Woman finds way to save yard and replace sewer line

Woman finds way to save yard and replace sewer line

December 8, 2006

By CATHARYN CAMPBELL
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- The federal government is mandating that some KUB customers fix defective sewer lines connecting to their homes. The process can cause a lot of damage to property unless you find a plumber who doesn't have to dig up your yard.

In Old North Knoxville, Melissa May has watched several of her neighbors yards get ripped apart.

"I had the whole yard and irrigation system put in for $15,000 and then a week later I got the message from KUB so I literally sat and cried a little bit. I've gotten many estimates from regular plumbers...they were going to have to rip up the side walk and dig a trench that's five feet wide and eight feet deep," May says. 

Then she found Pipe Wrench Plumbing. The company can make repairs without causing the damage through a process called "pipe bursting."

Crews dig a small hole at each end of the sewer line. Then they insert a long cable through the existing line and connect it to a metal bursting head.

Trent Eidemiller is co-owner of the company. He explains how the process works.

"The bursting head that we use has blades on the side which actually burst the existing pipe. Our system will pull up to 20 tons. We actually connect the new pipe to the back of the bursting head so as we pull the bursting head, the new pipe is going to follow right in its place."

Workers were able to do the job without destroying a concrete retaining wall or damaging any trees.  

Melissa paid $3,500 to have the work done. She says the cost was a few hundred dollars more than estimates from other private contractors. "The stress level and not having to replace my yard is well worth a couple extra hundred bucks."

KUB estimates 12,000 of its customers will eventually have to make similar repairs. Those people will get a notice in the mail.

There are grants and loans available for low income home owners to make repairs. You can call the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee at 637-9073 to see if you meet the guidelines.

For people who qualify for assistance, CAC will arrange for a plumber from its pre-qualified list.