Trenchless sewer repair offers many benefits, such as minimal property disruption and cost efficiency. It's a modern solution that saves you from extensive digging and costly restoration. However, it's essential to consider the higher initial costs and whether it's suitable for your situation.
Con – The only drawback to trenchless sewer repair is that it is not always possible. Corrosion or old age can cause pipes to be unsalvageable, making a trenched sewer line repair the only option.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the most common material for trenchless sewer repair. It's flexible and easy to maneuver underground without excavation, and it's durable enough to last for between 50 and 100 years if your tech installs it properly.
Trenchless Replacement
A trenchless water line replacement costs $75 to $150 per linear foot. The process involves boring a hole at each end of the water line and tunneling a cable between these holes.
A trenchless sewer repair can often last up to 50 to 100 years if done correctly and properly maintained.
Although homeowners prefer trenchless repair methods, this is simply not possible for sewer line belly repairs.
Clay pipes typically last between 50-60 years, while PVC pipes are expected to last 100 years before requiring replacement.
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 these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.
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.
Trenchless Sewer Repair Methods
A liner is initially soft and flexible, and imbued with a resin that completely hardens into a water-tight seal when dry. This liner is fed through your segment of damaged line by a specialized winch tool, and is then inflated once it is in place.
Trenching costs $5 to $12 per linear foot, depending on the length, depth, soil type, and obstructions. Digging a 100-foot trench costs $500 to $1,200 on average for underground electrical conduit or water, sewer, or gas lines. Trenching services charge $35 to $65 per hour for labor.
Most Common Materials Used During a Trenchless Pipelining Repair. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe: This is a type of plastic pipe that is often used in trenchless repairs. HDPE pipe is strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for trenchless repairs.
The expected lifespan of trenchless pipe and lining technologies is impressive, lasting a minimum of 50 years and often much longer. This makes it a long-term solution for homeowners looking to fix their clay sewer pipes without the hassle and cost associated with traditional pipe replacement methods.
Expect costs to rise from 4% to 8.5% over 2023 for any plumbing project, including main line installations. The national average for replacement ranges from $1,500 to $12,000, with most homeowners paying around $3,750 for replacing a 25-foot long main line with galvanized steel using a trenchless installation.
Are tree roots in a sewer line covered by insurance? Not usually. While insurance may help cover damage to your property caused by tree roots, it generally won't cover costs associated specifically with the sewer lines.
If the damage is sudden, accidental, and comes from inside your home, you're typically protected with a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, you typically won't be covered if the water damage is caused by outside flooding or a neglected repair.
Roto-Rooter is a national service available in every U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii. Flat-rate pricing might be slightly higher in states with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, but most plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour.
Generally speaking, you're going to find that most main sewer lines will only last somewhere between 50 and 100 years before you need to do a main sewer line replacement. You could very well have a broken sewer line on your hands right now and not even realize it.
On the other hand, if you've got sewer problems or other urgent repairs, you really can't afford to wait, and financing definitely makes sense. You basically have three choices—a personal home improvement loan, a home improvement credit card, and a home equity loan.
For instance, residential sewer line depth ranges from 18 to 30 inches. However, city sewer line depths are different. Your city's sewer lines must always be deeper than the deepest residential pipe to allow waste to flow downhill. As such, these lines can go as deep as needed.
Dig-up test results in the U.S. and around the world indicate that PVC pipe can be expected to provide reliable service in excess of 100 years.