If you live in a home that is several decades old, you need to think about the state of your sewer line. Most sewer lines last between 50 and 100 years. While you can make them last with proper care and maintenance, there may come a time when a replacement makes more sense. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of replacing a sewer line for your older home.
Pros of Sewer Line Replacement
The biggest pro of replacing an old or a failing sewer line is that you likely will not have to worry about serious sewer-related issues for some time. Simply put, you are getting a whole new pipeline made from sturdier material than what you had before. That alone should solve almost all of the issues that you may have had in the past. In addition, you won’t have to spend as much money on plumbing repairs in your home. Also, a new sewer line should help increase your property value should you decide to sell or refinance your home.
Cons of Sewer Line Replacement
Although a sewer line replacement may be in your best interests, it does have some drawbacks. For one, it comes with a high up-front cost. You can expect to spend a minimum of $1,000, and that price will go up depending on the material used to make the new pipe and the length of the line itself. It can also damage the landscape surrounding your home if excavation is necessary. There are ways of installing a new sewer line that don’t require digging a trench, but that is not an option in every scenario. If excavation is necessary, you can expect a more time-consuming process, during which you may have very limited access to your home’s plumbing.
As with any home improvement or repair project, it is best to weigh the pros and cons to decide whether sewer line replacement is necessary. If your problems are relatively minor and your sewer line is still in good shape, you may be able to get away with a more affordable repair job instead. However, that is usually still a temporary fix. Replacing a failing sewer line altogether is a long-term solution that may be worth your time and money after all.
If you have been having plumbing or sewer-related issues in your Farmington, ME home and you believe you may need a sewer line replacement or repair, call A-1 Plumbing and Heating today.