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How to Choose the Best Trenchless Sewer Repair Professional

Sewer repair or plumbing projects can be intimidating. Homeowners are not typically plumbing professionals with years of experience. For most property owners, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help with your sewer repair.

But how do you choose between potential trenchless sewer repair professionals? Here’s a guide to help you select the right trenchless sewer repair professional for your project.

Find a Plumber who Specializes in Trenchless Sewer Repair

When selecting a sewer repair professional, it’s important to find a professional plumber who is has experience with latest trenchless sewer repair technologies.

There are various trenchless sewer repair methods, including pipe bursting, sliplining, and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP). Pipe bursting is considered the superior option because it is eco-friendly, long-lasting, and offers quick project completion as well as minimum disruption to your property.

Trenchless pipe bursting technology is constantly evolving, and innovations are continuously introduced – including hydraulic pipe bursting, static pipe bursting, and pneumatic pipe bursting.

By partnering with a nationwide leader in the trenchless sewer repair technology, you will ensure quick, reliable, and minimally disruptive repair project.

Verify Proper Licenses & Certifications

When looking for a sewer repair professional, it’s important to check for the proper licenses and certification. Any sewer repair company you choose should have required certifications to install, repair, and maintain sewer systems, sewer laterals, and related plumbing capabilities.

California Plumbing Licenses

  1. C-36 License. This is a General Plumbing license all contractors are required to possess to perform plumbing work within the footprint of a home’s interior.

  2. C-42 License. This license allows contractors to work on sewer systems and other similar pipes such as storm drains or septic tanks on private property and public right of way.

  3. A- License. This license is for contractors who have specialized engineering knowledge and skills to perform work on fixed works and any public sidewalk or street.

  4. B-License. This license is a General Building license required for any structures being built or rebuilt.

Certifications

While a potential contractor should have all of the required licenses, it’s even more important to find a contractor with certifications to ensure the best customer service and technical expertise.

At Pipe Spy, this means obtaining additional certifications beyond what’s required and being active members of several leading industry organizations. Our certifications include the following:

  1. NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program training

  2. America Society of Civil Engineers

  3. Better Business Bureau Accredited Business

Checking status of licenses is an important first step to judging whether a contractor is fit to work for you or not.

proper-sewer-repair-restoration-practices

Inquire about Restoration Practices

Trenchless sewer repair doesn’t stop after the sewer lateral has been repaired. Restoration practices need to be adhered to for a proper, well-completed project.

Examples of proper restoration practices:

  1. Proper backfilling. This is the process of replacing any dug-up materials (asphalt, concrete, soil, etc.) with new material. This helps prevent sinkholes and additional damage to the streets and/or landscaping near the project.

  2. Compaction. After backfilling, proper compaction is required to strengthen the material being backfilled. Compaction increases the density of backfill material and prevents asphalt & concrete patch failures and sinkholes overtime.

Beware of “Bait and Switch” Services

It’s also important to know what to be aware of when you begin a partnership with a trenchless service. Knowing what to ask and what to look for could help you avoid costly additions in the long run. Some things to look out for are:

  1. Free camera inspections (taken when you are not present). Taking someone’s word for it is not the best way to make a sound decision about a sewer lateral replacement or repair.  You should always be present to provide details and insight about the project.

  2. No copy of the recorded inspection. A video copy of the camera inspection should come with the service so you have proof of the condition of your lateral before any work begins. If there is a cost to get a copy of the video, the inspection is not really free.

  3. Service charge added to the estimate for the same ballpark figure as a camera inspection. If there are hidden costs associated with your project, that’s another indication the inspection isn’t free.

Partnering with Pipe Spy

It’s important to make the most educated decision possible when choosing the right trenchless repair professional for your sewer repair or plumbing project.

Pipe Spy has proven itself to be a trusted leader for trenchless sewer repair in the Bay Area. Pipe Spy was one of the first plumbing companies to provide trenchless sewer repair services in Oakland and the Bay Area starting in 1998, and now has more than 25 years of experience as a leader in this field. Pipe Spy has the expertise, experience, knowledge and all necessary certifications to complete your project to the highest of standards.

Interested in partnering with Pipe Spy for your trenchless sewer repair? Contact our team of experts to learn more about our services.

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