Typically, sewer pipe installation occurs below the frost line in a slightly sloped trench. That slope is a crucial component to the installation process because it will be responsible for proper drainage.
The important steps for Edmonton sewer line installation include:
- Determine depth of trench: When deciding on the exact location of installation, it’s important to mind the necessary depth or elevation because the installation depends on your house foundation and parts of the sewer piping will be buried underneath the concrete slab, along with other plumbing lines. The sewer line typically starts where your main line exits the foundation and then slopes downward when connecting to the city main. Your certified plumber will use specialized equipment to measure the elevation and ensure the slope is correct.
- Slope calculation: Once we have determined the required depth, we have to calculate the required percentage of the initial slope. The minimum required as per law is two percent, but it can also be higher. However, you don’t want wastewater to move too fast as it could easily lead to a clog and other problems.
- Digging and bedding: Unless we’re using a trenchless method for sewer line replacement, a brand-new plumbing installation will likely require us to dig a trench. We’re always careful not to create any severe soil disturbance and do our best to keep the trench as narrow as possible. For bedding purposes, gravel is often used to facilitate the sloping process, whereas soil doesn’t let you maneuver the sewer pipe as easily.
- Installation: During the installation process, plumbers usually start installing the lowest section first and then work their way up. Sections are typically connected with gasket fittings or solvent glue. To minimize risks of leaks, each section should be equipped with a female bell-end that faces uphill. Additionally, the cleanout installation will take place at the same time here, too.
- Final inspection: After Edmonton sewer line installation, it will be necessary to complete a thorough inspection to ensure your sewer piping is well-installed and follows local codes.
- Backfilling: Once the installation has passed inspection, your plumbers will fill the trench compacted layers of soil that prevent settling.
Pro Tip: During installation, we often suggest considering backwater valve installation on your mainline to protect your home from potential sewage backups and floods.
Other Certified Edmonton Sewer Line Installation Services
A sewer line can last upwards of 70 years and as a one-time investment, you’ll most likely require one replacement. But the likelihood is that you’ll keep procrastinating on this major renovation project as you fear that it is a nerve-racking process that will rip apart the outskirts of your property with an eyesore ditch. Thankfully, digging a tunnel in and around your property will not be inevitable as our team members utilize advanced tools, training, and experience to perform a trenchless sewer replacement and repair using methods that are quicker and more adequate than the traditional approach of digging a tunnel to reclaim sewage lines.
Your technician will use techniques such as using a video camera to capture footage and perform a sewer scope inspection so they can create a game plan for your Edmonton sewer line replacement.
Pipe Relining
For lesser damage such as a crack or hole that’s leaking or general deterioration due to age, we recommend relining as the preferred option for Edmonton sewer line installation. Your plumber will insert a flexible tube spanning the full length of the pipe. The tube itself has an inflatable sac within and once it’s properly placed, your plumber will inflate the sac so it forces the pipe lining into place against the walls of your wastewater disposal line. Once it has glazed over and hardened the inflatable sac is removed. The inside of your sewer line is now solidified by the new, sturdy lining and plugged up any cracks. The compact liner material will keep your Edmonton sewer line installation intact and running effortlessly for many years to come.
Pipe Bursting
For major damage that is more comprehensive, you may need to replace the entirety of your wastewater line—a complete Edmonton sewer line installation will suffice. Your plumber will remove the old, damaged line using pipe bursting, a hydraulic technique that breaks up portions of the old pipe so a new replacement line is installed. Your plumber will tug along and pull the new pipe into the existing space where the old one used to be. This may sound like an intricate procedure but it’s a relatively seamless process for our expert technicians and they have done hundreds of trenchless sewer line replacements and will accomplish this within one day.
Why Mr. Rooter Is An Excellent Choice For Edmonton Sewer Line Installation
It’s a headache to deal with minor plumbing problems and plumbing repairs, let alone major ones that require a massive overhaul of your home's plumbing systems. But be rest assured our skilled technicians have the grit, ingenuity, and know-how to handle the procedure.
Rely on the qualified workmanship and courteous customer satisfaction at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton, regardless of whether you need Edmonton sewer line installation, drain cleaning, electric water heater repair service, gas fitting services, or another plumbing service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Wastewater or Sewer Line?
