When facing a broken or damaged sewer line, homeowners often wonder: Is trenchless sewer repair better than traditioinal dig and replace drain repair? The answer depends on your situation, but one thing’s certain — understanding your options can save you thousands and protect your property. First we will go over traditional plumbing repair and what it is, so that we can compare it to trenchless plumbing to see which is right for you.
What Is Traditional Sewer Repair?
Traditional sewer repair, sometimes called “open trench” repair, involves excavating or digging a large trench along the path of the damaged pipe. Crews physically remove the old pipe and replace it with a new one. It is also called spot drain repair because you are only changing the effected pipe, leaving behind the old drain.
Pros of Traditional Plumbing Repair:
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Best for severely collapsed, heavily offset pipes, and broken drains.
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No risk of lining failure.
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Full pipe replacement can last 75–100 years depending on the material, location, and usage.
Cons of Traditional Repair:
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Extensive digging damages landscaping, driveways, sidewalks.
- Digging on public property requires permits.
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Longer project timeline (days to weeks)
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Higher labor and restoration (Most plumbing companies don’t do concrete, masonry, or other work after plumbing repair is done)
What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?
Trenchless sewer repair uses no-dig technology to fix pipes underground with minimal excavation. Methods like CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) lining and pipe bursting allow technicians to repair or replace sewer lines through small access points. We will look at the types of trenchless sewer repairs to help us compare.
Pros of Trenchless Repair:
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Minimal disruption to property
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Faster completion (often in 1–2 days)
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Durable liners last 50+ years
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More environmentally friendly
Cons of Trenchless Repair:
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Not ideal for fully collapsed pipes
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Initial cost can be comparable to traditional replacement (but saves in restoration costs)
Trenchless Drain Repair Options
Pipe Lining
Pipe lining, or Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP), is one of the most popular trenchless sewer repair methods. A flexible, resin-saturated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe. Once in place, the liner is inflated and cured using hot water, steam, or UV light, forming a brand-new, seamless pipe inside the old one. CIPP lining is ideal for fixing cracks, leaks, and minor structural defects without digging up your property. It’s a cost-effective and long-lasting solution for sewer pipe repair.
Slip Lining
Slip lining is one of the oldest forms of trenchless sewer repair. It involves inserting a slightly smaller pipe into the damaged existing line and sealing the ends. This method reinforces the old pipe and helps prevent leaks and collapses. Slip lining is best used for long, straight runs of pipe where minimizing flow reduction isn’t a major concern. It’s a reliable and economical choice for rehabilitating deteriorated sewer mains.
Pull-In-Place Lining
Pull-in-place lining involves manually pulling a resin-coated liner into a damaged section of the sewer pipe. Technicians position the liner precisely, then inflate it and cure it using heat or UV light. Pull-in-place is perfect for repairing isolated sections of pipe that don’t require a full-length liner, making it a targeted, cost-efficient repair method for specific areas of damage.
Pipe Bursting
When the existing pipe is severely damaged or collapsed, pipe bursting is often the best solution. This method involves pulling a new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe through the old one while simultaneously fracturing and expanding the existing pipe outward. Pipe bursting is highly effective for sewer replacement jobs, especially when upgrading to a larger-diameter pipe. It’s a strong choice for homeowners needing full sewer line replacement without the mess of traditional excavation.
Inversion Lining
Inversion lining is a type of CIPP where the liner is turned inside-out as it’s installed, using air or water pressure to force it into place. This ensures a tight fit along the interior walls of the existing pipe. Once inverted, the liner is cured, forming a durable, smooth new pipe inside. Inversion lining is ideal for repairing pipes with multiple bends or complex configurations. It provides a strong, jointless solution that resists root intrusion and leaks.
| Feature | Traditional Repair | Trenchless Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Property Damage | High | Low |
| Timeline | Several days–weeks | 1–2 days |
| Cost | Moderate to high | Moderate |
| Longevity | 75–100 years | 50+ years |
| Best For | Severe collapse, major shifts | Cracks, leaks, minor offsets |
Which Plumbing Repair Should I Choose?
✅ Get a Sewer Inspection – It’s critical to inspect the pipe’s condition before deciding.
✅ Evaluate Property Impact – If digging would destroy expensive landscaping, trenchless is usually better.
✅ Ask About Warranties – Quality trenchless repairs often come with long-term warranties.
✅ Consider Your Budget – While trenchless may seem costly upfront, it often saves thousands on restoration.
At Carini Home Services, we specialize in trenchless sewer repair and offer honest advice tailored to your situation. Call us today to schedule your plumbing inspection! Want to see more trenchless drain repair options for clogged drains like clogged toilets and tubs? Check out our San Diego Plumbing Services.
Other Trenchless Drain Repair Solutions
Trenchless technology isn’t just for sewer line replacement. It also applies to common drain problems like:
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Drain cleaning and hydro jetting to clear blockages and clean drains
- Drain Milling – Using a snake with a spinning chain-mail, you can clean the drain by shaving it down
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Drain snaking for clogged drains and removing common items like “flushable wipes” and children’s toys
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Root removal from drains – using specialized trenchless equipment
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Clogged drain repair – For indoor and outdoor drains.
- Outdoor Drains – We unclog drains found outside like area drains, and french drains.
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Sewer Inspection – Using a sewer camera to diagnose drain problems fast
Whether you’re dealing with a slow drain or a full sewer line collapse, trenchless methods offer faster, less invasive solutions. Trenchless repair is especially important for repairs that are not directly on your property.
Who Is Responsible for Sewer Line Repairs on Private Property?
Many homeowners don’t realize that sewer lateral repairs and drain repairs running under a neighbor’s property, sidewalk, or city land are actually their responsibility. As a homeowner, you are fully responsible for sewer line repairs, sewer pipe replacement, and any mainline sewer repairs up to the point where your private sewer system connects to the city plumbing.
This includes underground sewer laterals that run beneath public streets, sidewalks, driveways, and even underneath neighboring properties. If your sewer mainline needs pipe replacement or sewer repair, whether it’s under your yard or a city sidewalk, it’s considered homeowner sewer responsibility. Understanding this now can help you avoid major issues later, especially if you need professional underground sewer repair or trenchless sewer services. Using no-dig plumbing like pipe relining, you can repair pipes underneath land outside of your property.