A Homeowner's Guide To Sewer Line Spot Repair

A failed sewer line is a major issue that can't be ignored. Not only does it bring your plumbing to its knees, but leaking sewage can also damage your home and cause health issues. Fortunately, not all sewer line problems require expensive and invasive repairs.

How Does Spot Repair Work?

Unlike a full sewer pipe replacement or relining, spot repair is focused on repairing or replacing only a short section of the sewer pipe. Your plumber will locate the section of pipe requiring repair, and then they will insert a flexible pipe liner into the damaged pipe section. This liner is deployed so that it lines the pipe and creates a firm seal. It then cures in place to create a permanent repair.

Are There Signs That Repair Is Needed?

The symptoms of possible sewer line issues are relatively easy to identify. The drains in your home may empty slowly or begin backing up. If you have floor drains, sewage may backflow into the home through these drains, or you may catch the occasional whiff of raw sewage odor. Another sign of a sewage leak is excessive greening or grass growth over a section of the sewer line, or wet area that won't dry out in the yard.

What Are The Benefits?

One of the main benefits of a spot repair versus a line replacement is that a spot repair is much more cost-effective. It is also less intrusive. Your plumber won't need to dig up a large portion of your yard to access the sewer line for replacement. Generally, only a single hole is needed to access the pipe in order to deploy the liner for the repair. Further, spot repairs are much less time consuming compared to full replacement, so the fix will be completed quickly.

When Should One Choose Spot Repair?

Spot repair is not suitable for every sewer line leak. Your plumber needs to perform a full sewer line inspection, which they do with a special pipe camera. Once they have verified that there is only a short area of pipe that is undamaged and that the rest of the line is in good working order, you can proceed with the spot repair. If they find extensive damage in the pipe, then you may need to schedule a replacement instead.

If you have a sewer line issue, contact sewer repair services to see if spot repair is the appropriate choice for your line problem.