Ever experience flooding or soggy grass in your backyard? While sewer line replacement isn’t a matter that’ll cross your mind when you perform regular household maintenance, neglecting to do so can trigger costly landscaping renovations.
When your sewer system is improperly maintained, it could quickly escalate to deeper infrastructure issues. Timely inspection from a professional contractor is important to ensuring your property and others are protected.
If you require reliable Edmonton sewer line replacement services, including 24/7 emergency support for critical frozen pipes, pipe bursts, and repair, contact the team at Strathcona Excavating at 780.416.9000. Our skilled team understands how to handle complex jobs, even during extreme weather conditions in the area.
Understanding Sewer Line Replacement
If your sewer pipe is damaged beyond repair, whether that’s from freezing or cracks, you’ll likely require a sewer line replacement. Other common reasons include:
Aging Pipes
Over time, a rusted pipe can weaken the plumbing system, potentially leading to collapse. In Edmonton, pipes made of clay, cast iron, or copper can corrode or deteriorate due to natural wear and tear.
Our team at Strathcona Excavating can perform camera inspections of your sewer line to identify the size of the affected area, remaining lifespan, and whether a replacement is necessary.
Blockages
Grease, debris, and leftover waste that go down the drain can clog your plumbing, preventing water from normally flowing throughout your household. As a result, build-ups accumulate, and you may experience a backup.
Since sewer lines are connected to the city’s system, getting the help of a certified technician is crucial to ensuring safety and compliance. During our inspection, our technicians will locate the blockage in your mainline and clear it out, following local regulations.
Tree Root Intrusion
Even small cracks serve as a weak point for tree roots to enter and block your plumbing system. They can grow several metres in length and in different directions, inviting a pipe collapse. Since wastewater acts as a form of fertilizer, sewer lines provide an ideal environment for tree roots to flourish.
While some property owners may opt for a temporary fix, such as sewer line augering, tree roots can continue to intrude. For a permanent solution, pipe bursting and a sewer line replacement using a more resistant material, such as PVC, may be recommended.
Damaged Pipe
A cracked or sagging pipe restricts the flow of water. Another cause of damage can be from shifting or movement, which is common with clay pipes, rain, or freezing, resulting in leakage.
If your pipe is damaged, the surrounding area may cave in, causing a section to fall below the proper grade. As a result, further excavation, grading, and replacement may be necessary.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Sewer Line
Frequent Backups
Basement flooding, septic tank overflow, or gurgling are signs of a sewer line backup. You may also spot insects, bugs, or rodents clustering near areas where water is stagnant. At the first sign that your sewer line is affected, it’s crucial to contact a certified water replacement contractor promptly to prevent the problem from escalating.
Strange Odours
If you notice unpleasant smells that persist after stepping outside, whether it’s your front or backyard, it could signal a sewer line leakage.
Slow Drainage
A slow-draining sink or tub could be symptomatic of a larger sewer line problem at play. While a minor clog can be the source of the issue, if you also spot low water pressure for multiple fixtures within your home, it may be time to call a water and sewer line replacement expert.
Lush Grass Near Sewer Line
While a luscious garden should bring homeowners a sense of pride, if you notice areas of particularly lush greenery, it can point to a sewer line leakage. Sewer lines provide a source of nutrients for grass and plants, and seeing extraordinarily vibrant patches could mean your underground plumbing is compromised.
What to Expect During Replacement
Initial Diagnosis
Your technician will first perform a diagnosis of any underlying issues with your sewer line, which typically starts with a camera inspection. This step is important for your plumber to map out your sewer line, locate your utility lines, and decide on how to approach the replacement.
Permits
After diagnosis, your contractor will handle all the permitting for the project. At Strathcona Excavating, our team of certified professionals will handle all necessary applications, including determining the required permit type and the necessary documentation.
Since a minor issue can snowball into a larger problem, especially with plumbing systems, property owners risk losing money instead of saving it in the long run. While homeowners can obtain their own permits for existing pipelines, hiring a certified contractor is critical for more complex renovations and to ensure city regulations are followed.
Excavation and Sewer Line Replacement
Next, your contractor will begin the excavation process in preparation for replacing your sewer line. Depending on the soil condition, either trenching or a trenchless method will be employed.
Your sewer line is then replaced, using new piping. If your existing sewer system is not up to standards, whether in terms of pressure or water usage, your contractor may also upgrade your piping as part of the process.
Backfilling and Restoration
Lastly, your water sewer contractor will perform any outstanding work to restore your yard, including cleanup, grading, and landscaping replacements associated with excavation, if any was performed. Depending on the extent of the job, the entire process can take several days.
Costs of a Sewer Line Replacement in Edmonton
A sewer line repair or replacement involves many factors, including:
- Length of the line to be replaced
- Depth of your sewer system
- Accessiblity, excavation, and other work
The cost of a sewer line repair ranges from around $300 to $4,000 plus. However, a complete sewer line replacement can cost around $25,000, factoring in excavation and associated work.
At Strathcona Excavating, our team of certified contractors are well-versed in a combination of advanced techniques to overcome all types of sewer and water line problems in Edmonton, including more affordable trenchless repair options. To learn more, connect with our team today.
Why Choose Strathcona Excavating
With over 30 years of experience, Strathcona Excavating is your partner for safe sewer line replacement in Edmonton and the surrounding areas—residential, commercial or industrial. We also offer 24/7 emergency services. Rest assured that your sewer line issue are in safe hands, as our team of experts works in all kinds of weather conditions, no matter the season.
Contact our Edmonton sewer line replacement experts and learn more about our services today!