Sewer line repair in St. Louis
Broken, sagging or root-choked sewer lines are common under older St. Louis homes. Here is how repair works and how to avoid overpaying.
Start with a camera, not a shovel
The only way to know what is wrong is a camera inspection by a licensed contractor. It shows the pipe material, the depth, and exactly where the problem is, so you are not paying to dig up the whole yard.
Your repair options
Spot repair: dig at one failed joint or section and replace it. Best when the rest of the line is sound.
Full replacement: dig and replace the whole lateral. Sometimes the right answer for badly broken clay pipe.
Trenchless: line the old pipe from the inside or burst it and pull a new pipe through, with small access pits instead of a trench. See trenchless repair.
Check your program before work starts
Many St. Louis area towns collect a yearly sewer lateral fee and pay toward repairs, but most require approval first. Check your town, then file before anyone digs.
Who can do the work
Sewer lateral work in the St. Louis area must be done by a contractor licensed for it by the right authority, such as St. Louis County or the City of St. Louis. Ask for the license number and check it.
Get 3 quotes from licensed sewer contractors
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