What to Expect from Your First Sewer Pipe Repair Call

Sewer Service
January 26, 2019

by David Balkan

sewer pipe repair

When your are having any extensive work done at your home, the last thing you want are surprises. We know there are always a variety of questions you’ll have when you need to make a sewer pipe repair call. How long with the process take? Will I still be able to use water? How much will I have to pay after the process is over?

To repair your sewer pipe problem specialized skills, specialized equipment, and even specialty insurance will be required. Therefore an experienced sewer repair company will be your best option for drain pipe repair. We think it is worth you getting some helpful tips before commencing sewer excavation work. Having knowledge ahead of time, prevents disputes after the fact. It’s always better to know what you can expect.

sewer pipe repair
House sewer pipe repair in progress

Damaged or cracked sewer pipes are not uncommon, and they can result in costly damage that every homeowner should be aware of.  When you decide to contact a professional repair service, you should anticipate the type of service that will be completed on your sewer line. After all, there is a chance that you will think your sewer line only needs to be repaired when it will need to be replaced entirely. The only way you will get an answer is to contact a professional sewer line repair service.

Sewer Pipe Repair Assessment

Before any suitable solution is suggested, your problem will need to be inspected first. An inspection of your home’s drainage system will be recommended particularly if this is a first time issue. If you are aware of the type of problems that may exist, you will be able to save money in the future. One of the first things a professional will do is clean your sewer drain. Your second suggested step is having an HD sewer camera inspection performed. Some sections of your pipes may be excavated or replaced to ensure you will have a smoother flow. Having the sewer camera inspection performed will pin point where these sections are located.

Open cut spot sewer pipe repair

When the problem is inspected, the contractor may need to use the open-cut method to determine the extent of your problem. If the open-cut method is used, a small section of your pipe will be cut so the sewer line can be adequately inspected. This is frequently required when your line is full of water, and a sewer camera cannot visually provide a clear image. In many cases, a sewer spot repair can cure your issue.

When a full sewer replacement is needed

There will be instances when a recommendation will be made to replace the entire sewer line. This can occur if there is a chance that problems can occur in the future, or if your whole sewer line is compromised. If this is the case, replacing your sewer line may be a more practical solution than a repair.

sewer pipe repair
Sewer repairs under a NYC roadway can get fairly complicated

What is the Sewer Pipe Repair Issue?

The latest advancements in plumbing technology have opened the doors to complete many sewer spot repairs in a matter of hours, instead of the days or weeks it used to take. A professional service should be able to finish your job as scheduled. However, there may be additional problems that you want to be addressed, or arise. Subsurface sewer is still not an exact science. Regardless of the final scope of sewer pipe repair work, the professionals should be able to solve your problems. You do not want any surprises once work commences. So it is essential to ask for the variety of  costs for any potential work change order ahead of time.

What Can You Expect from Sewer Pipe Repair?

We do not want you to be in total shock when you see the condition of your yard during the process. This is why we have created a list of things you should expect when you are preparing for sewer work:

  • When your sewer pipes are being repaired, you may not have use of your sewer or your water. This can range from during the work day, to limited use during the duration of the project.
  • Your yard may look like it has been torn apart due to the type of heavy machinery that has to be used. The machinery required is not intended for making your yard look like it belongs on the cover of a magazine. It was designed for repairing sewer lines and sewer pipes. Therefore, be prepared to perform some landscaping after the fact.
  • Your yard may be mixed with a variety of grass, dirt, clay, etc. We can always provide tips and advice on how these things can be removed. Frequently it is advisable to have trees or shrubs of extreme value relocated during the sewer pipe repair process.

A Professional Sewer Contractor prepares You ahead of time

We know during a sewer repair process, you will expect to have a team of professionals who will be cooperative and friendly. If you have a severe problem, you are probably anticipating a hefty bill. However, this can be mitigated with the right steps and the right sewer repair service.

The Balkan Team is proud to say we have earned a quality reputation for our services. After over 67 years in continuous operation, we are familiar with each and every neighborhood throughout NYC and Nassau County as well. At Balkan we use our skills and knowledge to deliver the quality of service you deserve. The Balkan team will always be informed, professional, and friendly. To learn more about your next sewer pipe repair, contact Balkan Sewer and Water Main.

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David Balkan

David Balkan is the CEO of Balkan Sewer And Water Main, the largest and most trusted service in New York City. David is extremely active in various NYC plumber organizations being the Chairman of the Subsurface Committee in the Master Plumbers Council, and Vice President of the Subsurface Plumbers Association. In addition David’s expertise is respected by officials of New York City agencies such as the NYC DEP, NYC DOB, and the NYC DOT. He frequently provides valuable input on a variety of industry related matters.

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