Seattle Sewer Replacement
When your main sewer line has suffered catastrophic damage like a full pipe collapse or severe sagging, repair is simply not possible. For over a century, Jim Dandy Sewer and Plumbing has provided reliable, guaranteed Sewer Replacement services across the Seattle area. Since 1908, we've navigated the complex geology and permitting requirements of the Pacific Northwest, installing durable, code-compliant new sewer lines, applying advanced technology like trenchless replacement when possible and using traditional excavation methods when it’s not. Our licensed and insured experts ensure the job is done right, managing everything from city permits to full site restoration, to deliver a long lasting and worry free solution for your home.
Don't Risk Catastrophic Failure. Get Your Guarantee on a New Sewer Line Today!
A collapsed or severely damaged sewer line is not a problem you can afford to postpone. Ignoring the issue leads to sewage backups, significant property damage, and potential fines. As Seattle's most trusted authority since 1908, Jim Dandy manages the entire replacement process, from the mandatory city permits to the final site restoration. Stop worrying about an outdated or failed line and invest in the peace of mind that comes with our guaranteed, long-lasting solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "pipe belly" or sag, and why does it require a full replacement?
A "pipe belly," also called a sag, is a section of the sewer line that has sunk into the soil, creating a low spot. This dip causes wastewater and solid waste to pool and collect, rather than flowing freely toward the main sewer. This pooling accelerates corrosion and causes constant, recurring clogs. Because a structural repair method like internal lining cannot fix the flawed grade of the pipe, and the standing water continues to collect solids, the only effective long term solution is to excavate the area and replace that section of the pipe, ensuring the new line is installed with the correct slope.
What part of the sewer line am I responsible for replacing?
As the property owner, you are typically responsible for the entire sewer lateral, which is the line running from the exterior of your home all the way to the city's main sewer line (usually located under the street). This responsibility often includes any portion of your line that extends into the public right of way, such as beneath sidewalks or streets. While local ordinances vary, almost all responsibility for maintenance and replacement falls on the homeowner.
Why can't old pipe materials like Orangeburg or clay always be repaired?
Old materials like clay and Orangeburg often cannot be reliably repaired due to systemic problems, not just isolated damage. Clay pipe is brittle, prone to cracking at every joint, and easily infiltrated by tree roots. Orangeburg pipe (a material made of wood pulp and coal tar) is notorious for softening, deforming, and collapsing over time, especially when exposed to moisture. When these older materials show widespread failure, a full replacement with modern, durable PVC pipe is required to secure the line for the long term.
When is a full sewer line replacement required instead of a spot repair?
A full sewer line replacement is necessary when the issues are systemic rather than isolated. Key indicators that replacement is required include:
Pipe Collapse: The line has completely caved in or is severely compromised, blocking flow entirely.
Pipe Belly or Sag: The pipe's grade has changed, creating a low point that holds standing water and solid waste, leading to constant clogs.
Widespread Damage: The camera inspection reveals multiple cracks, separations, or extreme corrosion across the pipe, indicating the entire line is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Outdated Material: The pipe is made of obsolete, fragile material like Orangeburg, which is prone to deformation and collapse, or has pervasive root damage throughout an older clay system.
Recurring Failures: The line continues to experience frequent backups despite multiple previous cleaning or spot repair attempts, demonstrating that the underlying structural integrity is gone.
In these situations, a full replacement with modern, durable pipe is the only way to guarantee a long term solution.
What is the full process for traditional sewer line excavation and replacement?
The traditional replacement process involves four key phases undertaken by the contractor:
Inspection and Planning: A camera inspection is first conducted to fully assess the damage and precisely locate the failure point underground. Based on this information, permits are secured for the project.
Excavation and Removal: A trench is carefully excavated along the marked path of the damaged line. The old, failed pipe is then exposed, cut out, and safely removed from the trench.
Installation and Inspection: A brand new, code compliant pipe is installed in the trench, ensuring it is laid at the proper, continuous pitch (slope) to prevent future sags or backups. This new installation is required to pass a municipal inspection before it can be covered.
Backfilling and Restoration: Once the new line passes inspection, the trench is carefully backfilled with soil and materials. The surface is then restored, which typically involves patching concrete, asphalt, or leveling the soil in the disturbed lawn or landscape area.
How long should I expect the new sewer line to last?
A professionally installed new sewer line, typically made with high-quality materials such as PVC, offers a significantly extended service life compared to older clay or cast iron pipes. Modern PVC is highly resistant to root intrusion, corrosion, and ground shifting. Homeowners should confidently expect a new, properly installed sewer line to provide reliable service for 75 to 100 years with minimal maintenance.
