Looking for facts and tips about sewer line replacement in Midtown Atlanta? Here’s where to start. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a homeowner’s guide to sewer line replacement in Midtown Atlanta? When you are in the middle of a mess, it can be difficult to know what to do next to get things back to normal. Having some professional guidance can make all the difference, and we are glad to help with this quick guide.
Have you heard any sewer line horror stories from your neighbors? Sewer problems do not discriminate. Sewer backups can happen at any home or business, anywhere, at any time. No one wants to deal with a messy health hazard like a sewer backup. It is the type of mees that contaminates all it touches and typically requires professionals with PPE for raw sewage cleanup.
Sewer backups, clogs, and collapses rank up there as some of the most unpleasant home disasters/mishaps one can encounter. The thing is that often, homeowners can avoid these major disasters through early detection and the right professional plumbing services
If you are reading this guide, you are ahead of the sewer line replacement game, and you’re trying to find out the steps involved in replacing a sewer line in Midtown Atlanta. The following steps can help you get started and ensure you’re well on your way towards avoiding an expensive, unpleasant mess.
Why Do I Need to Replace or Repair My Sewer Line in Midtown?
1. Line Issues Due to Sewer Line Damage or Aging Materials
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- An older pipe becomes rusted and corroded, causing it to leak and break down.
- The joints of the pipe have cracks or are broken, resulting in leaks, tears, and breakage.
- Too much heavy movement above ground or the simple settling of soil over time causes the sewer pipe to shift out of place.
2. Putting the Wrong Stuff Down the Toilet or Down the Drain
Although most homeowners know it’s a sin to flush items down a toilet except for toilet paper and human waste, sewer line backups reveal all sorts of different items that have gone down the toilet system, including flushable wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, and other items that shouldn’t be flushed for any reason. Oil and grease in kitchen drains are some of the worst substances to happen to sewer pipes, and no, using hot water doesn’t help since the grease will only congeal and harden, lining the inside of your sewer pipes. Yep, it’s as gross as it sounds!
3. Tree Roots Disturb Underground Pipes in Midtown Atlanta
Trees are living creatures, always in search of nourishment and water. As they grow, their roots hunt down water sources, often reaching into older, porous, and more fragile sewer pipes. When the roots get larger, the pipes are cracked, crushed, and can even burst.
4. Sagging Sewer Lines
Sometimes, the issue is that a sewer line has started to sag. This usually happens when a section of the pipe has sunk into the ground and bellied. This is typically caused by disruptive ground or soil conditions. The part of the line that’s the most sunken in will start to collect water and debris, causing backups and blockages.
Signs You May Have Sewer Line Issues Requiring Trenchless Repairs
Stopping a sewer line disaster before it happens is key to avoiding property damage and even costlier repairs. Repairing or replacing your sewer line before you are in the emergency zone can save you from a worst-case scenario.
Signs You Need to Get Professional Sewer Line Replacement Help ASAP:
- Multiple Plumbing Fixtures Clogged: If you have more than one drain backing up in your house, you’re probably looking at a sewer line clog. One plumbing fixture backing usually means a clog in the pipe servicing that unit. Multiple plumbing fixtures backing up reflects a deeper issue in your home’s core plumbing system.
- Bubbling and Gurgling Toilets and Drains: If your plumbing fixtures seem to have come to life, you’re probably dealing with a sewer line issue. “Signs of life” could include toilets with water that’s suddenly bubbling or water that gurgles out of a sink or tub drain when the toilet is flushed.
- Wet Lawn Area That Never Dries: A soaked patch of lush, vividly green grass on your lawn that never dries points to an underground sewer line leak. Sewage is seeping out of a damaged pipe into your lawn. You can also see an indentation over the leak in your lawn when there is a break in the sewer line.
- Frequent Clogged Low-Level Drain: If you have a drain backing up on one of the lower levels of your home, you may have a compromised sewer line underneath. It may be tempting to use a drain cleaner but do not use it for the lowest drain in a home that constantly backs up. Chemical drain cleaners will not solve this type of issue. Likely, the blockage is too deep down in the line. You could be doing more damage than not. Reach out to your local plumber instead to handle clogs safely. They have the tools, technology, and expertise to fix clogs and repair or replace sewer lines.
Trenchless Sewer Experts Explain Options for Repairing or Replacing Sewer Line in Midtown Atlanta
Only professional plumbing companies should repair or replace a sewer line. They have the tools and expertise necessary to handle such a complex task. An expert plumber will use a sewer camera to complete a video line inspection. The camera goes down into the sewer pipe so they can get an up-close look at what’s going on inside the pipe. Whether you have a blocked sewer, cracked or crushed sewer lines or roots in the lines, you will be able to see what is causing your problems. Experts know how to position the camera from your house to the street’s sewer main.
