A damaged sewer line used to mean one thing:
👉 Your yard gets destroyed.
For decades, fixing underground pipes required digging long trenches, breaking driveways, tearing up landscaping, and turning your property into a construction zone.
Today, there’s a better option.
Modern trenchless sewer repair allows plumbers to fix or replace pipes without digging up your lawn — and most homeowners don’t even know it’s possible.
At A Master Plumber, we offer both methods. Here’s how they compare — and how to know which is right for your home.
First — How Do Sewer Lines Get Damaged?
Most sewer problems start underground where you can’t see them.
Common causes include:
- Tree root intrusion
- Old or corroded pipes
- Ground shifting
- Grease or debris buildup
- Collapsed or cracked lines
Signs you might have a sewer line issue:
- Multiple drains backing up
- Sewage smells
- Gurgling toilets
- Wet patches in the yard
- Frequent clogs throughout the house
When this happens, repair isn’t optional — it’s urgent.
Option 1: Traditional Sewer Repair (Dig & Replace)
How it works
Plumbers dig a trench along the entire pipe path to expose and replace the damaged section.
Pros
âś” Works in any situation
âś” Full pipe replacement
Cons
❌ Destroys landscaping
❌ Breaks patios/driveways
❌ Noisy and messy
❌ Takes several days
❌ Higher restoration costs afterward
In many cases, the yard repair costs more than the plumbing work itself.
This method still works — but it’s usually the last resort today.
Option 2: Trenchless Sewer Repair (No-Dig Technology)
How it works
Instead of digging, plumbers use small access points and specialized equipment to repair the pipe from the inside.
Two common methods:
Pipe lining (CIPP)
A resin liner is inserted and hardened inside the old pipe, creating a brand-new pipe within it.
Pipe bursting
A new pipe pulls through while breaking apart the old one underground.
Pros
âś” Minimal digging
âś” Faster (often same day)
âś” Cleaner process
âś” Lower total cost
âś” Landscaping stays intact
✔ Long-lasting (20–50+ years)
Cons
❌ Not possible if pipe is fully collapsed
❌ Requires professional inspection first
For most homes, this is the easiest and smartest solution.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Digging | Trenchless |
|---|---|---|
| Yard damage | Major | Minimal |
| Time | 2–5 days | 1 day (often) |
| Cost | Higher after repairs | Usually lower overall |
| Mess | Heavy construction | Very clean |
| Longevity | Excellent | Excellent |
How Do You Know Which Method You Need?
The only way to know for sure is a camera inspection.
We send a small waterproof camera into your sewer line to check for:
- Cracks
- Roots
- Blockages
- Pipe collapse
- Overall condition
From there, we recommend the most cost-effective fix — not just the most invasive one.
Why Homeowners Prefer Trenchless
Most customers choose trenchless because:
- No destroyed garden
- No broken driveway
- Less noise
- Faster repair
- Back to normal the same day
It’s simply less stressful.
If your yard or flooring would need major demolition with traditional digging, trenchless can save thousands.
Don’t Wait on Sewer Problems
Sewer issues don’t fix themselves.
Delaying can lead to:
- Sewage backups
- Property damage
- Health risks
- Higher repair costs
Catching the problem early gives you more repair options, including trenchless.
Need a Sewer Line Inspection?
If you’re noticing backups, smells, or recurring clogs, get answers before it gets worse.
A Master Plumber provides:
- Sewer camera inspections
- Trenchless pipe repair
- Traditional replacements when needed
- Fast, same-day service
- Free phone estimates
đź“ž Call today to see if your home qualifies for trenchless repair.