The camera inspection answers this. Spot repair or pipe lining works when the pipe is structurally intact but has cracks, root intrusion, or minor damage. Full replacement (pipe bursting or excavation) is needed when the pipe has collapsed sections, severe sags, multiple major breaks, or is too deteriorated for a liner to hold.

We always show you the camera footage and explain the actual options — not just push the most expensive one.

The most common signs: recurring drain backups across multiple fixtures, standing water or soft patches in the yard, persistent sewer smells indoors or outside, gurgling sounds from drains or toilets, and unusually high water bills (from hidden leaks). Any of these together strongly suggests the sewer system is compromised.

The sooner you act, the easier — and more affordable — the fix.

Pipe bursting destroys your old pipe entirely and pulls a brand-new HDPE pipe into its place — full replacement, can increase pipe size, ideal for severely deteriorated or collapsed pipes.

CIPP pipe lining inserts a resin liner that cures into a new pipe-within-a-pipe — not a full replacement but seals cracks, joints, and root entry points. Best for structurally intact pipes with damage that doesn’t require full replacement.

The camera inspection tells us which one fits your specific pipe.

Most residential sewer line replacements take 1 to 3 days of on-site work, depending on length, depth, soil, access, and method. Trenchless pipe bursting on a typical residential lateral can often be completed in a single day. Open-cut excavation with concrete and landscape restoration adds time. Permit acquisition typically adds 1 to 3 weeks before the work begins.

Sewer replacement cost varies based on length, depth, soil conditions, access, method (trenchless vs open-cut), hardscape involved, and city permit fees. We provide upfront written pricing after the camera inspection — so you know exactly what you’re paying before any work begins. No hourly billing, no surprises.

Call (800) 818-2397 for a free in-person estimate. Camera inspection included.

In most cases yes. Trenchless pipe bursting and CIPP lining only require small access pits at each end of the work area — leaving your lawn, driveway, hardscape, and street largely untouched. We always evaluate trenchless first during the camera inspection. Open-cut excavation is only recommended when the pipe condition or city requirements make it the only option.

Yes. Every sewer line replacement we perform requires a permit, and we pull it in-house. We coordinate with city inspectors for required inspections, handle the close-out paperwork, and own the timeline from estimate to final sign-off. You don’t spend weeks chasing the city — we do.

Modern HDPE pipe (used in pipe bursting) has a service life of 50 to 100 years when properly installed. CIPP liners are rated for 50+ years. Both far outlast the original clay or cast iron pipes they replace, and both come with strong warranties — lifetime warranty available on most pipe bursting installations.

Standard homeowners insurance usually does NOT cover sewer line replacement — it’s considered a maintenance issue and excluded from most policies. Some homeowners carry a "service line endorsement" or "sewer line rider" that does cover it. Check your specific policy. We provide detailed camera-inspection documentation and itemized invoices to support any claim you do file.

Call (800) 818-2397 or schedule online. We’ll send a certified plumber to perform a camera inspection of your sewer line. You see the footage. We diagnose the actual condition. Then we provide an upfront written quote with both trenchless and traditional options where applicable. You decide which path to take — no pressure, no upsells.