Let’s face it—sewer lines can be unpredictable. That’s why if you’re a homeowner in Calgary, you might wonder how long your sewer line will last before needing a sewer line replacement. It will allow you to budget and plan. After all, with Calgary’s aging infrastructure and brutal winters, the life expectancy of your sewer system might shock you.
What is the life expectancy of a sewer line in Calgary? It’s time to find out!
Sewer Line Lifespan by Material
The life expectancy of a sewer line largely depends on the material from which your pipes are made. For example, older Calgary homes tend to be built with clay or cast iron pipes. In contrast, newer properties tend to have PVC or ABS plastic lines. Check out the lifespan of individual materials below:
Clay Pipes: 50-60 years
Cast Iron Pipes: 60-75 years
PVC/ABS Pipes: 75-100 years
Please note that these numbers represent ideal conditions. Calgary experiences harsh winters and shifting soils that shorten the lifespan of your sewer line. This is especially true if maintenance isn’t prioritized.
Factors That Affect a Sewer Lifespan in Calgary
Having a sewer line in Calgary makes a difference. There is a unique set of challenges that reduce the lifespan of your sewer line, including:
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: When winter rolls around, your pipes will freeze, and when the weather warms up, they will thaw. This can cause older pipes to crack.
Tree Root Intrusion: Living in or owning a historic property is great, but it comes with its own set of problems. Sometimes, roots can invade sewer lines looking for moisture.
Heavy Snow Loads & Settling: The pressure and soil movement as a result of snowmelt can put stress on underground sewer lines.
Lack of Maintenance: If you don’t take care of your sewer line, it won’t last. Without regular inspections or cleaning, buildup and unnoticed damage can shorten the lifespan of your system.
Routine sewer inspections are essential for Calgary homeowners. They keep your system working and help it last longer.
Ways to Extend the Life of Your Sewer Line
We’ve gone over what causes the problems. Next, we are going to dive into preventative measures. Here’s what you can do to protect your sewer system:
Annual Camera Inspections: Asking a contractor to insert a small camera into your pipes makes it easy to identify and fix problems before they get worse.
Trenchless Pipe Relining (CIPP): Keep your pipes in top shape without excavation. You can reinforce your pipes and help them last an additional 50+ years.
Root Barriers & Jetting: If you live in an older home, look into ways to control root growth. It can keep lines free of debris and grease buildup.
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your sewer line in top shape. That’s where help from a trusted sewer contractor in Calgary can help you out.
Plan with Mr. Trenchless
Mr. Trenchless in Calgary is a proud provider of sewer line inspections, trenchless sewer repairs, and pipe replacements. Our goal is to keep your sewer system running as smoothly as possible. However, in summary, the lifespan of your sewer systems comes down to the material of your pipes and your maintenance practices.
Don’t wait for the problems to get out of hand. Contact us to schedule a camera inspection today!
