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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
Bill Collinson
3 days ago
Joe was great. He explained all the services well. WL Staton is the best company to work with.
Paula Neira
1 week ago
Great Service, I highly recommend them. Jonathan, Jake, and Ty were fantastic in putting in our new heat pump/air handler and removing the old system. They were friendly, professional and efficient. Would have them work on my HVAC any time. Mike and Steve who inspected the system and made recommendations were also great!
Kevin Sorrell
1 week ago
This is my first time working with Staton. Matt came out to look over my plumbing issues and gave me a quote. He then went to work on those issues which were two different ones. The water heater expansion tank needed replacing and the outside faucet was leaking. To replace the faucet he had to cut into the interior wall to gain access to the pipe but he went the extra mile and installed an access panel rather than leaving a big cutout. Matt was very knowledgeable and professional. His work was exceptional!
Graham Graham
1 week ago
Ja'Ron Coates was very professional and courteous. Explained everything to my understanding and satisfaction. He took pictures of my A/C system and pin pointed the problem in a very short time frame (fuses burnt out). I would recommend him.
Jean Elville
1 week ago
Sam did an excellent job. Very friendly
Williams Adedapo
1 week ago
I recently had Staton Plumbing out to take care of my pipes, and I was impressed from start to finish. The technician showed up on time, was respectful of our home, and clearly knew his stuff. He assessed the situation and explained what he was seeing in plain terms, so I understood the problem and what needed to be done before any work started.
What really set them apart was the video recording of the pipes after cleaning. Instead of just taking their word that the job was done, I got to see the results for myself. That level of transparency is rare, and it gave me real confidence that the work was done right.
The pricing was fair and there were no surprises on the bill. He also cleaned up after himself and left the area exactly the way he found it.
If you want a plumber who knows what he's doing and backs it up with proof, I'd recommend Staton Plumbing. I'll be calling them again for any future plumbing needs.
What really set them apart was the video recording of the pipes after cleaning. Instead of just taking their word that the job was done, I got to see the results for myself. That level of transparency is rare, and it gave me real confidence that the work was done right.
The pricing was fair and there were no surprises on the bill. He also cleaned up after himself and left the area exactly the way he found it.
If you want a plumber who knows what he's doing and backs it up with proof, I'd recommend Staton Plumbing. I'll be calling them again for any future plumbing needs.
J Walsh
1 week ago
Great service and detailed explanation. Thank you!
Jennifer Cooper
2 weeks ago
Great communication, professional, friendly, knowledgeable
Matt Fratangelo
2 weeks ago
Professional, knowledgeable, and on-time. Did a great job of explaining both the issues and the service process.
zac hurst
2 weeks ago
My man joe showed up when I needed him most ! Took care of my garbage disposal quickly and efficiently. Hopefully he’ll be coming back to help with some other projects I need done !