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Kenny · 06-15-2011, 09:27 PM

The city of Portland wants me to replace my sewer line. I was part of a party sewer line but my neighbor has disconnected. I had a scope done which I submitted to the city. I also spoke to a few sewer contractors. One told me that the root intrusion on my line is minor and not enough to warrant replacing the line. The other said it looked like my line would fail soon.

If anyone has a minute, if you could review my scope at the following link and let me know what you think. How serious is the root damage. I don't expect you to watch the whole thing - the 5-7 minute mark should give enough info.

YouTube - ‪Sewer Scope‬&rlm;

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to weigh in.

**Hyper48fan** · 06-16-2011, 03:18 AM

A fellow Portlander! Your root intrusion is not minor, it is in multiple areas and will only get worse from this point. The cost of having a drain cleaner come out and MAYBE be able to cut through the roots time and time again will more than pay for a repipe. It sucks but you need to replace it all. You also have a lot of grease build up in the crawl, you may want to ask how much more it would be to replace the building drain as well as the sewer, if the extra cost is palatable, do it. People with lines like this keep drain cleaners in business. Best option for you would be to see how long you can go without a back up, then when it backs up, you know you need a repipe. Save up some extra cash in the mean time to cushion the blow to your pocket book. Keep in mind low bid doesn't always mean the best deal.

Kenny · 06-16-2011, 05:13 AM

Thanks for the advice. I have the cash now but it's crazy how expensive this is. I'll be lucky to get away with 7k for 60 feet of sewer pipe.

**havasu** · 06-16-2011, 05:18 AM

I personally would have the hole dug with the aid of laborers or a back hoe side job, and either install it yourself or get as much work done before bringing in the specialist.

**Hyper48fan** · 06-16-2011, 01:05 PM

Wow, 7k? I guess that depends on the soil contents, get some more bids. Havasu is right, hire some laborers to dig it up and pay them cash on the side. That will reduce the costs a lot.

I know the company that camera'd your sewer line and they have an excavation side of the company and they have all of the appropriate equipment to come in there and dig it up, replace the line and backfill in a day. If speed is important to you, they can do it, otherwise I guarantee you you can find a better price.

Kenny · 06-16-2011, 02:34 PM

Yes, sewer costs are unbelievable. I've gotten 3 quotes - all in the 7k price range. Good idea on hiring someone else to do the excavation work.

**havasu** · 06-16-2011, 03:10 PM

Before hiring day laborers, confirm that your homeowner's insurance policy covers at least one worker on your property, in the event you have an mishap. I don't want to scare you, but as they say, sometimes "crap happens!" My policy allows workers to be covered while doing work on my property, and it didn't cost me anything.

**Another-Plumber** · 06-17-2011, 07:54 AM

you NEVER have to replace it all... Dont listen to the sales pitch, look at the facts? does it look like the ENTIRE line has to go... LOL

**Hyper48fan** · 06-17-2011, 01:34 PM

If you look at the camera you'll see the whole line has to go.

**Another-Plumber** · 06-20-2011, 12:38 PM

your triping, the entire line NEVER has to be replaced, although everything after the 5min mark should be replaced..