Even the best sewer pipe will not remain intact forever. Roots invade, drastic dramatic seasonal changes burst seams, and general wear compromises the constitution of older materials. Most likely your home will stay standing longer than the fortitude of your sewer pipe, which means at some point you will need to call a professional.
Iron was previously the gold standard in plumbing pipes, including the lateral line, which is the drain from your house into the city sewer main. When one bursts, frequently the ideal solution is to replace the existing pipe with new ABS pipe that will not face the same dangers in the future.
Another contemporary sewer pipe replacement strategy is called trenchless plumbing. This strategy makes it possible to repair the sewer pipe without tearing up your ground. One variety of trenchless sewer pipe repair is called the "bursting method": Contracters will thread a new pipeline through the existing, damaged line. This further bursts the existing pipeline to make way for the replacement.
Another trenchless sewer pipe repair technique is the "lining method." Using this approach, contracters will insert a plastic tube through the existing sewer pipe and inflate it. This lining will then cover up any leaks in the existing pipe. Additionally, the lining can easily be taken out and fixed (or replaced) when necessary.
Even with trenchless sewer pipe repair, it is possible for invasive roots to repeat their damage. In addition to repairing the desctruction in the pipe, property owners may consider blocking root growth in the direction of the sewer pipe for any nearby trees.
The cost of sewer pipe repair drastically changes depending on the business doing the labor and how much labor there is to do. Some sewer pipelines run beneath garages, driveways, or landscaping. Especially under such conditions, trenchless replacement can be a very desirable alternative. When choosing a plumber, get quotes from at least 3 different companies. Ensure that all of the quotes include exactly the same labor. Contractors often charge quite different costs for the same parts. Also be sure you get in writing the agreed-upon condition of your property once the work is finished. That is to say, if a plumber does have to dig a trench in your property or necessitate other cleanup work, it should be understood whose duty it is -- theirs or yours -- to get everything looking good again.
Whenever you get a price quote for a sewer repair, get an idea of whether similar fixes will have to be made in the very near future. Especially beneath older houses (or newer houses connecting to an older sewer pipeline), it may be worth performing a whole replacement project instead of band-aid-style fixes, so that you won't have to face a similar dilemma 3 years from now. Many plumbing businesses such as sewer drain cleaning bellevue wa offer a warranty on sewer pipe replacement, some of them for as long as you own the house.