Damage to your sewer main can not only be inconvenient but actually quite hazardous. If your sewer line is having issues, do not wait before seeking the help of a professional because sewer main issues almost never get better by themselves. A small leak can turn into a complete failure of your sewer main, which will be far more expensive than the original problem would have been to fix.

The first step to repair a sewer main is often to run a ‘snake’ through the sewer line. This will clear the line of any obstructions or blockages. If the snake runs into something it cannot get past, it is very likely the sewer line is broken or there is heavy tree root activity inside the pipe. Next, a small camera should be run through the line. This can tell you a lot about why the line is having issues.

Repairing a sewer line is much less pricey than replacing it and there is usually a lot less damage associated with repair, so if possible repair will be chosen. This is sometimes done by putting in CIPP, also known as cured in place pipe, which is done by lining the pipe with an epoxy that cures and forms a protective layer covering the inside of the pipe. The other option is to use trenchless pipe bursting, which pulverizes the piping and then draws a flexible lining into the space. This also involves less disturbance and can sometimes save costs.

If the sewer main needs to be repaired, however, there are a variety of options and potential obstacles. If the sewer line runs under bare ground, digging it up and replacing the line is often fairly simple. If the line runs through a basement, it may be easier to access though any potential issues though matters may be complicated by cement barriers or the foundation.

If the sewer main runs under the road or a sidewalk, however, the cost will rise exponentially. This is because a new line will need to placed underneath the sidewalk. Digging a new trench and installing a new sewer main is a technically complex operation because many important pipes and lines run underneath the sidewalk, an example being gas lines and internet fiber. The new installation must avoid these while getting a line to reach your home, which requires precision and skill. This is why using CIPP or trenchless pipe bursting is often a good option when a large portion of the sewer main runs under concrete.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other towns in New Jersey, such as Upper Saddle River, Paramus and Ramsey.