How long does a sewer line last?

A sewer line should last a lifetime – Normal sewer line life is 50 to 100 years.

Sewer line integrity depends on how the pipe was originally installed, what’s happened to the ground over time, and what surrounds the sewer. Improper embedment of the sewer line, insufficient ground compaction, and earth movement are some of the causes of sewer line damage. The pipe may be fine, but the joints can fail, allowing root intrusion from trees, or seepage.

East Bay sewer systems were installed 50-100 years ago with terracotta clay pipe, cast iron pipe, and in some rare cases Orangeburg (fiber conduit) pipes. Those sewer lines are aging, fast and have a high probability of reoccurring problems or complete failure. Pipe Spy replaces sewer pipes with HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe. HDPE pipe has a life span that should last 100 years or more.

HDPE was developed in Australia in the mid 1900s for use as conduits in the mining industry. It was later adopted in the United States for use in conveying gas, water, and other industrial fluid technologies. Pipe Spy has been instrumental in bringing HDPE to the forefront as a solution in Bay Area sewer compliance by working with local city governments to get the material approved for use across the sewer contracting industry in the East Bay Area and Oakland.

Why HDPE? HDPE pipe is an extremely flexible and durable material. With only two connection points at the property and the city main, trenchless installation of HDPE is less likely to experience root intrusion like clay and cast iron pipes. Heat fusion welded jointing methods are used for longer pipe runs to create a homogenous joint as strong, and in some cases stronger than the pipe itself providing pipeline integrity at installation points.

In addition, HDPE will not experience rust, corrosion, or cracks, leaving it less prone to seepage, leaks, and earth erosion underneath its placement.

The benefits of using HDPE:

Extreme joint strength and durability
No coupling restraints needed as seamless joints can be achieved through heat fusion
Resistance to corrosion, deposits, and abrasion
Flexibility in installation reducing the probability of chips, cracks, and breaks
Sustainability as the material lasts for 100 years and is recyclable for reuse in waste industry
Cost savings as HDPE will last for a lifetime with minimal need for maintenance

Trenchless installation of HDPE pipe as sewer laterals requires that the pipe has earth and properly compacted ABS gravel underneath connection points to give it the support necessary to prevent improper slope.

Pipe Spy is expert in sewer lateral installations and in creating the right environment to give every pipe installed an optimal chance at a 100-year lifespan. Our work crews are also masterful at restoring dig site surface areas in yards, sidewalks, and streets to look natural and undisturbed after the work is completed.

Business and homeowners can rest easy, knowing that their property has been enhanced with quality materials. After a Pipe Spy sewer line replacement project, your sewer will last into the next century. That is peace of mind.