Understanding Sewer Line Repair: Trenchless vs. Traditional

Sewer line failures are among the messiest plumbing problems there are. Modern trenchless technology has changed the picture, but it is not the answer for every job. Here is when each method makes sense.

Traditional (dig-and-replace) repair

Crews dig a trench along the line to expose and replace it. This suits severely collapsed lines or a complete reroute. The downsides are a torn-up yard, driveway or patio, and a longer restoration timeline.

Trenchless repair

Pipe lining (CIPP)

A resin-saturated liner is pulled through the old pipe and cured in place, creating a new pipe within the old one.

Pipe bursting

A bursting head breaks the old pipe outward while pulling new HDPE pipe into its place, which suits full replacements with minimal digging.