Sewer System Replacement

Technology has made replacing your sewer system easier and better than ever before.

Protecting Your Home

Worry Free Sewer Replacement

Sewer line issues rank among the most stressful and inconvenient problems homeowners and businesses face. These problems often come with unpleasant signs, including frequent clogs, slow drains, and in the worst cases, sewage backups. The dread of property disruption, with visions of dug-up yards and extensive downtime, adds to the worry. Beyond the inconvenience lies the financial strain—emergency repairs, repeated cleanings, and temporary fixes can quickly deplete resources.

Recognizing the need for a dependable resolution to these daunting challenges, Reliant Plumbing offers a beacon of hope. We specialize in efficient, minimally invasive sewer system replacements, designed to alleviate the stress and restore normalcy to your property with minimum disruption.

pvc pipe repaired under house with level on top of pipe

Book Your Sewer System Replacement

Book your appointment seamlessly online or over the phone. Let our certified plumbers help you with your sewer system.

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Our Approach

At Reliant Plumbing, our process beings with a comprehensive initial inspection. Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like sewer inspection cameras and geophones, we accurately identify the source and extent of the damage. This crucial first step ensures that our actions are precise, targeted, and effective, helping to prevent unnecessary work and focusing efforts where they are most needed.

Evaluation and Strategy

Following the inspection, we engage in a thorough evaluation process to decide whether a sewer system repair or a full replacement is the best course of action. This decision is made with careful consideration of several factors, including the extent of damage, the materials of your current system, and the overall cost implications of each option.

Technology-Driven Solutions

A hallmark of our service is the use of advanced technology to ensure less disruptive installations. Trenchless pipe repair stands out as a key example, allowing us to address sewer line issues without the need for extensive excavation. This approach significantly reduces the disturbance to your daily life and preserves the integrity and appearance of your property. While it’s possibly the most invasive install your home or business will see, our team will work with you to complete the sewer replacement quickly with as little disruption to your home and yard as possible.

replacing sewer system in residential home

Does Your Sewer Line Need to Be Replaced?

Your sewer line could be hiding a larger issue underground if your sewer line is getting clogged or having issues often. Over time, the cost of repeated sewer cleanings will add up, and the problems will likely continue to escalate. If you have one area of damaged sewer pipe, it may be possible to repair this section only. Trenchless pipe repair is a new technology that can repair a pipe without digging! It is best for spot repairs since the new lining goes over the old pipe for a water tight seal. However, if there is damage throughout the piping, you will be looking at a full sewer system replacement. You also may consider a sewer replacement if your sewer is composed of old or inadequate materials or was improperly installed.

Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Replacement

In the Austin, Waco, Dallas, and San Antonio areas, most home construction includes a concrete slab with cast iron pipes, or more recently, PVC sewage pipes buried in the soil beneath the foundation. If your home was built between 1950 to as late as the early 1980s or even 1990s, your home may have a cast iron pipe sewage system.

Cast iron pipes have been a staple in residential and commercial plumbing for decades, particularly favored for their durability and long-term performance. However, as they age, these once steadfast conduits are subject to corrosion, often necessitating a full replacement to preserve the integrity of your property’s sewer system. Instead of carrying the sewage out away from the home, the cracks in cast iron pipes allow sewage to seep into the soil underneath. This can lead to a flooded bathroom, kitchen, or worse – the whole home.

rusted and old cast iron pipes beneath home

The Hidden Threats: Corrosion and Consequence

While cast iron pipes initially boast an impressive lifespan, the years are unkind to this sturdy material. Corrosion inevitably sets in, leading to a host of potential problems:

Reduced flow and consistent blockages
Leaks due to the breakdown of the pipe’s interior
Risk of property damage from sewer back-ups or pipe failure
Health hazards from potential exposure to wastewater

Understanding the risks is the first step towards timely and proactive replacement.

hydro jetter with plumber from Reliant Plumbing

Seeing Beneath the Surface: Diagnostics and Inspections

Trust in the expertise of licensed plumbers who come equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Sewer camera inspections are a non-invasive method to get a clear view of your sewer system’s condition. These inspections can detect:

Scale build-up
Cracks
Corrosion level
Intrusions, such as tree roots

Armed with precise intel, plumbers can recommend the appropriate course of action, whether a repair or a full system replacement is warranted.

Red Flags For Sewer Line Replacement

Age of Your Home

Sewer pipes tend to fail more frequently as they age due to wear and tear on the system. If you aren’t sure how old your sewer pipes are, consider the age of your home. Homes that are built over 50 years ago are much more likely to require a sewer system replacement.