Once the plumber has a complete view of the sewer line problem, they can provide a proper diagnosis and walk the homeowner through the issue and the next steps necessary to solve the problem. The expert will recommend a plan for sewer pipe repair or line replacement.
The recommendation is to replace heavily damaged pipes. There is no need to destroy your yard. Our trenchless sewer repair techniques put in a new pipe using pipe bursting or add a new liner into the old pipe.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common options for sewer line repair or replacement in Atlanta:
Option #1: Old-School Trenching Sewer Line Replacement
Option #2: Pipe Bursting is Trenchless
One popular method of trenchless sewer line repair is pipe bursting. This means the plumber will insert tiny access holes into the pipe on either end of the damaged section. They will then pull a new pipe through the old pipe. This happens mostly underground. Once this happens, the old pipe will break away, and the new pipe will lie in its place.
This trenchless method is a favorite of plumbers and homeowners alike because it causes the least amount of damage to your yard.
Option #3: Installing a New Liner Inside Existing Pipe
You may be able to use another trenchless sewer repair technique. We can install a new liner into an existing pipe if the existing sewer pipe is in decent structural condition. Before you perform the trenchless repairs, the plumber will clean the pipe and get a clear picture of what’s going on inside via video camera. The plumber will then dig a hole at the end of the pipe, measure the space for the new liner, and insert the new liner via air pressure. He will then insert a balloon into the new liner, so it expands and fits securely against the pipe. The balloon stays in place until the new liner is securely in place.
FAQ
How Do You Know if a Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced?
Signs that a sewer line needs replacement include:
- Frequent Blockages: Persistent clogs or slow drains, despite cleaning, could indicate severe damage.
- Foul Odors: A strong sewer smell around your home or yard might suggest a broken or leaking line.
- Soggy Spots or Sinkholes: Wet patches or sinking areas in your yard could mean the sewer line is leaking underground.
- Multiple Drain Backups: Simultaneous backups in multiple fixtures (toilets, sinks) signal a main sewer line problem.
- Aging Pipes: Pipes nearing the end of their lifespan, typically 50–100 years, often require replacement.
- Visible Cracks or Damage: Cracks in exposed sections of the pipe or tree roots infiltrating the line are major red flags.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Sewer Line Under a Concrete Slab?
Replacing a sewer line under a concrete slab typically takes 1–3 days, but the exact time depends on:
- Extent of Damage: Larger sections or more complex problems may take longer.
- Access Difficulty: Cutting and removing the concrete slab adds time to the project.
- Replacement Method: Trenchless methods (pipe bursting or lining) are faster and may reduce the time required.
- Permits and Inspections: Obtaining permits and scheduling inspections can add delays.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Sewer Pipe?
The life expectancy of a sewer pipe depends on the material:
- Clay Pipes: 50–60 years
- Cast Iron Pipes: 75–100 years
- PVC Pipes: 100+ years (under ideal conditions)
- Orangeburg Pipes: 30–50 years (but prone to failure earlier)
Regular maintenance, soil conditions, and pipe usage can also affect longevity.
Why Is Sewer Pipe Replacement in Midtown Atlanta So Expensive?
Sewer pipe replacement is costly due to several factors:
- Labor-Intensive Work: Excavation, especially under concrete or in confined spaces, requires specialized equipment and skilled labor.
- Permits and Inspections: Local regulations often require permits and inspections, which add to the cost.
- Materials: Durable materials like PVC or cast iron come at a high price to ensure long-lasting performance.
- Equipment Costs: Trenchless technologies use advanced machinery that increases upfront costs but reduces disruption.
- Restoration Work: After replacing the pipe, landscaping, concrete slabs, or flooring may need restoration, further increasing expenses.
While relatively minor, staying on top of main sewer issues will help keep the most significant and costly sewer line issues at bay. If a sewer line replacement is necessary, choose a professional, licensed, insured plumbing company like Morningside Plumbing. We are the top sewer plumber near me in Midtown. Our sewer services include trenchless sewer line repair services, trenchless sewer line replacement services, and trenchless sewer line installation services. Read more about our plumbing services.
Our team of plumbers are sewer experts. They are ready to solve your most frustrating plumbing issues and know exactly what it takes to provide reliable sewer line replacement in Midtown Atlanta. Connect with us online now, or call 404.873.1881 to schedule an appointment today.