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?

You might notice slow drains in several places (not just one sink), bad smells coming from your drains or yard, or gurgling sounds from your toilet when you run the sink. The most serious sign is a sewage backup or unexplained wet, lush spots in your lawn during dry weather, which indicates a serious underground leak. Ignoring these signs lets small problems become big, expensive disasters. New Flow Plumbing uses a CCTV sewer camera inspection to quickly and accurately find the exact source and severity of your problem, ensuring we fix the right thing the first time.

How long does a sewer drain repair take to complete?

Traditional repairs are very invasive and can take several days (sometimes a week) due to the extensive digging, pipe replacement, and necessary cleanup of your property. However, trenchless sewer repair is much faster. Techniques like pipe bursting or pipe lining are often completed within one working day, minimizing the disruption to your home and life. Our expertise in advanced trenchless methods means faster project completion for you, getting your system running smoothly with minimal downtime.

Can sewer drain repairs prevent future blockages?

Yes, absolutely! Repairing or replacing a damaged pipe (especially one with cracks or root intrusion) removes the rough, broken surfaces where debris and tree roots typically catch and cause blockages. Pipe lining (CIPP) is especially effective because it creates a seamless, smooth, new pipe inside the old one, which helps waste flow much more easily and resists root penetration. We provide a long-term solution, not just a temporary fix. Our durable repairs significantly reduce the risk of future, costly blockages.

How much disruption should I expect during repair work?

If you choose trenchless repair (which we strongly recommend), you should expect very little disruption – just a couple of small access pits (about 4ft x 4ft) near the ends of the pipe section. Traditional digging, on the other hand, will require a long, deep trench, which will tear up your yard, driveways, patios, flooring, and potentially walls, leading to significant mess, lengthy work, and high restoration costs. By specializing in trenchless technology, New Flow Plumbing ensures a minimally-invasive process, saving your property from expensive damage and cleanup.

Are trenchless repairs suitable for all types of pipes?

Trenchless methods like pipe lining (CIPP) and pipe bursting work for most common sewer line materials, including clay, cast iron, and PVC. However, trenchless repair cannot be used if the pipe has collapsed completely (too crushed for equipment to pass through) or if the original pipe was installed with a “back-pitch” (a reverse or incorrect slope), which must be fixed by digging to correct the grade. We thoroughly assess your pipe’s condition with a camera to confirm if trenchless repair is the best and most viable solution for your specific situation.

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

Regular maintenance is key to protecting your investment. This includes being careful about what you flush (no wipes, paper towels, or grease), and scheduling professional hydro-jetting every few years instead of using harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can corrode pipe materials. This keeps the pipe clear of debris and protects the lining or new pipe from excessive pressure or damage. We offer expert advice on proper post-repair care to help you maximize the 50-100 year lifespan of your new or relined sewer drain.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer drain repair?

It depends heavily on your specific policy and the cause of the damage. Most standard policies cover sudden, accidental damage from a “covered peril” (like a pipe burst from freezing or structural failure), but they generally do not cover damage from tree roots, ground settling, or normal wear and tear over time. You should always check your specific coverage details and consider a separate utility line rider. We can provide accurate, detailed estimates and documentation to help with your insurance claim process, making it easier for you to work with your provider.

Is it better to repair sections or replace the entire sewer line?

It is generally better for long-term reliability and cost savings to replace the whole sewer line using a permanent method like pipe bursting or pipe lining. Just repairing a short section is considered a temporary fix, as the rest of the old pipe is just as old and will likely fail soon after, forcing you to pay contractors a minimum fee each time. New Flow Plumbing offers a detailed comparison and analysis, helping you choose the most cost-effective, permanent solution versus temporary, section-by-section fixes that add up over time.

How does pipe bursting compare to pipe lining?

Pipe bursting is a process where a new, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is pulled through the old damaged pipe, simultaneously breaking apart the old pipe and replacing it with a brand new one of the same size (or larger). Pipe lining (CIPP) involves inserting a flexible, epoxy-soaked liner into the old pipe and then hardening the epoxy to create a smooth, seamless “pipe within a pipe.” Pipe bursting often provides a completely new line and can be slightly more cost-effective. We are experts in both, allowing us to recommend the precise trenchless technique that best matches the damage and structure of your sewer system.

Why is trenchless repair considered the best choice?

Trenchless repair is the best choice because it avoids the mess and cost of digging (which can add thousands in property restoration), is much faster (often a one-day job), and provides a durable, long-lasting solution that has a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. It saves your yard, driveway, and landscaping while being an environmentally friendly option. For a fast, durable, and clean fix, New Flow Plumbing recommends and specializes in the most advanced trenchless methods.

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.