Can you line a broken sewer line?

Author: Leda Bednar II  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

We apply a specially designed pipe liner to the inside surface of the cracked sewer line using existing access points. The liner molds itself to the existing pipe, sealing off any cracks, and then hardens in place, providing a brand-new and seamless inner pipe surface.

Can you line a broken sewer pipe?

Sewer linings can help to repair cracked pipes without having to completely replace your sewer lines or destroy the area around them. If you are looking to replace an existing underground sewer pipe that has started to leak, first consider your options. A full sewer pipe replacement may not be necessary.

What to do if sewer line breaks?

If you have a mainline or sewer line break, it is best to let the professionals fix it.

Does insurance cover a broken sewer line?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

What are the disadvantages of relining?

The liner may eventually wear out or become damaged, requiring additional repairs in the future. Limited to certain types of pipes: Drain relining is typically only suitable for certain types of pipes, such as clay, cast iron, and PVC. It may not be suitable for other materials, such as pitch fibre or asbestos.

4 Signs That Tells You If Your Sewer Line Is Broken | CALL A PLUMBER

How much does pipe relining cost?

So you've had a pipe video inspection done and the plumbers say that your cast iron pipe have to be replaced. Then you did some research and found out by pipe lining and that it could save you a lot of money. The question is how much money? Under houses pipe relining can range from $100 to $300 per linear foot .

Can a collapsed pipe be relined?

Can you reline a collapsed pipe? We have relined pipes that are partially collapsed or completely collapsed. When it is fully collapsed, we use our robotic cutting service to grind away at the broken sections of the pipe to re-open the internal diameter.

Are local governments responsible for paying for sewer line repairs?

Sewer laterals are the underground pipes that connect your home wastewater to the main sewer line in the street. Homeowners are responsible for their sewer laterals, while problems with the public sewer main line are managed by the city or municipality.

How long do sewer lines last?

This pipe, which lies buried under the soil of your yard, can last anywhere from 50-100 years or more, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used.

Does homeowners insurance pay for broken pipes?

Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing repairs? Homeowners insurance may cover water damage from a sudden accidental plumbing problem such as a burst pipe. However, it generally won't cover repairs to the pipe. The exception is if pipes are damaged by a fire, storm or another event your policy covers.

How serious is a cracked sewer pipe?

Sewer pipe cracks are serious problems that can lead to property damage, soil pollution, and mold-related health issues. Sewer gas leaks can also cause people to experience headaches, dizziness, sinus infections, and more.

How long does it take to repair a broken sewer line?

Sewer repair times vary, but patching a minor crack or clearing a clog may only take a few hours. Trenchless sewer line replacement can take around two business days, while traditional replacement can take three or more.

Should you repair or replace your sewer line?

Sewer line repair is recommended when there are cracks or holes in your sewer line. If damage is severe, replacement of the line is recommended. A pipe leak test must be performed, then there are two ways to proceed. The first is with trenchless repair.

What happens if your sewer line breaks?

If your sewer line develops a problem under your home, it could lead to some serious foundation issues if left unchecked. If you're noticing cracks in your foundation, your broken sewer line has to be repaired as soon as possible. Left alone, it could cause further problems, such as sinkholes and home settling.

What size pipes can be relined?

Pipes smaller than 40mm are generally not suitable for relining because the liner material, once cured, would overly restrict water flow. However, pipes up to 225mm like some larger stormwater drains may still be candidates for this trenchless solution.

Can a broken sewer line cause a sinkhole?

If you have ever looked at a house and noticed a depression or a trench in the front lawn, chances are the sewer is running directly below that depression. A sewer line that is not sealed properly can cause the ground to erode over time, leading to your sewer causing sinkholes.

Can you fix a sewer line yourself?

While it's certainly possible for a homeowner to replace the sewer line from the house to the street, it's not going to be an easy job. It's going to require both knowledge and manpower because it needs to be done right, or it won't work properly.

Why is sewer line replacement so expensive?

Sewer work is expensive because of the labor-intensive process involved, which includes excavation, pipe removal, and installation of a new one. It requires significant manual labor and expertise, driving up the overall cost.

How can I tell if my sewer line is broken?

The Top 10 Most Common Signs of Broken Sewer Lines
  1. Sewer Smell. Usually, one of the first signs of a sewer line is a bad odor. ...
  2. Gurgling Toilet. ...
  3. Pests in Your Home. ...
  4. Slow Drains. ...
  5. Sewage Backup in Your Toilet or Tub. ...
  6. Mold or Mildew On Your Ceilings or Walls. ...
  7. Cracks in Your Walls. ...
  8. Unusually Green Patches on Your Lawn.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer lines?

In most cases, home insurance will cover sewer line damage from specific events. This includes extreme weather (excluding earthquakes and floods), vandalism, fire, and damage from vehicles or falling objects.

How deep is the city sewer line?

Also, this allows the waste to make its way to the wastewater plant. Additionally, 12 feet deep is the depth city sewer lines are buried. They can go as deep as needed to stay below your residential sewer lines.

Can I sue the city for sewer backup?

Tree roots can grow into and obstruct the sewer lines; or extraordinary amounts of rainfall can infiltrate the system and overload it. The courts have made it clear that the city is liable for sewer back-up damages if, and only if, the city's negligence causes damages.

What is the cost of pipe relining?

Pipe Lining

Replacing an old sewer system with a trenchless one requires a professional to blow a resin-coated lining through the old pipe. Sewer pipe lining costs between $135 and $150 per linear foot.

Does insurance cover collapsed pipes?

Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover water line breaks unless a line has undergone sudden, significant damage. For example, if you dig in your yard and accidentally damage the water line running from your meter, repairs and cleanup may be covered.

What is the difference between pipe bursting and relining?

Pipe bursting provides you with a completely new line, while pipe lining only addresses the flaws present in the pipes. Overall, pipe bursting offers better results than pipe lining in the long run. However, if cost is an issue or the issues are minor, pipe lining is enough to restore your line to good working order.

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