When you consider the vital role a sewer line plays in your home’s plumbing system along with the high costs associated with repair/replacement services, you’ll quickly see that the decision to have work performed should be taken lightly. Understanding some of the various details associated with your home’s plumbing can help make hiring the right plumbing contractor much easier.
While most sewer systems tend to be very similar if not the same, the overall layout of the pipes, the general care, maintenance, and usage makes them all unique. When you set out to have a broken sewer line repaired it is in your best interest to understand all of the options available to you. Being informed will allow you to reduce the accompanying stress of such a major project, save time, and money. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to make the appropriate decision for you, your home, and your budget.
What To Consider
Although sewer line failures are relatively common, some of the considerations that should be made are unique. Due to the afformentioned differences in systems such as line location, and the reason for the replacement, knowing some specifics can mean the difference between a smooth and easy sewer line replacement and a nightmare you cannot wait to end.
— Local/City Plumbing Codes– depending on the county and city you live in, there will be specific plumbing contractor codes that must must have been met with your home’s sewer line system was laid. This includes everything from how deep a pipe must be buried and what type of material pipes can be. A reputable plumbing company will be aware of the codes specific to your area but having this knowledge for yourself can also prove to be useful when gathering bids.
—- State Codes– state codes can get a bit tricky as they may dictate some of the finer details such as the specific angle or “pitch” that the pipes must be buried at. Here at Flow Plumbing we only work in the state Texas and more specifically the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex so from a state and local perspective, we’ve got you covered top to bottom!
— House Trap Location – if you’re wondering what a house trap is, we’ve got you covered. A house trap is essentially what the name implies, a trap that catches items that may be accidentally flushed down toilets or dropped down drains. What really matters most is if your home has a basement. If it does, you’ll need to know if the trap is buried underneath the basement floor. If so, you may incur some additional expenses in the process if the floor has to be taken up to access the trap.
— Total Sewer Line Length – when it comes to sewer lines the more pipe that needs to be laid, the more expensive the job. A good plumbing company will give you an accurate quote for the total repair cost by thoroughly investigating the line for damage and accurately quoting the amount of line that is to be replaced.
— Obstructions – tree roots, large rocks, driveways, and other items that must be worked around can pose various issues for a plumbing company to work around. Specifically, they tend to add time and subsequent money to the overall cost.
— Pipe Material – the type of pipe that your home currently utilizes for it’s sewer system will inevitably effect the price of the overal sewer line replacement service. When sewer lines are originally laid during the construction of a home a good engineer will take into consideration a variety of elements. Two good example of these elements include the yard layout and any slope or grade that may be present on your property.
— This Is Not a DIY Project – given the sudden and unexpected nature of sewer line replacement service and the unexpected costs of repair, many homeowners wonder whether they can tackle the project on their own. The simple answer for 99% of homeowners is an emphatic, “No!”
If you are in need of quality sewer line replacement in Mesquite, Dallas, Garland, Rockwall, or any of the surrounding areas, we can help! Give Flow Plumbing a call today to schedule an estimate for your home’s specific sewer line repair situation. We are standing by at (214) 388-8838.