5 Questions To Ask Before Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
A trenchless sewer line repair is preferred by homeowners because it typically costs less, is completed more quickly, and results in less landscape damage. There are a few questions you should ask before proceeding, though.
1. Will a sewer line inspection be completed?
A trenchless sewer repair service will perform a video inspection of the line before recommending a trenchless repair method. Not all types of damages can be repaired with a pipe liner, and a visual inspection is needed to determine the extent of the damage. If the line is severely damaged with collapsed areas or extremely large gaps, for example, a full replacement may be a better option. Trenchless repairs are best for small gaps and cracks, or minimal collapses that haven't completely blocked the line.
2. Are permits secured by the service?
Most sewer line work must be permitted by the municipality before it can begin. Failure to get a permit can result in fines for the homeowner, not for the company doing the work. Generally, your repair service will secure these permits before beginning, but it's always a good idea to check with them to verify. In rare cases, they may require that the homeowner applies for the permit.
3. How much digging will be required?
Although a trenchless repair won't dig up your yard like a traditional sewer line replacement would, it is not completely dig-free. Depending on the location of the access points to your line, the repair team may need to dig two holes to get to them. Fortunately, these are small compared to a full line trench, but you will need to verify where they will be located so you can relocate any landscaping that you want to save from damage.
4. What are the limitations of the repair?
A trenchless pipe relining will extend the life of your existing sewer line, often by many years if not decades, but it is important to know the limitations. If your pipe is in very bad condition, pipe relining may only be putting off an inevitable replacement, for example. In this case, you need to weigh the cost benefits against the need for more sewer line work in just a few years.
5. Is the repair covered by insurance?
Sewer line repairs aren't always covered by a home insurance policy. Your first call should be to your agent to determine whether the repairs will be covered, and if they are, which types of repairs are specifically covered. You don't want to opt for trenchless repair only to discover that your insurance only covers traditional repairs, or vice versa.
Contact a trenchless sewer line repair service for more help.