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Like most appliances and systems in our homes, sewer lines eventually require replacements. But unlike most other things, these lines need immediate attention. Any delays can result in extensive damage or health hazards.
Call Staton Heating, Cooling & Plumbing where we provide a range of sewer line repair methods, including pipe bursting and pipelining. Get in contact with us today, and we’ll help you determine the right excavation method for your sewer line repair.
Exposure to sewer gas may cause side effects like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and impaired cognitive abilities. Not to mention, it smells like rotten eggs! You’ll need a repair ASAP. Several strategies are used to repair sewer lines, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
External Excavation
This traditional method of sewer pipe repair is tried and true; it’s been around for years and continues to be used in excavations.
With an external sewer line excavation, workers must dig trenches and tunnels to access the sewer line. This will expose the pipe completely so that it’s easier to repair or replace. However, it often causes damage to the surrounding land and structures.
Interior Access Excavation
Rather than digging up a large section of the yard, this method involves precise excavation where the damage is. It’s a way to repair sewer lines without digging large trenches.
Even though trenchless sewer line excavation methods can be costly, you won’t need to spend money repairing landscape damage once it’s done. However, it’s not always possible to use this technique; if the lines are damaged too extensively, pipe bursting may not be viable.
Reasons for Digging Up Sewer Lines
No one wants to have their lawn excavated—but if your sewer line needs repairs, it may be necessary. Here are a few common reasons why excavations are performed:
- The existing line is damaged. Oftentimes, this is due to tree roots. Damage to your sewer line can also be caused by oil, grease, and flushing things other than toilet paper. Avoid costly repairs by scheduling routine maintenance, like drain cleaning services.
- You’re updating your septic system. Switching from a traditional septic tank to the city sewer system? You might choose to do this if your septic tank needs repairs, or if a new city bylaw requires it. If so, you’ll need a new sewer line to make the change.
- Doesn’t need extra space – as the whole-house air purifier goes into the HVAC system itself, it won’t take up any space as many of the individual purifiers do.
Sewer Line Excavation Process
Before the real work begins, excavators start by marking all utility lines. Accidentally hitting a utility line may cause a service outage in your area and cause serious injuries to those nearby—in some cases, it may even result in death. Careful and precise planning is key to a successful sewer line repair.
Next, the workers will use video inspection technology to assess the condition of your pipes. It allows them to get a closer look at what’s happening within the line. Based on this information, they can select a strategy that’s optimal for your property and pipes. The plumbers may need to obtain permits or other inspections to proceed with the repair.
The specific plumbing excavation process varies depending on the methods that are used. We’re going to detail a few of them here:
Pipe Bursting vs. Open-Top Excavation
Which repair method is best for your property: trench or trenchless sewer repair? There are pros and cons to each:
Pipe Bursting
Some homeowners are hesitant to repair sewer lines because they don’t want trenches dug into their yards—it fixes their sewer line, but it ruins their lawn! One of the main advantages of pipe bursting is that it won’t require any trenches to be dug.
To remove old and broken pipes, we used a pneumatic or hydraulic head. We remove the old damaged pipe and replace it with a new one that’s perfectly sized to fit in that space.
If you’re interested in trenchless sewer line repair in Anne Arundel or Howard County, we also offer pipelining (also known as cured-in-place piping). With this method, your existing pipes are relined with epoxy. This saves you the trouble of removing the old pipes; once they’re relined, they’ll work as efficiently as if they were a new sewer line.
These repair methods have only been around for the last two decades, making them relatively recent. The lack of digging minimizes costs, both in terms of labor and what you’d spend to fix your property afterward.
Open-Top Excavation
In cases where a trenchless sewer line repair isn’t viable, there is an alternative method:
An open-top sewer line excavation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it ensures that your sewer line is completely repaired. Holes must be dug on either side of the pipe and around it, too. As you can imagine, this means a large portion of your yard must be dug up.
Once the pipes are unearthed, the repairs can begin. Whether the pipe requires a total replacement or just an adjustment, the workers will have easy access to the sewer line.
An open-top excavation tends to be more affordable than a trenchless repair. It’s a reliable way to repair a faulty sewer line or replace it with an entirely new pipe. That being said, this method has its disadvantages—namely, the time it takes to complete, and the expense associated with repairing your yard.
At some point or another, most home and business owners deal with a damaged sewer line. A prompt replacement is the key to minimizing damage or exposure to any hazards. We also offer expert sewer backups repair, drain cleaning, and water heater repair to keep your home’s plumbing in excellent condition. Wondering which of these repair methods are best for your property? We can help!
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Client Testimonials
REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL CLIENTS
Warren J
1 day ago
Great experience with Tim. Very thorough and informative.
Great experience with Steve 5/19/26. Got my a/c up and running quickly.
sato
2 days ago
Cristian was very helpful and explained everything our system needed
Shahram Moradi
2 days ago
Cristian was very excellent
Catherine Martinez
2 days ago
Dre is great!
Nadine Jacobson
2 days ago
Technician Steve Schulz was prompt, professional, knowledgeable, friendly! I really can't say enough good things about him. He got my mom's AC back up and running and dealt with other things ensuring my elderly mother is comfortable and safe. Priceless! Wonderful service. I will be forever grateful! If I could give more than five stars I would!
Mildred Ann DeSimone
2 days ago
A HUGE shoutout to Rey, Taylor, Ty’Sean, and Nathan. Our HVAC system was not cooling only heating. A service company told us that there was leakage. We decided to get a second opinion. Josh ( I think) from Staton came out immediately and found the real issue. A new HVAC was the way to go! So glad we did because the system itself is very efficient at both heating and cooling as well as being very quiet! The installation took all day! Pulling out the old and bringing in the new! Being a fairly new home Staton complimented US on the electrical work that was in place! I call that being an honest company! Rey needed to come back with parts for the humidifier and new thermostats. He ran the system backwards and forwards making sure everything was working properly! Helped me install the app on might phone as well! Rey, Taylor, Ty’Sean, and Nathan were friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about everything! Thank you!
Kristin Leach
3 days ago
Jorge and the other Technician with him it is playing thoroughly what they were going to do to level on my air-conditioning outside unit. They performed the work quickly. They explained what they had done and why showing me the completed job. While they had to remove some bricks and dirt to level the unit, they offered to replace the bricks if I desired. Both of the technicians were polite and professional.
Sheryl Blecker
3 days ago
Cristian was great, did good on my maintenance
Bob Z
4 days ago
Quickly determined root cause of my garbage disposal issue, was able to replace it with a new one very quickly. Very friendly, thorough, professional, personable. Highly recommend.
Melvin Murdock
4 days ago
The guy was courteous and Professional in doing their job we like the way it was explained to us and the timely way it was done.