There are many sewer pipe repair options. Some involve digging up the entire pipe that needs to be repaired, and others require less invasive methods such as lining or pipe bursting.
Sewer line lining, or cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, is an effective and non-destructive solution to damaged pipes. It is less disruptive than re-piping and increases the life span of the pipe system.
Cost Per Foot
Sewer pipe lining costs vary based on various factors, including the length of the sewer line and the type of pipe material used. PVC and ABS are the most common pipe materials for drain lines in residential properties, although copper and cast iron pipes are sometimes used.
A 48-foot sewer pipe can cost anywhere from $1,104 to $3,600 to replace. This includes excavation, re-compaction costs, and installing new sewer pipes.
Repairing a damaged sewer line can also be expensive. A professional can help you determine whether a repair or replacement is required.
If the damage is severe, you may need a new sewer line. Depending on the pipe’s location, this could require digging up the entire yard and installing a new line. This can lead to extra landscaping and cleanup costs, which can add up quickly.
One trenchless method to avoid digging is cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP). This process creates a new pipe inside your existing pipe.
This trenchless sewer lining method involves inserting a liner saturated in epoxy resin into the interior of the damaged pipe. This liner is then inflated to form a new, seamless pipe within the old one. This process can be used for various pipe materials, including clay, fiberglass, steel, and iron.
Cost Per Liner
The cost of sewer pipe lining can vary widely depending on the type of material used and the length of the liner. The materials you choose should be based on their longevity and durability, and you should also factor in the installation costs to get an idea of the total cost of your project.
There are several types of liners, including clay, terra-cotta, stainless steel, cast-in-place, and aluminum. Some, like ceramic liners, are inexpensive but can have limited lifespans.
Another lining option is cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP). This technology creates a new pipe inside the existing one by pulling a liner saturated with epoxy resin through the pipes. This technology is less expensive than traditional trenching and only requires one excavation point for the liner to be pulled through.
However, the CIPP lining must still be cleaned for your yard and landscaping. You may need to hire a contractor to repair the landscape after installing your liner.
Other lining options include flexible stainless steel liners and thermocrete, a liquid ceramic liner that can be applied to an existing flue liner. This type of lining will seal cracks and leaks and extend the life of your flue liner.
Rigid liners are also available and work best in straight flues free of bends or offsets. They are easier to install than flexible liners but can leak over time and are more difficult to seal to appliances.
Labor Costs
The labor costs associated with sewer pipe lining vary widely depending on the type of project. The length of the pipe to be lined, the difficulty of reaching the old line and other factors can significantly impact the price.
For example, if the pipe is located beneath the home’s foundation, technicians or replacement specialists must dig to get to it. This will add a layer of labor to the job and a substantial amount of money to repair any damage to the foundation or drywall during the process.
If the pipe is located outside, technicians may need to rent an excavator from a local construction company to reach it. This is especially true if the pipe is at a significant depth.
Alternatively, a plumbing technician can use cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP), which “heals” damaged sewer lines without digging. This technique encases a new liner saturated with epoxy resin inside the existing line.
Trenchless techniques like spin casting and sprayed-in lining are often used for sewer line repair. These methods can also save homeowners much money on their final bill by reducing the time and material needed to replace the sewer lines.
Equipment Costs
If your pipes are deteriorating and you need to restore the functionality of your sewer line, there are several ways you can approach this project. You can choose to have traditional repairs completed or opt for trenchless sewer repair methods that are less invasive and faster.
The first thing to consider is the pipelining equipment you will need for your job. You can find various pipe lining materials to create new pipelines inside your customers’ sewer or drain systems.
One of the more popular options is cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP), which costs between $80 and $250 per foot. This trenchless repair method uses an epoxy-coated liner to seal and fills in cracks and other problems within a sewer pipe.
However, this method is expensive if you have an extensive sewer line or need to repair multiple sections of your sewer. This is because CIPP requires a lot of equipment to install the liner, and it can be challenging to do so when your sewer line is very long or curved.
Next, you’ll want to determine the size of your sewer line. This will affect the cost because pipe lining and bursting require a larger HDPE replacement pipe installed than if you had a smaller pipe.