Older and historic homes

As old as the house

A house's sewer line is usually as old as the house. In older towns that is clay or cast iron that has been in the ground for generations. In University City, 38% of homes were built before 1940; in Webster Groves, 35%; and in Richmond Heights, 43%.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020-2024, table B25034. Estimates.

What old pipe does

Clay pipe comes in short lengths, so an old line has a joint every few feet, and roots find those joints. Cast iron rusts and scales from the inside until the opening narrows. Both are the conditions lining is for: the pipe is worn, but still round. A liner covers every joint along the run, so the roots have nowhere to get back in.

What lining leaves alone

The camera and the liner go in through a cleanout. The mature tree whose roots are in the line, the stone walk, the garden wall and the old plantings stay where they are. Digging would go through them.

If a section has collapsed or sags, that part has to be dug up and replaced, and the dig can be kept to that spot.

In a historic district

If the house is in a local historic district, ask the city whether digging in the front yard or replacing a walk needs review. Lining from a cleanout usually changes nothing anyone can see.

Before you decide

1. Have the line filmed end to end, with distances.
2. Ask what the video shows at each joint, and whether the pipe is round enough to line.
3. Check your city's lateral program before any work. What each one says.

Questions owners ask

Can an old clay or cast iron sewer line be lined?

Often, if it is still round. Cracks, roots at the joints and worn pipe are what lining is for. A collapsed section has to be dug up first.