Experienced a recent sewer overflow or basement flood? Suffering through periodic back-ups and clogs? Searching for a residential plumbing contractor knowledgeable in sewer line installation and replacement?

Home Performance Group LLC is an established, local, veteran led plumbing firm in Kearney, MO and the surrounding Kansas City Northland areas delivering safe and sanitary sewer line installation and repair. Our team possesses the technical skills and practical experience to repair damaged sewer laterals, extend and modify drain piping, and install or replace sewer laterals lines. If you have experienced a sewer or drain problem, Contact our solutions advisor today.

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Home Performance Group LLC delivers sanitary and safe sewer laterals and systems:

Plumbing Main Sewer Laterals – Did you Know

Private sewer laterals are the portion of a sewer system connecting an individual’s private home to the public sewer. Sewer laterals run underground generally through yards, and sometimes under driveways or sidewalks, and make up nearly half of the entire length of a sewer network. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finds more than fifty percent of existing private laterals are constructed with vitrified clay pipe (VCF). Clay pipes were installed in two to four foot sections without sealed joints, resulting in numerous potential points of failure. Clay pipes are known to have problems with cracking, misalignments, and leakage leading to groundwater infiltration. Infiltration and inflows are leading cause of overloading of sewers. Additionally, clay pipes are very prone to root intrusion which often lead to clogging and sewer overflows inside homes. 

One of the most cost-effective ways to maintain a sewer lateral is to perform video inspections once every 5 to 10 years. In the event of tree roots or other obstructions, high pressure or mechanical cleaning may clear the pipe. Good practice is to follow kinetic cleaning with chemical treatment which may prevent root intrusion, and extend the useful life of the sewer piping. Routine cleaning and treatment of the sewer pipe may be required once every two to three years depending on the severity of pipe cracks and root growth. Not all chemical treatments are the same, there are three primary categories of chemical sewer treatments, acids, alkaline, and biologic. Although strong acids and even alkaline based chemicals are good at dissolving most obstructions, the potential damage caused to the pipes themselves many times outweighs the advantages. Hydrochloric acid reacts with various metal and even VCF pipes causing significant deterioration of pipe walls which may leads to accelerated corrosion, holes, and cracks. Further, most acids and base chemicals can stain or burn fixtures causing aesthetic damage. Sewer laterals that tie to a septic system should never have harsh chemicals used to clear stoppages. Strong chemicals can kill all bacteria needed to make a septic tank work, resulting in premature pumping to remove the chemicals. The best drain and sewer cleaning products are biological and septic safe. A biological treatment slowly introduces an activated bacteria into the system, allowing the treatment time to break down organic matter to safely free any obstructions. 

Since the 1970s, most new private sewer laterals are Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe. PVC is a ten foot long, high strength semi-rigid pipe offering watertight joints when properly installed. Because of the length of pipe, PVC offers fewer potential points of failure, and through solvent cements and chemical primers offer reliable joint seals. Although PVC sewer laterals are almost universally accepted, some jurisdictions require an upgraded pipe material. An uncommon alternative to standard schedule 40 PVC sewer lateral, is SDR 26 with an integrated pressure pipe gasket joint. Comparatively, SDR 26 is far more expensive to procure due to the additional polymer needed to produce a thicker pipe wall, as well as the advanced manufacturing process required to integrate the pressure gasket joint into the plastic. Generally, SDR 26 is used on commercial and industrial applications, however some jurisdictions have begun requiring this pipe for residential installations as well. 

The estimated cost to replace a sewer lateral ranges from a low of $5,000 up to $25,000 depending on the length of pipe, terrain topography, obstructions in the yard, underground materials to be excavated, and requirements of the city or county. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requiring gasketed SDR 26 will be more expensive.

LEARN MORE, CLICK BELOW on our published articles on main sewer laterals and systems:

Better people

The focus of our team is safe restoration of sanitary plumbing for our clients. Our technicians’ complete plumbing repairs daily, further refining their practical experience. We maintain a Master Plumbing License and participate in annual continuing education to deepen our technical skills. The above-industry-standard training we receive in plumbing pipefitting, hydraulic theory, and practical applications ensure our workmanship meets all plumbing code requirements while integrating best practices.

Better products

When selecting plumbing materials and equipment, the products we choose possess a proven track record of reliable performance delivering clients years of peace of mind. Our supply chain partners lead their respective industries in manufacturing quality, emerging plumbing technologies, and innovations in safety. When possible, we buy American made products.

Better solutions

Our team maintains the technical knowledge in plumbing theory, application, and code requirements ensures our plumbing installations provide long-term service and safety. Continuous training, coupled with careful product selection, delivers reliable and sanitary plumbing solutions for our clients.