that it blocks the main line. Fill the sewer system with water and observe the water level for 15-20 minutes.
Sewer work is expensive because of the labor-intensive process involved, which includes excavation, pipe removal, and installation of a new one. It requires significant manual labor and expertise, driving up the overall cost.
Professional plumbers can use various camera styles to inspect the sewer line, such as: Remote-controlled crawler cameras. Pole or fixed zoom cameras. Push rod cameras.
While it's certainly possible for a homeowner to replace the sewer line from the house to the street, it's not going to be an easy job. It's going to require both knowledge and manpower because it needs to be done right, or it won't work properly.
As a general rule, sewer line repairs are considered to be standard home maintenance expenses, which means you are not eligible for a tax break on your personal income tax returns.
Sewer line coverage varies in cost but can generally be obtained for $5 to $15 per month, depending on your property size and the area in which you live. Because sewer line incidents often cost upwards of $10,000 to repair, many homeowners consider sewer line coverage a good investment.
The only way to fix a sewer line belly is by using an open trench method, digging up the pipe and replacing the section that has sagged. The joints holding the pipes together are reinforced and the ground underneath is filled with the proper material to prevent future sewer line bellies.
Trenchless sewer repairs, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, are typically 30-40% less expensive than traditional excavation and less invasive. Traditional excavation, which involves digging a trench to access the damaged pipe, is usually more expensive and can cause significant damage to your yard.
If your sewer line is damaged, it could delay or even halt a possible sale. Even if you do sell the property, you could have to accept a lower price or make concessions. However, getting trenchless sewer line repair done can improve the value of your place.
Main drains are located in the walls and floors of your home, while sewer line drains are located outside underground. Each drain pipe in your home is connected to a different household fixture on one end, including toilets, sinks and bathtubs, and the other end is connected to the main sewer line.
A normal sewer inspection usually takes about an hour. However, if there are intrusions, such as blockages of vegetation or clogs, it could take longer. The home might be in need of new pipes.
Contractors typically charge per linear foot for both the removal and installation of the new sewer line. In California, that cost can equal anywhere between $50-$250 per linear foot, with an average of around $150.
Typically, to replace a sewer line it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 days, to 3 to 5 days. In some rare cases, it may even be as quick as one day. Generally, the estimated time frame will depend on the layout of your property, your home's piping system, and the depth required to excavate.
Sewage-Like Odors Coming From The Drain
The purpose of your drains is to transport wastewater away and outside of your house. So, if you begin to notice any foul smell coming from the drains or any kind of persisting sewage smell in your home, this could be a telltale sign of a mainline sewage backup.
Light & Mirror Test
A light and mirror are sometimes used to ensure a new sewer main is straight with no unintended horizontal or vertical bends. The projection of a strong light through a straight sewer can be confirmed with a full circle of light visible at the end.