How to Handle Problems with Your Sewer Line

The sewer line is one of those vital-but-forgotten parts of a home for many people. After all, who wants to pay close attention to their sewer line? Out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes. Here’s the problem, though: at some point, you may have a problem afflict your home’s sewer line. When that happens, you are going to need to think about how you want to deal with it.

The optimal way to deal with sewer line issues is going to vary, depending on the individual situation. The plumber you get to handle the issue is going to have a lot of input, too. However, it’s important that you know the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed final decision.

Option 1: Excavation
For many years, the only real option for repairing or replacing your sewer line was to dig the whole thing up. Since the pipe is more or less entirely buried, treating it required digging a trench along the length of the pipe so that plumbers could reach it. This is still practiced today, and usually involves using a backhoe to dig the trench and fill it in afterwards. The benefits of using this option are that it’s a quick and easy way to get at the problem. The cons are that it involves disrupting the surrounding landscape, and is more suited to full replacements than spot repairs. If you want a more targeted solution, you’re better off going with option 2.

Option 2: Trenchless
Adapted from an old mining technology, trenchless pipe repair and replacement has been growing in popularity for the past several decades. As the name suggests, trenchless pipe repair and replacement foregoes the excavation portion of the process almost entirely. Instead, two small holes are dug at either end of the pipe. A machine then pushes a new pipe from one hole to the other, while either breaking up the old pipe or pushing it out entirely. Spot repairs can also be conducted in a variety of ways, by running additional equipment through the pipe itself to repair it internally.

Trenchless has grown to kind of supplant excavation in many cases. Most people like the option of treating their sewer line, or replacing it, without having to dig up their yard and have it put back together. There are still cases when excavation is the most cost-effective option, but those cases are dwindling. If you’re on the fence about which option is going to provide you with faster and more effective solutions, chances are it’s the trenchless option. However, remember that these are all dependent on the individual situation. The best thing to do is to consult with your contractor before making a final decision. They’re the professional, after all.

SPS Mechanical Inc. offers comprehensive sewer line repair and replacement services throughout Haddonfield, NJ. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians. We’ll make sure that your sewer line is restored to ideal operating condition.