Pros and Cons of Sewer Line Repair Methods

As sewer pipes age, they gradually start to deteriorate, and even with regular cleaning and maintenance, they will eventually wear out. The lifespan of the sewer lines depends on the age of the home, the time when the sewer lines were installed, and the types of sewer pipes used. If the sewer pipes are between 20 to 25 years old, it is time to consider different sewer repair options.

Sewer pipes can be made of cast iron, clay, Orangeburg, lead, or plastic. The easiest way to determine the type and condition of sewer pipes in a home is by using a sewer camera inspection service from a qualified plumbing company. This method can show any blockages, tree roots, or other damages in the sewer pipes.

There are two general types of sewer repair methods to fix damaged sewer lines: traditional repairs and pipe relining/trenchless repairs. Traditional repairs involve removing the existing sewer pipe and replacing it with a new one. On the other hand, pipe relining and trenchless repairs require only a few access points. With relining, a new pipe is installed either inside the interior of the existing sewer line or by using pipe bursting.

The best sewer pipe and repair method for a home depend on the location of the sewer line problem and the extent of any damage. If the sewer line has cast iron, clay, lead, or Orangeburg sewer pipes, it may be best to replace the pipes with new ones and opt for traditional sewer line repair. For interior repairs when the pipe is not broken, relining could be a good solution since it does not require tearing out large sections of drywall and flooring. Trenchless sewer drain repair can also be a good choice for exterior repairs, but traditional repairs may be necessary if the sewer pipe is collapsed or has extensive tree roots that cannot be removed.

Relining/trenchless sewer repairs have pros such as minimal removal of drywall and flooring, completing repairs in a day or two, and lower repair costs. However, they also have cons such as the possibility of reducing the size of the sewer lines or being too old for relining/trenchless repairs. Traditional sewer repairs, on the other hand, ensure that all old sewer lines are replaced with brand new ones and maintain the same size of sewer lines, but they may be more invasive and have higher repair costs.

In summary, selecting the best sewer pipe and repair method for a home requires considering various factors such as the type and condition of the existing sewer pipes, the location of the problem, and the extent of the damage.

There are advantages and disadvantages to traditional sewer line repairs and relining/trenchless sewer line repairs. The best place to start if you are not sure which one would be right for your home is by scheduling a sewer line camera inspection service and consultation with a qualified plumber in your area.

To schedule a camera inspection and consultation in Katy and the Greater Houston Area, please feel free to contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-603-9949 today! We would be happy to help you determine the most cost-effective and best sewer repair service for your home.