Top 3 Procedures for Sewer Repair in Brooklyn & Queens

Many homeowners throughout Brooklyn and Queens experience problems with their sewer lines on a daily basis. The first problem is that most homeowners are not familiar with how their sewers function and what causes a sewer backup. The specifics of each scenario differ from one house to the next, and should be discussed with a Licensed Master Plumber.

The first procedure requires a plumber to make a house call and prepare to clear the pipe with a sewer snake. The end of the sewer snake that is installed in the pipe contains a metal blade which is used to cut roots, or push out any articles causing the backup. If the “sewer cleaning” process is not successful, it is most likely due to a break in the sewer line which should be located with a special camera that will capture footage inside the pipe.

Assuming the first procedure has confirmed a break in the sewer line, the process of the second procedure begins. At this time the property owner should discuss the possibly of repairing a section of the piping with the Master Plumber. There are several factors that should be considered when entertaining a sewer repair, such as:

1. The layout of the property and where the broken sewer falls within the overall layout.
2. The age of the surrounding pipe and if a “repair” is going to hold-up overtime.
3. The material makeup of the surrounding pipe – Is the pipe clay or cast iron?
4. How many issues are apparent throughout the pipe – Do you see the beginning stages that may lead to a future issue with your sewer line?

After all factors are discussed with your plumber, it may be suitable to perform a “spot repair” on the pipe. It is very important to understand what can go wrong in the future if you perform a repair, as opposed to replacing the entire sewer line at one time. It is also important to understand the financial risk you assume when repairing a sewer line. There is a great deal of additional cost if you select to repair a section of pipe, and continue to do so overtime. Example: the initial sewer repair may cost $8500. If you have several repairs over time, you may end up spending $25,000, when the full replacement may have cost $15,000.

Sewer repair

The third procedure includes replacing the entire sewer line from the house, to the city sewer in the roadway. This process should guarantee a new cast iron sewer line, free of any cracks or breaks, for many years to come. The sewer line replacement process usually starts working on the outside foundation wall of the house, to the city sidewalk. 

Roadway work begins

New cast iron pipe installed

Next, the new cast iron pipe is installed from the sidewalk, to the city spur connection in the roadway. 

The new sewer line installation always requires a DEP inspection, followed by a backfill of the roadway excavation and final restoration of the street and sidewalk. 

When deciding on a sewer repair or sewer line replacement, it is important to discuss the specifics of your home with a reliable and experienced Licensed Plumber. Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors continues to serve Brooklyn, Queens Manhattan and the Bronx for over 98 Years. Contact our main office 24/7 if you have any questions regarding your sewer line.  

718-416-6357