Express Sewer & Drain Blog

Pipe lining and repair can be expensive. In Sacramento, given the ongoing drought and recent attempts to lower water consumption, home and city sewer pipes are taking things particularly rough. As we’ve outlined in previous blog features, previous droughts have pushed many in California to lower their overall consumption by any means necessary; limited lawn water use, water recycling, and other such practices.

However, these practices have also put Sacramento pipe systems in jeopardy. As our city’s sewer lines are relatively flat compared to most of the state, solid waste material and other debris cannot flow properly due to the lack of water. These conditions have resulted in a spike in sewer line damage, for home and municipal sewer lines alike.

What is the true cost of pipelining in Sacramento? There is no universal answer; the most affordable solution for a broken sewer pipe changes on a case-by-case basis. What is the best deal for the sewer pipe lining on your property may not be the same for your neighbor. In any circumstance, the type of pipe, cause of damage, and physical location on a property will be major cost factors for pipe repair.

What is Trenchless Pipe Lining?

Trenchless pipe lining is a modern, innovative method used for repairing existing pipelines without the need for traditional excavation. This technique involves the insertion of a resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe, which is then inflated and cured in place, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one.

This process is highly efficient as it minimizes disruption to the surrounding environment, reducing the need for extensive digging and thereby preserving landscapes, roads, and structures. Moreover, trenchless pipe lining is not only cost-effective but also time-saving, making it an increasingly popular choice for municipalities and private property owners looking to address pipeline issues with minimal impact.

Pricing Differences Between Lining and Traditional Repair

Traditional Pipe Replacement Costs

At face value, traditional pipe replacement via digging will be cheaper than trenchless pipe lining (sometimes as much as 50% less). However, this is without the additional costs of labor and other restorative work. Following a traditional pipe replacement, you will also have to restore landscaping and other elements on your property. If your broken pipe runs under a driveway, artificial pond, or large trees, you can expect your overall pipe replacement bill to reflect the extra landscaping work.

This is why trenchless pipe lining can be very advantageous under the right circumstances. In situations where digging would prove problematic, trenchless pipe lining (or even bursting, for more severe pipe damage) can be much more affordable than excavation. Pipelining comes with a higher up-front price tag for the technology and materials used (roughly $80-250 per foot of lining, or $4,000-20,000 for standard sewer lengths); however, the lining is worth it if landscaping features or significant pipe depth make digging difficult.

For smaller applications (pipes under 50 feet in length), lining will typically be cheaper than dig-and-replace methods; sectional lining repairs will generally cost between $3,000-4,000 in these circumstances, which can be notably cheaper than trenching’s $3,000-6,000 cost.

Trenchless Pipe Lining Costs

On the other hand, trenchless lining is impractical for repairing shallow sewer lines or lines with few or no landscaping obstructions. If labor and landscaping costs are minor in a given project, simply digging out the pipe and having it replaced will likely be a deal more affordable than trenchless repairs.

When it comes to Sacramento pipe repair, the final cost you’ll be faced with depends entirely on your unique circumstances. If your broken pipe runs beneath your driveway, pipe lining could end up saving you thousands of dollars in remedial landscaping costs. If the pipe is within 2 feet of the surface, a dig-and-replace method will likely be the most affordable option.

When to Leverage Pipelining

Pipelining is a very versatile trenchless solution and can be used to restore pipes affected by a number of problems. This includes:

• Clogging and breakages due to low sewer water flow
• Chemical damage and corrosion
• Plant root intrusion
• Natural deterioration with age
• Faulty installation

The epoxy resin material used in pipe lining creates new, durable pipe walls within existing pipe structures. Once cured, the new pipe can withstand intrusion and other common plumbing problems for over half a century, and often much longer.

The most expensive part of traditional dig-and-replace pipe repair isn’t the materials or digging itself, but rather the remedial landscaping that follows. Trenchless pipe lining provides an alternative in cases where digging is impractical and costly. Context is everything when it comes to Sacramento pipe repair, so reaching out to a professional plumbing expert in your area is an important first step in getting the best deal on your repair project.

Reach Out to a Plumbing Professional for Your Pipe Repair

Navigating the complexities of pipe lining and repair in Sacramento requires a nuanced understanding of both the environmental challenges and the specific needs of your property. With the ongoing drought affecting water flow and increasing the risk of damage to sewer systems, it's essential to weigh the costs and benefits of traditional versus trenchless solutions.

By considering factors such as pipe location, depth, and surrounding landscaping, homeowners can make informed decisions that balance immediate costs with long-term savings. Consulting with a professional plumbing expert like Express Sewer and Drain is crucial to developing a tailored approach that ensures both efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Contact our team today to learn more about our trenchless services.