Is trenchless sewer repair worth it?

Author: Dayton Funk Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Trenchless sewer repair offers many benefits, such as minimal property disruption and cost efficiency. It's a modern solution that saves you from extensive digging and costly restoration. However, it's essential to consider the higher initial costs and whether it's suitable for your situation.

What are the cons of trenchless sewer repair?

Con – The only drawback to trenchless sewer repair is that it is not always possible. Corrosion or old age can cause pipes to be unsalvageable, making a trenched sewer line repair the only option.

How long does a trenchless sewer line last?

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the most common material for trenchless sewer repair. It's flexible and easy to maneuver underground without excavation, and it's durable enough to last for between 50 and 100 years if your tech installs it properly.

How much does a trenchless water main cost?

Trenchless Replacement

A trenchless water line replacement costs $75 to $150 per linear foot. The process involves boring a hole at each end of the water line and tunneling a cable between these holes.

How long do trenchless live?

A trenchless sewer repair can often last up to 50 to 100 years if done correctly and properly maintained.

Trenchless Sewer Line Repair | Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Can trenchless sewer repair fix a belly?

Although homeowners prefer trenchless repair methods, this is simply not possible for sewer line belly repairs.

How long do underground sewer lines last?

Clay pipes typically last between 50-60 years, while PVC pipes are expected to last 100 years before requiring replacement.

What is the cheapest way to replace a sewer line?

Trenchless sewer repairs, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, are typically 30-40% less expensive than traditional excavation and less invasive. Traditional excavation, which involves digging a trench to access the damaged pipe, is usually more expensive and can cause significant damage to your yard.

Does homeowners insurance cover main water line replacement?

If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.

What are the two most common trenchless sewer operations?

  • Trenchless Sewer Methods. There are three popular methods of trenchless sewer repairs. ...
  • Pipe Bursting. Pipe bursting is a process that uses a bursting head to go through a damaged sewer line. ...
  • Cured-in-Place Pipelining(CIPP) CIPP pipelining uses epoxy to reinforce and seal a broken pipe internally. ...
  • Slip Lining.

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 does trenchless sewer work?

Trenchless Sewer Repair Methods

A liner is initially soft and flexible, and imbued with a resin that completely hardens into a water-tight seal when dry. This liner is fed through your segment of damaged line by a specialized winch tool, and is then inflated once it is in place.

How do you replace a sewer line without digging?

4 Types of Trenchless Sewer Repairs
  1. CIPP. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology relines damaged pipes by inserting a fiberglass tube coated with epoxy resin into the damaged pipe and then blowing it up like a balloon. ...
  2. Pipe Bursting. ...
  3. Spray Lining/Brush Coating. ...
  4. Slip Lining.

How much does it cost to trench sewer line?

Trenching costs $5 to $12 per linear foot, depending on the length, depth, soil type, and obstructions. Digging a 100-foot trench costs $500 to $1,200 on average for underground electrical conduit or water, sewer, or gas lines. Trenching services charge $35 to $65 per hour for labor.

What is the most common material used for trenchless repair?

Most Common Materials Used During a Trenchless Pipelining Repair. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe: This is a type of plastic pipe that is often used in trenchless repairs. HDPE pipe is strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for trenchless repairs.

How long does trenchless pipe lining last?

The expected lifespan of trenchless pipe and lining technologies is impressive, lasting a minimum of 50 years and often much longer. This makes it a long-term solution for homeowners looking to fix their clay sewer pipes without the hassle and cost associated with traditional pipe replacement methods.

What is the average cost to replace a main water line?

Expect costs to rise from 4% to 8.5% over 2023 for any plumbing project, including main line installations. The national average for replacement ranges from $1,500 to $12,000, with most homeowners paying around $3,750 for replacing a 25-foot long main line with galvanized steel using a trenchless installation.

Does homeowners insurance cover tree roots in a sewer line?

Are tree roots in a sewer line covered by insurance? Not usually. While insurance may help cover damage to your property caused by tree roots, it generally won't cover costs associated specifically with the sewer lines.

What type of water damage is not covered by insurance?

If the damage is sudden, accidental, and comes from inside your home, you're typically protected with a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, you typically won't be covered if the water damage is caused by outside flooding or a neglected repair.

Is Roto Rooter more expensive than other plumbers?

Roto-Rooter is a national service available in every U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii. Flat-rate pricing might be slightly higher in states with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, but most plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour.

How many years does a sewer line last?

Generally speaking, you're going to find that most main sewer lines will only last somewhere between 50 and 100 years before you need to do a main sewer line replacement. You could very well have a broken sewer line on your hands right now and not even realize it.

Can you finance sewer line replacement?

On the other hand, if you've got sewer problems or other urgent repairs, you really can't afford to wait, and financing definitely makes sense. You basically have three choices—a personal home improvement loan, a home improvement credit card, and a home equity loan.

How do you tell if your sewer line needs to be replaced?

7 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced
  1. There's a Spike in Your Water Bill. ...
  2. You Hear Gurgling Coming from the Pipes. ...
  3. The Water Is Slowly Draining. ...
  4. Your Yard is Soggy. ...
  5. The Smell of Sewage Lingers. ...
  6. Pests Are Attracted to Your Yard. ...
  7. The Toilet Bowl Water Level Is Up and Down.

How deep are home sewer lines buried?

For instance, residential sewer line depth ranges from 18 to 30 inches. However, city sewer line depths are different. Your city's sewer lines must always be deeper than the deepest residential pipe to allow waste to flow downhill. As such, these lines can go as deep as needed.

How long will PVC pipe last buried underground?

Dig-up test results in the U.S. and around the world indicate that PVC pipe can be expected to provide reliable service in excess of 100 years.

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