Sewer lines are all the plumbing underneath your home that connects to the main city lines below and it’s where all the used or discarded water of your home goes. Also called the “mainline” these are on average 4 inches wide and connect to the city sewer below your street. Every property has a private sewer lateral buried deep underground to which all your home plumbing fixtures are linked by secondary drain lines. This main collects your wastewater and redirects it to the city’s sewer pipes.
What Are Some Red Flags I Have A Damaged Sewer Line?
- Slow Drains: A clogged drain may be the culprit. Although most of us will deal with blockages, sometimes water pooling up in your drains and trickling out slowly is indicative of a much more serious problem. For example, a clog in your sewer line will ripple out to other facets of your plumbing system and can result in everything from leaky pipes to sewage backups resulting in costly water damage to your home.
- Funky smells: If you’re smelling a random rotten-egg-like or moldy odour coming from your plumbing fixtures and floor drains, that’s a clear sign something is off.
- Odd Noises: Do you find that your toilet burbles every time you run water in a nearby fixture like a washroom faucet or shower? No, your house isn’t haunted. Odd sounds from fixtures interacting with one another tell us that there is a broken pipe or serious blockage that may require sewer line replacement.
What Are The Common Types Of Materials Used For Sewer Line Replacement?
This depends on age, location, and personal preference and typically comes in three materials: clay, cast iron, and PVC plastic. Mostly, clay and cast iron are being phased out, with PVC being the most commonplace. What Is The Proper Slope For The Main Drain?
The standard requirement is two feet per every drop of 100 feet of run. To get the right percentage, you have to subtract the ending from the starting elevation. This will equal out to the drop in elevation. Now, divide the total drop by the entire length of your pipe to determine the ratio for your line.
In some retrofit installations, there is not enough elevation between the sewer leaving the house and where it leaves the property to obtain proper grade. In such circumstances, the options for repair and replacement aren’t great, but there are options that are available depending on the circumstances.
Are Sewer Backups Less Likely to Happen With A New Edmonton Sewer Line Installation?
The rule of thumb for preventing backups is to treat your overall plumbing system well and know your habits, climate, and area well enough to take preventative measures. Whether your system is brand-new or ten years old, property maintenance will protect you from potential backups.
That being said, if your system is quite old, or if there are other factors on your property that could lead to a backup or damage, a new installation could provide some extra protection against a backup and other types of plumbing emergencies.
In the event of a sewer backup for which emergency plumbing service is required, we always recommend checking with your neighbours to find out if they’re experiencing something similar. This way, you will know if the city infrastructure is at fault for any disruptions or if your own system is to blame.
How Can I Reduce My Chances Of Clogging My Sewer Line?
We recommend being constantly vigilant of what should and should not go down your drains if you want to avoid future appointments for sewer line repair and replacement. In particular, you should avoid the following.
- Food leftovers: Keep food like coffee grounds, eggshells, rice, pasta, oil, and liquid grease out of your sink and toss it into your compost instead.
- Hairy situation: Keep hair out of drains using a mesh hair catcher.
- Don’t get wiped out: Avoid tossing flushable wipes and paper towels down the toilet.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Sewer Lines In Edmonton?
As with many plumbing repair costs, this highly depends on the type of replacement you ask for and the damage you’re experiencing. Methods that use trenchless technology require less labour and time, and can therefore reduce costs, but trenchless technology is primarily applied to repair services and is only possible if the existing pipe is still intact.
If your main line has suffered from a collapse or is severely corroded, the trenchless method won’t be of any help and excavation is required to remove the damaged line. For this costly repair or replacement service, it will require more labour, time and new materials. Likewise, if your water line is also damaged or close to collapsing, it may be recommended that you spend the time to replace it as well during your appointment for sewer replacement in order to save costs on future water line replacement services.
Feel free to give our team a call to learn more about pricing on plumbing replacement services.
Avoid A Wild Wetland In Your Home–Mr. Rooter Is On Standby For Sewer Line Installation!
Your sewage system is essential to your home because it discharges all of your used debris. If it were to rupture, all chaos would break loose back into your home with dirty sewage wastewater full of harmful bacteria and viruses and result in extensive damage to your home and personal belongings. If you’re in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert or any other places in the surrounding area, you can count on the dependable plumbing services available from our professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton. Sewer line installation is just one of our many specializations.
Reach out to us today at to schedule an appointment or learn more about the verified services we offer from our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives.