To dig or not to dig?
Trenchless sewer repair is it for you? Trenchless sewer lining
is a modern method of replacing damaged sewer lines. Whether it be a belly in a
pipe, offsets, or a problem with root intrusion. Sewer liners offer the
homeowners a less evasive approach to fixing their drain line
challenges. Traditional methods leave your front lawn ruined, a sight for
sore eyes to say the least.
Imagine waking up one morning and your whole homes backed up you’ve tried every possible DIY solution, and nothing seems to work. Out of frustration you make a call to your local plumber, and they send a technician out. They clear the stoppage and use a sewer camera to see what the issue was. In doing so, it is found that your drain line has a very bad root intrusion. The tech explains how this is possible and what’s to come. The tech gives you four options: hydro jetting, spot repair and two sewer line replacement options. What is the best decision for you? In this article, I will outline the pros and cons of each option.
Spot repairs:
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Cost-effective: Spot repairs
are often more affordable than repairing the entire sewer system.
-
Spot
repairs are typically less damaging than other methods.
-
Quick
and efficient: Spot repairs are completed fairly quickly.
However, spot repairs are only a temporary fix. Hydro jetting
pros:
-
Clearing all debris: Using high
pressured water is a fast effective way to remove debris from drain line.
One of the biggest benefits of hydro jetting is its ability to clear all
types of debris from sewer pipes, including stubborn blockages and
buildup.
-
Effective
cleaning: Hydro jetting scoured the inside of your drain line in a four
360° motion which aids in the longevity of your drainage system.
-
Minimizing
disruption: Unlike traditional digging methods where you trench your whole
front yard following the pipe, hydro jetting can be done from a clean out
or vent stack.
Cons of Hydro Jetting:
-
Limited access: Access for
roof vent must be without offset venting. If there is no clean out,
installed one would need to be installed. If there are too many 90s in
the pipe, the jetter will not freely flow through.
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Potential possibilities of damaging areas of pipe that
are not in in a failed state.
-
Cost: Although hydro jetting
costs significantly less than repairing an entire main sewer drain, it’s
still expensive. Knowledge of machinery, plumbing skills and how to
operate will drive the price.
-
Hydro jetting is a temporary
fix.
Pros of Trenchless Sewer Lining:
-
Minimal disruption: One of the
biggest advantages of trenchless sewer lining is that it minimizes damage
to the surrounding landscape and structures. There is no need for
trenching the entire lawn. This method allows minimal damage to front
yard. Locating the pipe and excavating down to install a clean out allows
for the sewer liner to be installed from one point.
-
Faster
installation time: Trenchless sewer lining can be installed much faster
than traditional sewer repair methods.
-
Lower
cost: Trenchless sewer lining is typically more cost-effective than
traditional sewer repair methods. This is because there is no need for
excavation or removal of the old pipes, which can be very expensive.
-
Long-lasting
repair: Trenchless sewer lining is made from durable materials that are
designed to last for many years. This means that once the repair is
complete, there is no need for further repairs for a long time, which can
save homeowners and businesses significant amounts of money in the long
run.
Cons of Trenchless Sewer Lining:
-
Limited access: Trenchless
sewer lining may not be suitable for pipes that have significant
blockages, as the lining material needs to be inserted through an intact
and unobstructed pipe.
-
Typically,
trenchless sewer lining is only available for pipes with diameters of 4
inches and larger. If the damaged pipes are smaller than this, traditional
excavation-based methods may be necessary.
-
Potential
for future problems: While trenchless sewer lining is a durable repair
method, it is not foolproof. There is still a risk of future problems,
such as a shift in the ground or damage from tree roots, that could result
in a need for further repairs.
Trenchless sewer lining is a cost-effective and efficient
alternative to traditional sewer repair methods. While there are some limitations
to the method, it offers several benefits, including minimal disruption, faster
installation time, lower cost and a long-lasting repair. Ultimately, the most
cost-effective option will depend on the specific circumstances of each case.
Before deciding on a repair method, it is recommended to consult with a
professional plumber to determine the best solution for your needs.