Quick question: Does hearing the words “sewer line repair” bring an icy chill up your spine?
That is understandable. After all, mainstream media has always portrayed sewer pipe repairs as yard-destroying, budget-depleting and disturbance-inducing activities.
Worse is that excavation is necessary no matter the sewer line damage, whether a small crack or completely dislodged pipes. It’s not hard to imagine why every residential homeowner in South Central Pennsylvania dreads it.
But sewer point repair shifts the landscape of sewer repairs in homeowners’ favor. Instead of the costly and messy traditional repair methods, you get a quick and easy long-term solution.
Stay tuned because Drain Magic explores everything there is to know about sewer point repairs in this article. We’ll also review how sewer point repair differs from conventional sewer fixes.
What is Sewer Point Repair?
First, let’s address something you probably think: “What does sewer point repair even mean?”
Sewer point repair deals with fixing a specific point of damage or defect within a sewer line. The term “sewer point” means the location within your sewer line where a problem has been located and identified.
Everything degrades over time, even sewer lines. This results in cracks, breaks, leaks, crevices and all types of damage on the pipes. Several factors influence sewer line degradation, like elements, age, overground traffic and tree roots, among others.
Sewer point repair aims to address these damages and preserve the pipeline’s longevity.
Drain contractors can complete the sewer point repair process in one of two ways:
- Traditional methods
- Trenchless repair methods
Traditional sewer point repairs involve excavating the property to locate and fix the sewer line issue. Contractors who follow this conventional practice pay close attention to the telltale signs of damaged underground drains. This information approximates the damaged pipe’s location, guiding the contractor’s digging process.
On the other hand, trenchless repair methods fix sewer lines without the messy and stressful excavation. The repair begins with a sophisticated sewer camera inspection to locate the damage. The sewer line contractors then decide whether pipe relining or bursting is needed based on the severity of the damage.
Pipe relining involves inserting a flexible liner into the existing sewer pipe to cover the cracks and crevices in the original pipe. This tube is then cured to extreme hardness, preserving the old pipe’s structural integrity and lifespan. Relining is best used for repairing minor damages.
Pipe bursting involves shattering the old sewer line using a bursting head while pulling a replacement pipe into place. This process completely replaces the old pipes, giving your sewer line new life. Bursting is ideal for major damages that warrant replacement.
Sewer Point Repair vs. Traditional Repair
Both trenchless sewer point repairs and traditional practices have their advantages and disadvantages. Below, we explore what makes either solution more suitable for your specific sewer snag:
Trenchless Sewer Point Repair Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Minimal disruption: Trenchless repairs require less digging and disruption to the area, minimizing damage to landscapes, hardscapes and structures.
- Faster repairs: Trenchless repairs can be completed more quickly than traditional repairs, at least several hours on average.
- Cost-effective: Trenchless sewer point repairs are more cost-effective due to the reduced labor and equipment required.
- Increased durability: Trenchless repairs use materials and techniques that increase the durability and lifespan of the repaired sewer line. This minimizes the likelihood of future repairs or replacements.
- Environmentally friendly: Trenchless repairs don’t use heavy equipment, which generates less waste and has a lower environmental impact.
Cons:
- Limited applicability: Trenchless repairs may not be applicable in all situations. For instance, when the damage is too extensive, or the sewer line is beyond repair.
- Technical expertise required: Trenchless repairs require specialized equipment and technical expertise. This limits the number of contractors who are qualified to perform them.
- Potential for unexpected problems: While trenchless repairs are faster and more cost-effective, the risk of unexpected problems arising during the repair looms over.
- Limited access: Trenchless repairs require access to the sewer line from both ends, which may not always be physically or geographically possible.
- Cost: In some cases, trenchless repairs can be more expensive than traditional repairs, depending on the complexity and techniques used.
Traditional Repair Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Widely available: Traditional sewer repairs are more widely available with a larger number of contractors qualified to render such services.
- Versatile: Traditional repairs can be performed on all types of sewer lines and are not limited by the pipe’s size, material or condition.
- Predictability: Traditional repairs are typically more predictable than trenchless repairs, with fewer unexpected problems or delays.
- Long lifespan: Traditional repairs can last many years if installed properly and are a proven method for repairing sewer lines.
- Cost-effective: In some cases, traditional repairs can be more cost-effective than trenchless repairs, depending on the extent of the damage and other factors.
Cons:
- Disruptive: Traditional repairs use excavation and heavy equipment, which disrupts the surrounding environment, neighbors and pedestrians.
- Time-consuming: Traditional practices are generally more time-consuming than trenchless repairs, especially for larger or more complex repairs.
- Labor-intensive: Traditional repairs require more labor and equipment than trenchless repairs, which can increase costs.
- Environmental impact: Traditional repairs generate more carbon footprint, adversely impacting the environment than trenchless methods.
- Potential for future damage: Traditional repairs do not always address the underlying causes of the damage. This increases the likelihood of future damage or repairs.
Sewer point repair has many layers to it. Homeowners can’t just choose a repair method based on preference. It’s always best to seek a professional drain contractor’s opinion to know the appropriate solution to sewer snags.
Drain Magic is the number one partner of homeowners living in South Central Pennsylvania. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you live around the area and need a service.