Traditional Vs. Trenchless Sewer Repair: Five Hidden Costs Of Traditional Sewer Line Repair

Traditional sewer line repair is the conventional technique used to fix broken sewer lines. It involves excavating the ground to fix damaged piping. At first glance, this method is more affordable than modern trenchless techniques. The minimum cost of traditional excavations is around $50 per foot, while trenchless repairs cost at least $80 per foot. However, excavations have hidden expenses that can significantly hike the overall cost of sewer line repair. Thus, before choosing traditional pipe repairs, check out these hidden costs associated with the process.

Site Preparation Costs

Before excavating the ground to locate a broken sewer line, you need to prepare the site above the piping. In most homes, sewer lines are installed underneath lawns, patio slabs, hardscapes, gardens, and other landscaping features. If there are any features on the ground, you have to move them before commencing excavations. 

Trenchless repair techniques don't require any site preparation. Whether you choose pipe relining or pipe bursting, your plumber will fix or replace the damaged sewer line without digging up your yard. Thus, you don't have to worry about the extra cost of moving things around and disrupting your landscape. 

Heavy Equipment Hire

You need earthmoving equipment to complete excavation jobs on the site. The cost of renting a compact excavator is around $50 per hour. Depending on the scope of the excavations, you may need multiple attachments at an additional cost. You also need to consider operator expenses and delivery and pickup costs. 

With trenchless repairs, you don't need excavation equipment. If you choose pipe relining, your plumber will use relining tools and equipment to complete the task. Since most contractors who offer relining services have their own equipment, they will include the service in their quote. Thus, you don't have to worry about approaching other companies for equipment rentals. 

Labor Costs

Sewer line excavation is a labor-intensive process. If the sewer pipe is located near utility lines or foundations, you should be careful when using an excavator. This is because the machinery may damage foundations and break utility lines. You need to employ labor for pipe replacement, which will hike the project quote.

Trenchless repair methods require labor as well. However, since the work is fast and minimally invasive, you won't need many people on the ground. If the pipe has minor damage, you can fix it within a few hours, which will significantly lower the overall labor expenses.

Overtime Charges

The scope of traditional sewer repair depends on the severity of the damage, soil conditions, and site restrictions. Minor challenges can prolong the project, forcing your plumber to work overtime. For example, the sewer line may collapse during excavation, forcing you to reroute the affected sections. Also, if more damage is discovered after the excavations, you will have to order more materials, leading to project delays. 

By using video cameras to inspect the piping beforehand, you can accurately determine the scope of your repair project. However, if other unforeseen challenges arise on the site and cause downtime, you will pay for overtime. Trenchless repair methods involve minimal ground disturbance, so the risk of downtime and overtime charges is reduced.

Yard and Landscape Restoration

Excavation work comes with some form of collateral damage. After repairing the sewer line, you need to restore your yard to its original state. This process may involve the following tasks:

  • Lawn reseeding
  • Floor and sidewalk repairs
  • Driveway and patio repairs
  • Garden replanting

In the end, you may spend thousands of dollars restoring your property. This cost won't be included in your initial quote. On the other hand, minimally invasive techniques allow you to fix your damaged sewer line while preserving your landscape and other outdoor features.

Traditional sewer repairs have huge additional costs that may not be evident at the planning stage. Conversely, trenchless methods may appear costlier, but they are fast, efficient, and minimally invasive. Thus, keep this in mind when planning sewer repairs. For further consultation, contact your plumber. 


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