The difference between a drain replacement (redrain) project that lasts and one that becomes a callback is almost always in the details that don't show up in a low bid.
These are the specs and design decisions our team insists on for every Houston home — the ones that quietly separate a real professional install from a cheap one.
1. PVC or cast-iron replacement, not patches
Original 1960s-era cast iron in Houston has usually failed. Full replacement, not spot repairs, is the honest answer.
2. Camera inspection before and after
Video documentation of the existing line and the new line — non-negotiable for a job this expensive.
3. Cleanouts at every direction change
Accessible cleanouts every 100 ft and at each major turn — required by code and worth every dollar.
4. Proper slope maintained end-to-end
¼" per foot on 2" and 3" lines, 1/8" on 4". Bellies are why cast iron failed in the first place.
5. Slab restoration done right
If tunneling was used, backfill compacted to spec. If cut-and-patch, proper concrete match. Cheap patches crack immediately.
The bottom line
Any of these can be skipped to hit a lower price — and every one of them will show up as a problem within a few years. Ask any contractor bidding your drain replacement (redrain) project which of these are included, in writing. The honest ones welcome the question.
If you'd like to walk through what these look like on your specific home, our team is happy to do a no-pressure consultation.
