How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?
Trenchless sewer repair is an innovative method used to repair or replace damaged sewer pipes without the need for extensive excavation. It offers a less invasive and more efficient alternative to traditional sewer repair techniques that require digging trenches.
Here is how trenchless sewer repair typically works:
- Inspection - A sewer camera inspection is performed to assess the condition of the sewer pipe. A flexible camera is inserted into the pipe, allowing the technician to identify the location and extent of the damage or blockage.
- Pipe Cleaning - If there are any obstructions or buildup inside the pipe, hydro jetting or other pipe cleaning methods may be used to clear the debris and create a clean surface for repair.
- Pipe Relining - One common trenchless repair method is pipe relining or cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining. A flexible resin-coated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and inflated. The liner adheres to the interior of the existing pipe, creating a new smooth, and durable inner lining. The liner is then cured to harden and form a structural repair.
- Pipe Bursting - In cases where the damaged pipe needs to be replaced, pipe bursting may be used. A bursting head is inserted into the old pipe and pulled through, simultaneously breaking apart the damaged pipe and pulling a new pipe into place. This method eliminates the need for extensive excavation and allows for the installation of a new, seamless pipe.
Both pipe relining and pipe bursting techniques minimize the need for digging trenches, reducing the disruption to the surrounding landscape and minimizing the time and cost of the repair process - trenchless sewer repair offers several advantages, including:
- Faster Completion Times
- Less Disruption to Property
- Reduced Costs Associated With Excavation
- A Longer Lifespan for The Repaired or Replaced Sewer Pipe
Who Is Responsible for Sewer Line Repair?
In Oakland, CA - property owners are responsible for handling their sewer line repair. Having said that, this doesn't mean you need to dig up your ground or find ways to perform your own trenchless sewer line repair. If your sewer line needs repair or replacement, we can easily handle that for you.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of The Oakland-Berkeley Area, we:
- Have Over 40 Years of Plumbing Experience
- Are Backed By Over 2,000 Positive Reviews
- Are Available Night And Day to Take Your Call
- We Adhere to the Latest Plumbing Codes
- We Back Our Sewer Line Repair With a Dependable Warranty
What Are Common Causes of Sewer Line Damage?
Of course, many homeowners don’t really think about their sewer lines until damage occurs and leaves them with a malfunctioning system. Instead of standing by while water – and money – is wasted, it’s important to understand some of the common causes of sewer line damage so you can be proactive in preserving the reliability of your system.
Some common causes of sewer line damage include:
- Tree Roots – One of the most common causes of damage to sewer lines is tree roots. When trees grow near sewer lines, their roots can bend, block, or even break the sewer lines to reach a water source.
- Poor Maintenance – Routine maintenance performed by a professional team continues to be one of the best ways to prevent sewer damage from occurring on your property. When routine maintenance is ignored, your system’s small problems can grow into expensive repairs.
- Old Age – With age, your sewage and plumbing pipes can begin to face an influx of problems. If your home is older, it’s important to have your pipes inspected and maintained more frequently.
- Physical Obstructions – From rats to trash, any physical obstruction can cause your sewer pipes to become clogged and bring your plumbing system to a complete stop. Remember, your drains are not trash cans, and you should avoid flushing down inorganic material.
As mentioned above, the reliability of a sewer pipe can depend on its age. In Oakland, a majority of the city’s sewer system is more than 50 years old. In fact, some parts can be even up to 100 years old. Due to its age, it’s very common for sewer line repairs to be needed on your property. Oakland residents may be able to contact Oakland directly for sewer repair if the damage occurs on a line the city is responsible for. You can view Oakland’s sanitary sewer system information page and find out more here.
What Are the Signs of a Broken Sewer Pipe?
Broken sewer pipes are no joke. When leaks and bursts occur, they can quickly become dangerous to your family’s health and safety due to the unsanitary nature of sewage. From bad smells to an influx of pests and rodents, there are several warning signs that you may be dealing with a damaged sewer pipe.
Some common signs of a broken sewer pipe include:
- Foul Odor – Whether you smell a foul sewer-like odor coming from your property or a specific drain, it should never be ignored. Bad smells are a telltale sign that your system is having an issue that should be addressed. From a simple clog to a major sewer line leak, it’s important to have a team of professionals locate the cause of the smell to find a solution.
- Slow-Moving Drains – If your drains are moving a bit slower than usual, you’re not alone. A common sign of a clog, slow drains can usually be fixed via a plunger or a simple drain cleaning. If these methods don’t work, the issue may be deeper into your home’s sewer system. A major blockage may need to be removed from your property’s sewer line.
- Unexplained Puddles in Yard – From unexpected patches of green, lush grass to soggy, wet spots in the yard, both should be signs of concern. The sewage will not only give your plants the extra nutrition needed to get out of control, but your water bill will also begin to climb. Additionally, your lawn’s soil can start to dissipate due to the consistent saturation that is occurring.
- Pest and Rodents – Rodent and pest problems can be warning signs of a break or crack in your sewer line. Rats live in sewers and can invite themselves inside via even the smallest crack in your line. If you’re experiencing an infestation problem you can’t seem to solve, our video inspection services can prove to give you the answers you’ve been searching for.
If you notice any of these signs or have other sewer-related concerns, be sure to give Mr. Rooter Plumbing of The Oakland-Berkeley Area a call! We’ll come directly to your home to investigate and work to discover a solution that works for you and your family in Oakland!
What Is a Private Lateral?
Private sewer service laterals are pipes that take the water from individual homes and direct it to the public sewer main in the street. These laterals are especially important during the rainy season in Oakland and San Francisco because the excess rainwater can overwhelm older sewer systems.
The US Environmental Protection Agency and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board ordered six East Bay cities and one sewer district to fix older, damaged sewer pipes leaking sewage gray water into the Bay. Oakland is one of these areas. Because there is such scrutiny on properties in the Bay area, getting your private lateral inspected and repaired or replaced as required before selling your property or performing a major remodeling.
How much does a lateral sewer line repair cost?
The cost of sewer line repairs depends on several factors and can range from $3,000 to $6,000. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 per foot for much smaller repair jobs. If the crack in your sewer can be repaired easily and without much digging, your overall costs will be lower. However, the more damage there is to your sewer line, the more expensive your repair is likely to be.
For example, tree roots can severely damage your sewer line beyond repair. In cases such as these, your sewer line would need complete replacement. Your plumbers would need to get the roots and old pipe out of the way, and they will also need to replace the line, which is time-consuming, and difficult, and could entail digging out a portion of your yard. The best way to determine your overall cost is to get an estimate from a licensed and insured plumber.
Expert 24/7 Sewer Repair & Replacement Services Near Me
No matter how severe, a sewer line issue can quickly become a major headache. When a sewer line issue occurs, it can affect your home’s whole plumbing system’s performance. It is critical that you turn to our top-rated plumbers in Oakland as soon as possible when a sewer line issue is noticed. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of The Oakland-Berkeley Area, we're available 24/7, 365 days a year, and never charge overtime fees.
Your Oakland Sewer Line Repair Experts
No one wants to deal with the annoyance and frustration that comes with repairing your home’s sewer lines, as it can be an expensive repair. Lucky for you, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of The Oakland-Berkeley Area is here to take the stress out of your next plumbing need. Whether you’re dealing with a small crack or burst line, you can turn to our team of qualified and expert plumbing technicians to complete your Oakland sewer repair. Mr. Rooter plumber on his way to diagnose a sewer line repair issue
When you’re ready to experience the quality our team is known for, give our team a call or contact us online to request your free estimate!