Sewer Line Replacement
We are in the process of finishing our basement. One of the job is to apply a new layer of cement on the floor which will require the contractors to remove the old layer. One of my friends recommended me that if we were going to do that, we should consider replacing our sewer line…
We are in the process of finishing our basement. One of the job is to apply a new layer of cement on the floor which will require the contractors to remove the old layer. One of my friends recommended me that if we were going to do that, we should consider replacing our sewer line since it will be exposed. I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to the house (lived in Manhattan all my life). The house is about +80 yrs old.. What is your take on this? What are the chances of the sewer line going bad? Thanks
If the floor is coming up….DO IT!! It’s something that you defintely don’t want to be dealing with in the future, especially if you’ve just put down a new floor. Figure it into your budget and try to save somewhere else if that’s what it takes. A collapsed sewer can cause sewage back-ups, floods and a lot more of a problem if you have to try and replace sections at a time underground. A video inspectin may help, but might not always be able to tell you how thin piping is. It can spot a crack or a hole, but the best way to see is to uncover a section of the piping while you are doing your work and have the piping looked at. An experienced Plumber should be able to tell you weather or not the piping is in need of replacement. After 80+ years underground, it probably is. Good Luck!!
Namahs,
With the sewer pipes exposed, now would be the time to consider replacement if they are original pipes. Even if the look solid on the outside, cast iron pipes (I assume that is what you have based on age) corrode from the inside over time. The walls of old pipes can be quite thin, so that they will not survive even an attempt to cut them.
Most plumbers will do this, although there are companies like Main Man and others that specialize in sewer and water main work.
If you can afford it (rough guess 1500-2000 if they don’t have to do any excavating and concrete work, then I think it is worth the peace of mind. Perhaps you can get an agreement to get a credit for the video inspection if the plumber does the replacement work. I did not bother with the inspection and just replaced.
I believe it costs around $300 to $400 for a video inspection.
How much does a video inspection usually run?
It might be wise to get a video inspection of your sewer line to check its condition. You don’t want to finish your basement and then realize your sewer line is in need of repair.