Why Homeowners Choose Trenchless Sewer Repair

In the past, replacing your sewer line meant exactly that — digging up your yard to expose where your home’s pipes connect to the main sewer line, then removing the damaged pipe and installing a replacement.

Trenchless sewer repair provides a high-tech alternative. With help from cameras and robots (yes, robots), your plumber may be able to restore your pipe to full functionality without significant digging. The technology has serious advantages including:

• Lower Costs- Trenchless tech requires fewer man-hours and a smaller workforce than digging. While it’s not an inexpensive service, it’s typically much less expensive compared to the cost of traditional techniques (and comparing plumbing services can help you keep your budget under control).
• Fast Completion- Many projects can be completed within a day, and trenchless tools are relatively quiet. That means more comfort and less disruption for the homeowner.
• Less Damage to Your Yard- Your plumber may need to dig several small holes to access your sewer line, but the impact on your landscaping will be minimal. In other words, you don’t need to sacrifice your perfectly manicured lawn or your award-winning flowerbed to restore your plumbing.
• Eco-Friendly Results- Trenchless technologies use fewer materials, produce less waste, and require less heavy equipment than traditional repair techniques.

Your plumber will need to evaluate your property to determine whether it’s a candidate for trenchless sewer repair. However, when performed correctly, the process is safe, cost-efficient, and dependable, which makes it an attractive option for homeowners.

How Trenchless Pipe Repair Works

Trenchless sewer repair utilizes state-of-the-art technology to repair a pipe from the inside out. Instead of digging into your landscaping, plumbers send a camera through the affected pipe. This allows them to assess damage — if damage is severe, trenchless pipe lining might not be possible, or the plumber might use a different technique to repair the line.

After the inspection, the plumber will use one of two techniques to complete the project: slip lining (also called CIPP, which stands for cured-in-place pipe) or pipe bursting. Pipe bursting is exactly what it sounds like — the pipe is purposely broken section by section while a robot replaces the old pipe with a new pipe.

For slip lining projects, a special machine expands an epoxy within the existing pipe. This creates a new pipe within the old pipe. The resulting liner is long lasting, durable, and strong, and it won’t significantly reduce the flow of the sewer line.

Either technique can revitalize your home’s plumbing, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional pipe replacement. However, both processes can still be fairly expensive — you’ll need to do some research before choosing a plumber. Look for at least 3-4 services offering trenchless sewer repair in your area, then read their websites carefully.

Questions to consider:

• Is the plumber insured and licensed?
• Does the plumber offer a service guarantee, and if so, what are the terms of the guarantee?
• Does the plumber specialize in CIPP lining or pipe bursting?
• How much experience does the plumber have in sewer repair?

After you’ve found a few reputable services, you can start collecting estimates. Remember, your initial quote may not reflect the final price of the services — always read your service agreement carefully before signing the paperwork.

Exploring Options Online for Trenchless Pipe Repair

If you have an older home — or if you’re constantly dealing with plumbing issues caused by built-up grease, tree roots, or leaking pipes — trenchless pipe repair might help. You’ll need to have your plumbing professionally evaluated by a plumbing service that specializes in trenchless technology.

To explore your options, do a little bit of research. Find 3-4 plumbers in your area that offer slip lining or pipe bursting (some simply advertise these services as trenchless repair). Compare carefully, paying close attention to their credentials. When in doubt, ask for references.

Plumbing problems aren’t much fun, but state-of-the-art technology can help you reduce your costs while restoring your home’s plumbing. With a quick online search, you’ll be able to collect estimates — and enjoy peace of mind when the repairs are completed.