What Is Trenchless Sewer Line Repair?

If you’ve ever flushed your toilet or run a shower and had water back up and spill onto your floor, you know how frustrating sewer line problems are. In the past, an issue with your sewage system meant turning your yard into a construction zone by cutting a massive trench into your lawn.

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Fortunately, modern plumbing has evolved, and you can fix your pipes without the traditional methods of having to dig up your yard. The method is called trenchless sewer repair. The process is available for both residential and commercial properties. You’ll still need to contact a highly trained plumber, but the alternative process is less invasive, is faster and offers significant advantages and true peace of mind.

What Is Trenchless Sewer Line Repair?

The trenchless sewer repair method involves digging two small access points at either end of a damaged section of sewer pipe. Instead of removing the old pipe, it’s repaired from the inside out. Once complete, you’ll have a new section of pipe without causing further damage to your property.

How Does It Differ From Traditional Repair?

Traditional sewer line repair is destructive and can cost up to $3,800 (CAD 5,179). A team will arrive with a type of heavy machinery called a backhoe and start by digging a long, deep trench over your damaged sewer line. Once the pipe is exposed, the damaged section is removed, the broken section replaced and the trench filled back in. The process can ruin your landscape and potentially damage your driveway or patio. In addition to the sewer repair, you’ll also have the added cost of restoring your lawn.

Types of Trenchless Sewer Repair Methods

There are two main types of trenchless pipe repairs. Your plumber will decide which one will work best depending on the condition of your existing pipes.

Pipe Lining

Also referred to as cured-in-place pipe or CIPP, pipe lining is the most common and cost-effective type of trenchless repair. The process involves inserting a flexible piece of resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe. Once the liner is in place, it’s inflated so it conforms to the walls of the original pipe. It can take up to 24 hours for the resin to cure. Once that happens, a new seamless and high-quality pipe forms inside the old one.

Pipe Bursting

In some cases, when the old pipe collapses or is beyond repair, a sewer line replacement is needed. A cone-shaped bursting head is pulled through the old sewer line using a hydraulic machine. As it moves, it breaks the old pipe and pushes it into the surrounding soil. At the same time, a new pipe is pulled into its place. This process also allows for a complete sewer line replacement without digging a trench.

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Signs of Sewer Line Problems

Your home’s sewer system works silently in the background. It’s one of those things we take for granted until it stops working. Problems can be messy and expensive and cause a lot of stress. The good news is that there are almost always signs before you need trenchless sewer line repairs.

Signs Inside Your Home

Every toilet, drain and appliance that uses water is connected to the main sewer line. This is where the first signs of problems will appear.

• Slow-moving drains: A single slow-moving drain might be a sign of a clog. However, if your shower, sink and toilet are all draining slowly at the same time, it’s a major red flag there’s an issue with your sewer line.

• Backups and clogs: If you find your toilet is always overflowing, it could be an indicator the main line is obstructed.

• Gurgling sounds: These sounds are caused by air trapped inside the sewer line trying to escape. A line blockage can prevent air and water from flowing freely and being forced up the drainpipe.

• Odors: If you notice a constant smell of sewage inside your home, it means sewer gas is escaping inside your house. Cracks in the main sewer line or blockages are usually the culprits.

Signs Outside of the Home

• Soggy lawn. A damaged or broken sewer line will keep the ground above it wet with water and waste. If your lawn is soggy even when it hasn’t rained, it’s time to contact a plumber.

• Foundation issues. This is one of the most serious signs. Cracks in the foundation that occur with plumbing issues could be a sign of major problems.

• Pests. An increase in bugs and rodents can sometimes be a sign of a damaged sewer line.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.