Sewer Line Replacement

Purpose

Procedures for sewer line replacement by install crews.

Review scope: full replacement vs. section repair, pipe material, depth, route

Call OUPS (811) minimum 48 hours before — wait for marks

Plan excavation route to minimize property damage

Set up safety perimeter and barricades around excavation area

Excavate following Excavation & Trenching Safety SOP

Remove old sewer line

Install new line with proper grade: minimum 1/4 inch per foot fall

Use approved materials and fittings for connections

Connect to house plumbing at entry point and to city sewer or septic at exit

Camera inspect completed installation before backfill

Backfill in layers with proper compaction

Restore surface as close to original as possible (seed, sod, or coordinate restoration)

Schedule inspection if required by code

Document extensively: before, during, after photos and video

Secure open excavation at end of each day (barricades, covers)

Communicate daily progress to homeowner

Plan for weather — rain can flood excavations

In heavy/saturated soil, may need to create mound and schedule return for settling

OUPS call is legally mandatory — skipping it is a violation
Permits required in most Ohio municipalities — coordinate with office
If you hit an unmarked utility, stop immediately and call 911 if gas or electric
Restore property thoroughly — customer satisfaction depends on it
Wet soil is most dangerous — rain increases cave-in risk significantly