What Are Your Options for Sewer Line Repair?
To dig or not to dig?
Highlights
Trenchless repair can fix a portion or an entire sewer line, depending on the issue.
Trenchless repair usually requires minimal digging with one or two access points.
Trenching may be the best option for an isolated area or total replacement.
Costs for any type of repair typically range from $50 to $250 per foot.
Sewer line repair is best left to a pro.
Sewer problems can be a big hassle—whether it’s a leak, clog, or tree root invasion. Luckily, there’s a range of options for sewer repair. Depending on what's causing the problem, you might opt for trenchless repair or do some digging. Learn about the four sewer line repair options, how much they cost, and when to choose them.
1. Trenchless CIPP Sewer Repair or Replacement
Trenchless sewer repair, also called Cured-in-Place (CIPP) lining or a sleeve, only involves digging at one or two access points—limiting the impact to your yard, garden, or patio. A sewer line repair company or plumber sends a video camera into your pipes to investigate. The camera helps them determine the condition of your pipes and if a new liner can fix the issue.
With trenchless repair, the contractor inserts an inflatable tube to reline your entire sewer pipe or repair a small section, depending on your issue. They’ll create a new pipe inside your old one with an epoxy liner that cures and hardens. Then, they’ll remove the inflatable tube and repair your sewer line.
When it's best: Trenchless CIPP repair is best if the damage to your sewer pipe is minimal, such as a small leak or an isolated tree root entering your line. If your existing pipe is in solid structural condition, a new liner is often enough.
Cost: Trenchless repair usually costs between $60 and $250 per foot, in addition to small repairs to your yard or landscaping.
2. Trenchless Replacement with a Pipe Bursting System
Repairing your line with a pipe bursting system requires access at both ends of your pipeline and limits the impact on your property. A sewer repair contractor sends a small, durable wire through the pipe.
At one end, the contractor attaches a cone-shaped “bursting head” that they will pull through the line with a hydraulic-powered pulling mechanism. The contractor then pulls the bursting head through the center of the old pipe, causing it to break and push the old pipe out of the way. As the old pipe breaks, a new pipe is pulled through at the same time to replace the old one.
When it’s best: Pipe bursting is best when your sewer line is too damaged for repairing or relining. It's a more invasive repair than CIPP lining but doesn't involve extensive digging.
Cost: Pipe bursting costs $60 to $200 per foot, plus any landscaping repair.
3. Trenching and Repairing an Isolated Area
If your sewer problem is limited to a few feet of pipe, trenching that specific area may be best. Trenching involves digging near the issue and either repairing or replacing the pipe. The extent of the digging depends on the problem and where it's located.
When it’s best: When you have a sewer pipe problem that's only a few feet in length, it can make sense to trench and repair the area.
Cost: The cost to trench and fix an area of pipe runs from $50 to $250 per foot. You’ll also need to repair the lawn or landscaping.
4. Trenching and Replacing Entire Sewer Line
Conventional trenching involves digging up the existing pipe, which can cause extensive damage to your yard. The contractor may have to trench through your yard and possibly parts of your home, such as ripping up flooring. The extent of the excavation depends on the damage and where the problem is. Trenching usually is more time-consuming than other methods.
When it’s best: Trenching and replacement is the best route when other methods won’t repair the issue. If your sewer pipe has significant damage, your pipes have collapsed, or your pipes are back-pitched, you might be looking at trenching and replacing.
Cost: The cost for sewer line replacement ranges from $50 to $250 per foot, plus any lawn or landscaping repair.
Sewer Line Repair Alternatives and Recommendations
It’s best to leave sewer line repair a plumber or sewer expert. Trying to repair a line yourself can cause serious risks. Backed-up sewage in your home can cause extensive—and expensive—water damage and be a biohazard to you and your family.
To determine the best sewer line repair option for you, contact at least three local sewer cleaners or professional plumbers to compare quotes. When they come to your house to look at the issue, they may use video cameras and other tools. Talk with each pro about your options and what makes sense long-term. The total cost of the repair depends on the extent of the damage and the cost of labor in your area.
Lastly, be sure to check with your home insurance company to see if your policy covers sewer line repair or replacement.