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.
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.
Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.
Life Expectancy of a Sewer Pipe
Old homes, or homes built prior to 1980, will most likely have clay sewer pipes. Clay sewer pipe life expectancy is approximately 50 years. PVC pipe, which became more prominent after 1980, typically lasts longer – approximately 100 years.
Wondering why is sewer line replacement so expensive? It boils down to skilled labor costs, quality materials, extensive excavation, and stringent regulations.
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 laterals are the underground pipes that connect your home wastewater to the main sewer line in the street. Homeowners are responsible for their sewer laterals, while problems with the public sewer main line are managed by the city or municipality.
Sewer and Water Backup coverage is an endorsement on homeowners' policies. It usually comes in different coverage increments: $5,000. $10,000.
Cost Estimates
As we mentioned earlier, in the state of California, the cost of sewer line replacement can amount to anywhere between $50-$250 per linear foot, with an average of around $150.
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.
Clearing a clogged sewer line may take between one and three hours. Performing a complete sewer line replacement using trenchless methods may take two or fewer business days. Replacing a sewer line using traditional trench-reliant methods may take three or more business days.
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.
Cast iron pipes, despite their durability, aren't invincible. Most last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, but issues can crop up much earlier. Homeowners sometimes need to replace pipes before 50 years, especially if tough conditions have exposed them.
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.
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.
The Private Sewer Lateral, also known as “Sewer Lateral” and “Service Lateral Line,” is a pipe that conveys a property's wastewater to the public sewer main in the street. Maintenance and repair of the full length of the Private Sewer Lateral is the responsibility of the property owner.
Most standard home warranty plans cover interior plumbing and sewer lines that lie within the home's foundation. This typically includes: Clogs and Blockages: If a blockage occurs in an interior sewer line (e.g., in the basement or within walls),the warranty often covers the cost of clearing it.
WATER AND SEWER CHARGES ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS PROPERTY TAXES.
The sewer line replacement costs is classified as a land improvement and depreciated over 15 years under the MACRS GDS depreciation schedule.
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 you have a broken sewer line, it could be the cause of new cracks in your foundation. It can wash away a bunch of the soil that sits around the outside of your foundation and lead to your foundation cracking. If this is ever the case, you'll want to spring into action right away to do something about it.
The most common source of abnormally high water/sewer bills is leaky plumbing inside the property. More often than not, the source of that leak is a toilet. Did you know that a toilet constantly leaking at only ¼ gallon per minute can cost you as much as $350 over a 3-month billing cycle?