What is The Best Way to Repair a Sewer Drain?

The best way to repair a sewer drain is through trenchless sewer repair, an advanced method that restores your pipes without the mess and cost of traditional digging. Techniques like pipe lining and pipe bursting fix damage from the inside out, saving your yard, flooring, and walls from costly excavation. Sewer drain problems can quickly become disruptive and expensive, but trenchless technology offers a fast, durable, and environmentally friendly solution.

In this guide, you’ll discover how these methods work, compare costs, and learn when to repair sections versus replacing your entire sewer line for long-term reliability.

Drainage channel with metal covers removed along a paved walkway beside a brick wall, showing an open trench for sewer or surface water repair work.

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What are the available sewer drain repair options?

Several methods can repair a damaged sewer drain, each varying in cost and efficiency. Traditional excavation still works but often damages floors, walls, and landscaping, leading to higher restoration costs. Trenchless sewer repair is now the preferred option because it avoids digging, reduces downtime, and saves thousands in repairs.

The two main trenchless methods are pipe bursting and cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP). A professional inspection can determine which option best fits your sewer system’s condition and long-term needs.

Trenchless sewer repair (the best choice)

Trenchless sewer repair is a cost-effective, fast, minimally-invasive solution to replacing sewer lines. The name is correct, meaning it involves no trenches. Trenchless does not require the same amount of collateral damage that traditional needs. That means little to no;

torn up tiles
broken walls
ripped flooring
trenches in your yard
destroyed concrete
excavation

Trenchless sewer repair is broken up into two methods; pipe bursting and pipe lining, each with its usability, cost, and repair time. Let’s start with pipe bursting.

Pipe bursting

A brand new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe is attached to a winch with a cone-shaped bursting head and pulled through the old damaged pipe. The damaged pipe is broken apart as the new pipe takes its place. Pipe bursting is usually cheaper than pipe lining (the next method). Pipe bursting can be completed in one working day.

Pipe bursting machine pulls in new HDPE pipe.

HDPE pipe is pulled into a pipe.

Pipe bursting replacing sewer line without digging a trench.

It does not require heavy excavation, only using a couple of 4ft x 4ft pits to access the damaged pipe. It’s a permanent solution lasting 50 to 100 years after installation. Pipe bursting can also be used to replace a functioning pipe with a larger one to increase the flow rate.

Pipe lining

Also called structural pipe lining, or cured-in-place lining (CIPP), sewer pipe lining involves a special, epoxy-impregnated liner to create a new pipe directly inside your old one.

We find two access points and feed in a felt liner (cut for the pipe’s dimensions) saturated with a special epoxy and then insert it into the damaged pipe. A bladder inside the liner is inflated and pushes the epoxy against the walls of the pipe. After the epoxy cures, the bladder is removed, and you now have a brand new pipe within your old one. CIPP is designed to last up to 50 years.

Traditional sewer drain repair

Sometimes a sewer line is so badly damaged that no trenchless sewer repair method is viable. Trenchless technology cannot be used on pipes that are back-pitched, which means that the original contractors failed to use the right slope for your sewer line to your city connection.

If the pipe has collapsed onto itself, you will have to go this route. Conventional sewer repair quotes may be smaller than trenchless, but that is because it does not typically include the clean-up and repair costs to property damage.

Should your repair your sewer drain or replace it?

What we mean by repair is when only sections of pipe are fixed, only focusing on the noticeable problem and ignoring the future problems that come with further repairs. Repair is not a permanent solution, only being a temporary fix. It’s like slapping a band-aid on a pipe and expecting all the problems to go away. Repair involves only fixing sections or a few feet of pipe at a time, meaning you will have to pay contractors a minimum fee each time.

That makes the cost per linear foot of repair much higher. Repairs are like “putting out fires” whereas the problems will come back, and you are not extending the lifespan of the pipes.

Whatever your problem, we at New Flow Plumbing will assess the situation using a CCTV sewer camera inspection and give you the best solution. Contact us today and receive a quote.

FAQs

What are the signs that my sewer drain needs repair?

Common warning signs include slow drains, gurgling toilets, foul odors, and wet patches in your yard. If you notice more than one of these, it’s likely a problem with your main sewer line rather than just a single drain.

How long does a sewer drain repair take to complete?

Most trenchless sewer repairs can be finished within one day, while traditional excavation may take several days depending on pipe length, access, and property layout.

Can sewer drain repairs prevent future blockages?

Yes. Repaired or replaced sewer lines with smooth new linings prevent debris buildup, root intrusion, and corrosion, helping your system flow freely for decades.

How much disruption should I expect during repair work?

Trenchless sewer repairs cause minimal disruption. Only small access points are needed, allowing you to remain at home and avoid major property damage or noise.

Are trenchless repairs suitable for all types of pipes?

They work well for clay, cast iron, PVC, and concrete pipes. However, if a pipe is severely collapsed or misaligned, your plumber may recommend full replacement.

What maintenance helps extend the life of a repaired sewer line?

Schedule periodic camera inspections, avoid flushing grease or wipes, and use enzyme-based cleaners. These steps help prevent buildup and keep your sewer line functioning efficiently for decades.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer drain repair?

In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover damage from wear, corrosion, or tree roots. However, some policies may cover sudden pipe breaks or damage caused by accidents. It’s best to check your specific coverage details.

Arman Grigoryan

Founder & President of New Flow Plumbing

Arman Grigoryan is the founder and president of New Flow Plumbing, proudly serving Los Angeles, Sacramento, and surrounding areas. With extensive experience in plumbing diagnostics, he leads a skilled team specializing in advanced sewer and drain camera inspections to quickly identify problems and deliver lasting solutions. Arman is dedicated to using the latest technology to provide reliable service, honest answers, and dependable results for every customer.