Sewer line replacement
This is a picture of a typical residential sewer line and water line replacement, in the city of Edmonton. The vast majority of homes constructed between 1950 and 1959 had orangeburg sanitary lines installed, commonly referred to as no-corrode or tar paper pipes. The reason for this was due to a shortage of clay, this product was a much cheaper alternative. The problem was that orangeburg pipe only had a 40-year life expectancy. Use of hot water over the years tends to soften the pipe, coupled with the large amounts of rain we have been experiencing in recent years the clay and dirt above the pipe has been becoming saturated and heavier, causing the pipes to slowly collapse on themselves. As you can see from the picture below.
The pipe in the picture is actually in fair condition compared to most. Once the pipe collapses more then this it generally breaks apart, effectively rendering your sewer line inoperable and causing a sewer backup into your basement. If your home was constructed between 1950 and 1959 there is a very good chance that this is what your line looks like, or potentially worse. A simple camera inspection can determine the condition of your line. If it is addressed prior to a collapse less invasive options for replacement are available, such as pipe bursting. If the line does in fact collapse, we are generally forced to dig up the line in its entirety from the house to the city connection point in order to replace it. The first picture above is what a complete excavation looks like with new pipe and a new water line installed. Call us today for a no obligation quote and inspection to give you peace of mind and discuss replacement options.
Sewer & Water Services
