What this covers
When a sewer lateral has failed in several places, or old clay, cast iron or fiber pipe has reached the end of its life, replacing the whole run makes more sense than chasing repairs. Trenchless methods do most of this work today: in pipe bursting, a new fused polyethylene line is pulled through the old pipe while a bursting head breaks it outward, with pits only at each end. Where the line has collapsed or must change route, an open trench is dug, shored and the new pipe laid at the correct slope on gravel bedding. Careful work means a camera check and flow test before backfill, cleanouts for future access, and the yard put back.
When to call
- A camera inspection that shows damage along much of the line.
- A collapsed section or a line that has lost its slope and holds water.
- Repeated backups and repairs over several years.
- An addition or remodel that adds fixtures to an undersized lateral.
What to expect
- Inspect and locateA camera and locator map the existing line, its depth and the utility crossings.
- PermitWhere the local code requires a permit and a utility locate, the company arranges both.
- ReplaceThe new line is pulled through trenchless or laid in an open trench on bedding.
- Test and restoreFlow and camera checks are made, pits or trench backfilled, and the surface restored.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Trenchless or open trench?
Trenchless suits a line that still runs in the right place and has not fully collapsed; it spares the lawn, driveway and trees. Open trench is needed where the pipe has collapsed, the route must change or the slope is wrong.
How long does it take?
Most residential replacements are done in one to three days, with the house's drains out of use for part of that time. The company tells you when water use has to pause.
Will the yard be ruined?
Trenchless leaves two small pits that are backfilled and reseeded. An open trench disturbs a strip along the line, which the company backfills, compacts and restores.
Related: Sewer line repair · Drain cleaning · Sump pump installation · All plumbing
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.