Few homeowners want to deal with a broken sewer line because it can be a messy situation. However, when tree roots crush a pipe or corrosion causes a major leak, you face a difficult decision. You must decide whether you should pay for a temporary fix or commit to a full replacement.

When a Fix Makes Sense

If you have a problem localized to a specific section of your sewer line, paying to repair just that section usually costs much less than replacing the entire line. A plumber may use a technique called trenchless repair to fix a single small crack by lining it with resin. This is significantly cheaper because it does not require digging up your whole yard. A repair can sometimes add ten or fifteen years of life to a sewer pipe.

When Replacement Becomes the Better Value

The challenge with only patching a sewer line is that one repair often leads to another, especially in older homes. If the pipe is 40 or 50 years old and is made of outdated material, such as cast iron or clay, there is a high chance that other weaknesses will appear soon after you fix the first break. When the plumber tells you they have found multiple weak points, recurring clogs, and extensive corrosion, choosing a complete replacement actually saves you money over the next few years. You avoid paying for three separate repairs, and a replacement uses modern, durable materials that can last a lifetime.

The Hidden Costs of Old Piping

It is critical to consider the long-term costs of maintaining a failing sewer system. Frequent backups are disgusting because of the strong smell, and physical contact with those contaminants can lead to illness and infection. What’s more, overflows can cause significant water damage inside your home, resulting in expensive remediation and cleanup that far outweigh the cost of a new sewer pipe. If mold develops, the cost becomes even higher.

Furthermore, older pipes often slow wastewater flow. If a potential homebuyer notices this, they may correctly assume that a significant plumbing expenditure is in their future. Because a complete replacement often involves less disruptive trenchless methods that require fewer permits and less yard reconstruction, the overall cost difference between a significant repair and a total replacement is sometimes smaller than people think.

When faced with this plumbing problem, homeowners must weigh the cost of consistent frustration and recurring damage against the solid investment of a durable, modern sewer line. This is when it is helpful to consult with a licensed plumber who can evaluate your system and recommend the best option for your situation. To get help with plumbing issues in your Durham, NC home, call the experts at Harmon Plumbing and request our leak detection services today!