Cast iron pipes were used in construction in some instances up until the early 1990s. If your home has cast iron sewer pipes, it’s not a question of if but when the sewer system will need replacement.

Sewer Pipe Material

Today’s modern pipe materials are much more durable than in days past. Even PVC is now made with thicker walls to prevent root damage. Many older homes have sewer systems constructed of clay tile, cast iron, and thin wall PVC pipes. Clay tile begins to break down at 50 years, and older cast iron plumbing can leak water into the soil. PVC is significantly more durable, and today’s thicker PVC will last longer than thin wall PVC. If you are having repeated sewer issues and your pipes are made of dated materials, it’s likely to be more cost effective for you to replace your full sewer system in the long run.

Ground Movement & Tree Roots

Sewer lines can break when they experience trauma due to ground movement. If you’ve seen nearby construction or experienced an earthquake (not too likely in Central Texas), the ground movement could have damaged multiple areas of your sewer piping. Same applies to tree roots. Tree roots grow rapidly and are so strong they can wrap around the pipe causing damage to your lines. Big trees in your front yard may seem beautiful, but only if its not preventing you from flushing your toilet.

In Central Texas, severe weather systems of drought or freeze can cause pipes to shift within the claylike soil under the home. Reliant Plumbing owner, Max Hicks, spoke to KVUE News about the role that dry soil can play in causing pipes to crack or move. Prolonged dry weather conditions during the summer of 2022 caused soil to contract across the city. Some homes experienced water leaks due to shrinking and shifting soil.

How Much Does a Sewer System Replacement Cost?

Determining the cost of a sewer system replacement involves several factors, making it challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all answer. The final price can vary significantly based on the unique circumstances of each project. Here’s a closer look at some of the considerations that influence the cost:

Replacement Method

One of the primary cost determinants is the replacement method chosen. Traditional excavation methods tend to be more labor-intensive and may require additional restoration work for landscaping and hardscaping, which can increase the overall cost. On the other hand, trenchless repair techniques, while potentially more cost-effective due to less surface disruption, might have higher initial technological or equipment-related costs. The best method depends on the specific condition and layout of your existing sewer system.

System Size and Layout

The scale and complexity of your sewer system directly impact replacement costs. A larger system with more pipes or a complex layout will require more materials, time, and labor to replace. Factors such as the depth of the existing pipes, the presence of obstacles (like tree roots or utility lines), and the length of the pipe run all contribute to the final cost.

Permitting and Regulations

Local regulations and the need for permits can also play a role in the total cost. Depending on your location, there may be specific codes to follow, which could influence the replacement approach or the materials used. Obtaining the necessary permits is an essential step in the process, and the associated fees should be factored into the project budget.

Location

Geographic location can influence costs due to differences in labor rates, the availability of materials, and even the complexity of the work due to local environmental factors. Urban areas might face challenges like tight working spaces or heavy traffic coordination, potentially elevating costs.

Given these variables, it’s important to work with a trusted plumbing professional who can assess your specific situation, provide a detailed inspection, and offer a tailored estimate. This approach ensures that you receive an accurate quote reflective of your project’s unique requirements, allowing for transparent budgeting and planning for your sewer system replacement.

commercial sewer replacement in crawl space under property

Cast Iron to PVC Replacement in Commercial Properties

Commercial properties require a distinct focus due to their size and usage demands. Our cast iron to PVC replacement services for commercial clients ensure that your business operations remain uninterrupted.

Many businesses can benefit from trenchless pipe repair techniques. These advanced solutions minimize the impact on your commercial site, offering repairs or full replacements without the need for extensive excavation.

Timeliness and Transparency

We understand the need for urgency and clarity. We offer same day service, so your job can start immediately and you can avoid downtime. Our service team schedules inspections frequently with all of the municipalities in our service area, including but not limited Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Bastrop, and Georgetown. Reliant Plumbing, is dedicated to transparent pricing. Your business will only pay for time directly worked on the job site, and not for the time our technicians spend sourcing parts.

We are happy to provide net 30 accounts to commercial businesses needing more time to pay. Contact us today to get started.

Avoid Disaster

Take Action Today to Protect Your Home or Business

Act quickly to address minor plumbing issues before they turn into expensive disasters. Our expert services can help protect your property from damage, giving you peace of mind and saving you money in the long run.

plumber running hydrojetter for sewer drain cleaning in parking lot

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Local Plumbers

Don’t let plumbing issues disrupt your life. Trust Reliant Plumbing to get the job done right the first time. Our team of experts is equipped to handle any plumbing job - big or small. Schedule an appointment today to experience exceptional service from the best local plumbers.