Sewer repair can be expensive, so it’s important to understand all your options when you need to have a sewer line repaired. Technological advances over the last several years mean that traditional sewer excavation is no longer the only choice available to homeowners.
“Trenchless” repair options are now both very reliable and widely available, and most situations can now be addressed with more than one sewer repair method.
So which is better? The answer depends on many factors, including the condition of the existing sewer pipe, the nature of the problem, and how important protecting landscaping, hardscapes, and driveways is for your project.
In this post I’ll give you some expert advice and helpful tips so you can make the best decision when faced with a sewer repair. You’ll want to consider every factor to get the best result for the best price. And you’ll want to find a plumber that will give you an honest assessment of each method rather than pushing just one.
How Is Trenchless Different Than Traditional Pipe Repair?
Two Types of Trenchless Sewer Repair
Trenchless sewer repair has revolutionized underground pipe repair, including sewer pipe. Unlike traditional repair methods that require extensive excavation, trenchless technology allows plumbers to repair or replace damaged pipes with minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape, and it can effectively repair broken pipes made of cast iron, clay, and most other materials.
There are two main trenchless pipe repair methods available:
Trenchless Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting breaks up the old pipe and leaves the remnants underground while pulling through a fully formed new pipe. This method does require digging two entry pits at either end of the new pipe, but it does not otherwise disturb the ground above the pipe.
Trenchless Pipe Lining (CIPP)
Trenchless Pipe Lining (sometimes called “relining”) uses “Cured-In-Place-Pipe” to use the shape of the old pipe to help form and support a new hardened epoxy tube that can be just as reliable as inserting an entirely new pipe. Early CIPP methods used heat to cure the epoxy, but the latest methods use ultraviolet light for a quicker, more reliably cured pipe liner.
Traditional Sewer Repair
Traditional sewer repair, of course, involves digging a trench along the entire length of the damaged pipe to expose it for repair or replacement. This method has been used for decades and is still widely employed, even when trenchless options are available.
Trenchless vs. Traditional Sewer Repair: Pros and Cons
Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs
Trenchless sewer line repair can offer numerous advantages over traditional sewer line excavation.
One of the most significant benefits is the minimal disruption to your property. With trenchless technology, plumbers can repair or replace your sewer pipe without extensive excavation, preserving your landscaping and hardscaping. In other words:
- Leaving your yard and grass intact
- Avoiding removal of desirable trees and shrubs
- Leaving walkways and retaining walls intact
- Leaving driveways and foundations intact
- Avoiding concrete damage to basement floors
Not only does this mean less hassle and loss of treasured property, but it also means that the project costs can be much lower since no remediation is required.
Trenchless methods can also typically be completed faster than traditional repair, reducing the overall time and inconvenience of the repair process.
Problems with Trenchless Sewer Repairs
While trenchless sewer line repair offers many benefits, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks as well.
One limitation of trenchless methods is that they may not be suitable for all types of pipe damage or all pipe materials. For example, if the existing pipe is completely collapsed or completely filled with dirt or rocks, it may not be possible to pull a new pipeline through or insert a liner.
Another potential issue is that the external support around the new pipe or liner cannot be fully verified. Since the ground around the pipe can’t be visually inspected, especially after the trenchless repair is completed, there could be open spaces around the new pipe that could result in sagging, bellies, or other issues over time.
Some homeowners may also be concerned about the effectiveness of trenchless repairs, as they cannot directly observe the repair process. However, modern camera inspection techniques and quality assurance measures help ensure the success of trenchless repairs.
However, some contractors and bloggers claim that trenchless repairs can actually be stronger and longer lasting than traditional repairs. Take that with a grain of salt.
That is not my professional experience, and if you think about it, it doesn’t seem all that reasonable. Often, the salesman or plumber making this claim only offers trenchless solutions, so it is in their interest to make this questionable claim.
Benefits of Traditional Sewer Line Repairs
Despite its more invasive nature, traditional excavation still offers several advantages in certain situations.
One of the primary benefits is the ability to directly access and visually inspect the damaged pipe, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the problem. This can be particularly valuable when dealing with complex issues or when there’s uncertainty about the extent of the damage.
Traditional repair methods also provide the opportunity to address any surrounding soil issues or make adjustments to the pipe’s slope if necessary.
Another advantage of traditional sewer line repair is its versatility in handling a wide range of pipe materials and damage types. This method can be employed regardless of the original pipe’s age, material, or condition, making it a reliable option for older homes or in situations where trenchless methods may not be feasible.
Additionally, traditional repairs may be more cost-effective for shorter pipe sections or when the damage is localized to a small area, as the setup costs for trenchless equipment may outweigh the benefits in such cases.
Problems with Traditional Sewer Repairs
The most significant drawback of traditional sewer line repair is, of course, the extensive excavation required. This can result in substantial damage to landscaping, driveways, patios, and other structures on your property.
The restoration costs associated with repairing this damage can be considerable, often adding significantly to the overall project expense. Moreover, the excavation process can be time-consuming, leading to extended periods of disruption to your daily life and potential inconvenience for neighbors.
Another concern with traditional open trench methods is the potential for unforeseen complications during the excavation process. Underground utilities, tree roots, or unexpected soil conditions can complicate the repair and increase costs. (Some people actually wonder if they can DIY their sewer repair, and this is where things can go really wrong for them).
Can Trenchless be used for sewer line pipe replacement, too?
If the condition of the original pipe is acceptable, trenchless methods can absolutely be used for complete sewer line replacement and, in many instances, could even be preferred, given the benefits discussed above.
Trenchless vs. Traditional Cost
When comparing the costs of trenchless sewer repair versus traditional methods, there are several factors to consider.
I’ve found that homeowners often expect that trenchless methods should cost a lot less simply due to the reduced time and labor. This isn’t necessarily true due to the high costs of the new technology and materials.
However, the overall cost can often be lower when factoring in the reduced need for landscape, hardscape, or foundation restoration. Trenchless methods typically result in less collateral damage, so to speak, which can significantly reduce the total project cost.
Traditional trenching repair costs can vary widely depending on how deep the pipe is, the length of the pipe being repaired or replaced, the presence of electrical and gas lines, and the necessary restoration work.
If the only damage is to the soil and grass of the yard, the service provider will typically include laying new grass seed in the estimate, but if there are other aspects of the property to be repaired, it will likely fall to another contractor.
Tip: Call a Plumber who provides both repair options in-house.
When deciding between trenchless sewer repair and traditional methods, I recommend getting estimates from plumbing companies that offer both trenchless and traditional solutions, like we do at Service Force Plumbing. And be sure that they do the work in-house, not by subcontracting a different company to do the work.
Experienced plumbers with the tools and experience in both trenchless and traditional repair techniques can provide an unbiased assessment of your specific situation. They can evaluate factors such as the extent of the damage, pipe material, soil conditions, and property layout to recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for your sewer line issues.
By choosing a company that offers both trenchless and traditional repair services, you can get honest advice based on the best interests of your property and plumbing system rather than being sold the only method a contractor can provide.
If you are in our local service area, call us at Service Force Plumbing for an honest, experienced assessment of your sewer line problems at 301-370-8320 or 301-760-2257. We offer every trenchless service, including pipe bursting, pipe lining (UV-cured) and traditional excavation.
About the Author: Hendrik Vandepoll is a 30+ year Master Plumber, and co-owner and Field Manager of Service Force Plumbing. He has been widely consulted about sewer and drain issues for many national publications, including BobVila.com, USA Today, The Spruce, and the Washington Post.
