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We bought our first house about 10 years ago and have been saving up for future repairs and the thought of a major remodel. I decided to have a plumber send a camera down our vent pipes (from the roof) since I suspected we might have a sewer line leak. Lo and behold we have at least one large chunk of ceramic pipe section missing about 6 ft from the front of the house. Since it's approximately another 60' to the city's main sewer line, the plumber estimated a pipe liner could be installed for just under $10K.
I did some Google searches and typically both the liner and a modern sewer line should last about 80 years. My question is should I go with the liner at $10K or consider replacing the entire sewer line and pipes to the house when we do a remodel (which should be in the next 2 years)? Our house is well under today's code: the walls are not insulated, the ceiling is ~85% insulated, and the 3" slab with no vapor barrier is cracked in several places. I suspect the sewer line has been leaking for over 15 years. It explains why there's so much vegetation growing under our front deck.
We bought our first house about 10 years ago and have been saving up for future repairs and the thought of a major remodel. I decided to have a plumber send a camera down our vent pipes (from the roof) since I suspected we might have a sewer line leak. Lo and behold we have at least one large chunk of ceramic pipe section missing about 6 ft from the front of the house. Since it's approximately another 60' to the city's main sewer line, the plumber estimated a pipe liner could be installed for just under $10K.
I did some Google searches and typically both the liner and a modern sewer line should last about 80 years. My question is should I go with the liner at $10K or consider replacing the entire sewer line and pipes to the house when we do a remodel (which should be in the next 2 years)? Our house is well under today's code: the walls are not insulated, the ceiling is ~85% insulated, and the 3" slab with no vapor barrier is cracked in several places. I suspect the sewer line has been leaking for over 15 years. It explains why there's so much vegetation growing under our front deck.
Did you purchase sewer line insurance with your home owners policy? It's a rider which you pay extra for and might be helpful now.
We bought our first house about 10 years ago and have been saving up for future repairs and the thought of a major remodel. I decided to have a plumber send a camera down our vent pipes (from the roof) since I suspected we might have a sewer line leak. Lo and behold we have at least one large chunk of ceramic pipe section missing about 6 ft from the front of the house. Since it's approximately another 60' to the city's main sewer line, the plumber estimated a pipe liner could be installed for just under $10K.
I did some Google searches and typically both the liner and a modern sewer line should last about 80 years. My question is should I go with the liner at $10K or consider replacing the entire sewer line and pipes to the house when we do a remodel (which should be in the next 2 years)? Our house is well under today's code: the walls are not insulated, the ceiling is ~85% insulated, and the 3" slab with no vapor barrier is cracked in several places. I suspect the sewer line has been leaking for over 15 years. It explains why there's so much vegetation growing under our front deck.
My sister is in the Bay Area and I think she paid about $15K to replace her line recently. The distance from her house to the street is less than mine (which is 35’), so I don’t know how much she actually had to get. Nonetheless, I think the frost lines in CA are pretty minimal, so I can’t imagine too much difference in how much people have to dig.
It seems like it would make sense to get an estimate. If it isn’t going to cost much more to replace, go ahead and do that instead of the lining. It may not be as much as the OP thinks since I doubt they are that far underground. It would make more sense here in IL where the pipes are like 4’ deep.
My sister is in the Bay Area and I think she paid about $15K to replace her line recently. The distance from her house to the street is less than mine (which is 35’), so I don’t know how much she actually had to get. Nonetheless, I think the frost lines in CA are pretty minimal, so I can’t imagine too much difference in how much people have to dig.
It seems like it would make sense to get an estimate. If it isn’t going to cost much more to replace, go ahead and do that instead of the lining. It may not be as much as the OP thinks since I doubt they are that far underground. It would make more sense here in IL where the pipes are like 4’ deep.
A certain amount depends on what (where) they actually have to replace. If "replacing" means tearing up the house, then relining would likely make sense. But if the replacement is just out in the front yard, then it's likely cheaper to dig it up.
i dont know what prices are now but 60 feet, thats three pieces, not long ago, that be $800.
bring in mini hoe, three hours later, done
I could do something along those lines, since I live in the country and permits are either nonexistent or easy to get. There is a "Robin Rents" that rents out such equipment, and I'm comfortable working with backhoes. In a California city, I would want to do some serious investigation on codes, utility marking, permits, and such before beginning any dig.
When doing such a job, I might also consider running a couple runs of cheap poly pipe for later landscape lighting or other circuits, or irrigation.
I've no idea on California pricing, but around here it would be steep. A company that installs septic tanks might give a better price, since this would be about an eighth of what is involved in setting a leach field.
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