The first step to preventing drain line damage is to prevent trees from growing near them. Slow-growing trees are best to avoid roots in the drain line, damaging it and costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. It’s also a good idea to mark the location of your drain pipes and create a barrier between them and trees.
In older homes, the drain line is likely made of ceramic or cast iron, which can rust over time. This causes a blockage and can cause foul odors in your home. It can also cause water damage, which can cause mold to grow in the home.
Most homeowners spend between $500 and $1,500 on a drain line repair. However, the price range can rise considerably depending on the extent of work involved. If the pipe is broken in more than one location, you may need to pay as much as $1,600. Before the repair team can begin, they must first determine the cause of the break.
CIPP, or cured-in-place pipe, is a jointless repair method that allows work to be done inside the existing pipe. Unlike traditional pipe replacement, CIPP allows for a seamless pipe and is also better for root intrusion. CIPP repairs can last for 50 years or more. You can also expect your sewer line repair to last for another few decades, which is more than double the average lifespan of your pipes.
If you notice regular clogs in your drain line, it may indicate that there is a bigger problem. While a plunger can clear small clogs, a bigger problem could mean that you need to replace the entire system. Therefore, you’ll need to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
If you suspect your sewer line is clogged, having your plumber run a camera through it is a good idea. The plumber can then mark where the pipes are with a spray of paint. You should also tell him about any underground utility lines on your property. Before your plumber starts, be sure to get permission from your neighbors and obtain a permit from the city if you live in an area where there are underground lines.
The plumber will try to clear the drain using a snake. However, in some cases, the snake may not be able to find the break. If this doesn’t work, they can also use a camera to determine the exact location of the break and estimate how much it will cost to repair it. The camera will also reveal if your sewer line is clogged.
Depending on the extent of the damage, drain line replacement may cost you as little as $225 to as much as $1,169. This is a good estimate for a project that only requires replacing a small section of your plumbing. However, projects that require replacing the entire system could cost you upwards of $15,000 or more. The cost estimate includes the cost of the pipes and other materials, and labor.
If you cannot access your drain pipe yourself, you may need to hire a plumber to do it for you. The average cost of a plumber is about $50 to $300 per linear foot. In some cases, drain pipe replacement may require extensive excavation of the land to access the pipes. If the damage is extensive, your plumber may need to replace the entire drain line. These jobs may not be as expensive as moving your house, but it’s still much more affordable than the cost of a plumber to replace the pipes.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can repair a portion of a broken pipe yourself. However, you’ll need to take into account the length of the damaged pipe and the type of pipe material. If you’re not experienced with plumbing, you may need to use a special tool. Moreover, this may take more time than you originally expected. It’s also important to measure the length of the damaged pipe and ensure that you have enough time to complete the job.
Another method of drain line repair is to dig a ditch along the entire length of the pipe. This involves removing the old pipe and replacing it with a new one. However, it’s important to be aware that trenching a sewer line is disruptive and can result in additional costs. Therefore, you should always seek the advice of a professional plumber if you plan to do it yourself.
