Trenchless Sewer Repair vs Digging

By Ishaq Hassan. Updated October 3, 2026. 3 min read.

Short answer: Trenchless sewer repair fixes or replaces a sewer line through one or two small access holes instead of digging a long trench. The two main methods are pipe lining, which cures a new pipe inside the old one, and pipe bursting, which pulls a new pipe through while breaking the old one. It saves yards, driveways and landscaping, but not every damaged line qualifies.

A broken or root filled sewer line used to mean digging up the whole yard. Trenchless methods now make many repairs faster and less disruptive. This guide compares trenchless sewer repair with traditional digging.

First: a camera inspection

A plumber runs a camera through the line to find cracks, roots, offsets, sags and collapses, and measures the length and depth. The inspection decides which repair method is possible.

Illustration of a sink full of standing water that will not drain — A drain that will not empty often means a blockage further down the line.

Trenchless methods

Pipe lining, or cured in place pipe: a resin coated liner is inserted and cured to form a new pipe inside the old one. Good for cracks, roots and leaking joints when the old pipe still holds its shape.
Pipe bursting: a new pipe is pulled through the old one while a bursting head breaks the old pipe outward. Good for replacing a line along the same path.
Spot repairs: short liners that fix one damaged section.

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Traditional excavation

Digs a trench along the line to replace the pipe
Needed when the line has collapsed, sags badly or must change route
Allows repair of the pipe bedding and slope
Disturbs yards, driveways and landscaping, which then need restoring

Illustration of a copper pipe joint spraying water onto a stained wall — Leaking joints can soak walls and floors before anyone notices.

Pros and cons of trenchless repair

Less damage to lawns, driveways, trees and patios
Often faster, sometimes finished in a day
Lining can slightly reduce the inside diameter of the pipe
Not suitable for collapsed lines or severe sags, called bellies
Cost can be similar to digging once restoration costs are counted

Who owns the sewer line?

In most cities, the homeowner owns the sewer lateral from the house to the city main, and in some places the part under the street. Check with your city, since permits are usually required. Read about sewer line repair and what causes a sewer backup.

Illustration of a rusty water heater leaking into a puddle on the floor — Rust streaks and water around the base mean a water heater may be failing.

Illustration of a leaking pipe dripping under a kitchen sink with a wrench and plunger nearby — Small drips under a sink can damage cabinets and floors over time.

Quick answers: trenchless sewer repair

What is trenchless sewer repair?

Repairing or replacing a sewer line through small access holes, using pipe lining or pipe bursting instead of a long trench.

Is trenchless sewer repair worth it?

Often, when it saves driveways, landscaping and time. Not every damaged line qualifies.

How long does trenchless sewer repair last?

Pipe lining and new pipe from bursting are designed to last for decades.

When is digging required?

When the line has collapsed, sags badly or needs to change route.

Who does sewer line repair?

A licensed plumber or sewer contractor. Sifixit can connect you with a local plumber.

This guide covered trenchless sewer repair. For more background, see the EPA’s WaterSense program, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.

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