Nobody plans to replace a sewer line, and the hard part is usually the quote: it can mean cutting up a driveway, a mature tree, or a finished patio to reach a pipe you can’t see. At US Trenchless, every replacement starts with a camera inspection, because some lines that look like replacement jobs can be repaired, and others are past the point where a repair holds. When a line does need to go, we replace it with as little digging as the pipe’s condition allows. To find out which category yours falls into, call 877-916-7473 or request service online.
Headquartered in Sacramento, CA | CA “A” License #971065 | BBB A+ Accredited Since 2017 | 4.9 Stars from 140+ Google Reviews
When Sewer Line Replacement Makes More Sense Than Repair
A camera inspection shows what is happening inside the line, and a few findings usually point to replacement:
- A sagging section that holds water, or joints that have separated or shifted out of line
- A collapsed or crushed section of older clay or cast iron pipe
- Roots that come back soon after every cleaning
- Repeated backups, slow drains throughout the house, or sewage odors in the yard
If the damage is limited to one stretch, US Trenchless may recommend sewer repairs instead. If the line is mostly sound and clogged, hydro jetting may be all it needs. Our sewer line inspections give you the footage to see the difference yourself.
Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Methods
For most replacements, we use trenchless pipe bursting. A new pipe is pulled through the old line’s path and breaks the old pipe apart as it goes, so access pits replace a continuous trench.
When the old path can’t be reused, a new route can sometimes be drilled under driveways, landscaping, or other obstacles with horizontal directional drilling.
Some jobs still need an open trench, such as a fully collapsed section. If yours is one of them, we’ll tell you at the inspection, not after you’ve approved the work. If you don’t have a sewer line yet and need a first one, see sewer line installation.
What Happens During a Sewer Line Replacement
- Camera inspection. We record the line and show you what we found.
- Locating and planning. We mark the line’s path and choose access points that limit damage to your property.
- Replacement. The new pipe goes in using the method that fits the pipe’s condition.
- Reconnection and check. We reconnect the line and confirm it flows.
Why Choose US Trenchless for Sewer Line Replacement
We hold a California General Engineering (“A”) license, #971065, and have been BBB accredited with an A+ rating since 2017. Abraham appears by name in reviews going back years, and customers tell us the same thing about the work:
“US Trenchless provided excellent service, Abraham was very helpful, Carlos and Wyatt were efficient hard workers, and the estimate and ultimately the final cost was less than the other company’s bid for the job.” – Rose V., Sacramento, CA
Sewer Line Replacement FAQs: Ownership, Yard Damage, and Repair vs. Replace
Who is responsible for the sewer line between my house and the street?
In Sacramento, the property owner generally owns the private “upper lateral” on their property, and SacSewer owns and maintains the “lower lateral” in the public right-of-way or easement. Where one ends and the other begins varies by property, and the cleanout can be a clue. Other agencies in the area have different rules, so confirm with yours before any work starts. We can show you from the camera footage where the problem sits.
Will you have to dig up my whole yard or driveway?
Not with trenchless methods. Pipe bursting uses access pits at the ends of the section instead of a trench along its full length. How much digging your job needs depends on the pipe’s condition and depth, which is why the inspection comes first.
What should I do if a buyer’s inspection says my sewer line needs replacement?
Get your own camera inspection so you know what is actually wrong. A buyer’s report can recommend replacement for a problem that turns out to be repairable, or point to a section the property owner doesn’t own. With the footage and a written scope in hand, you can negotiate on facts. If replacement is needed, we can quote it for you.
Should I get a second opinion before replacing my sewer line?
It’s reasonable to, given the cost. Ask any contractor to show you the footage and mark where the failure is. If they can’t, keep looking.