A sewer line that has cracked, shifted, or let roots in rarely fails all at once. First comes a slow drain, then a gurgle, then a backup, and at some point the problem is in the yard instead of the pipe. The good news is that damage to one section doesn’t always mean the whole line has to come out. At US Trenchless, we start by finding exactly where and how the line is damaged, then repair that section with as little digging as the pipe allows. If you’re seeing signs of a damaged sewer line, 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
Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair
The line runs underground, so your home gives the first clues:
- Several drains slow at once. One slow drain is usually a local clog, but sinks, tubs, and showers all slowing together point to the main line.
- Toilets back up, or waste comes up through a floor drain or shower
- Sewer odors from drains or in the yard
- A soggy, sunken, or unusually green patch of lawn near the line, which can mean a leak
A sewer line inspection tells you whether the cause is damage, a clog, or something else. If the line is clogged but intact, hydro jetting may clear it without any repair.
Sewer Line Repair Methods
Once the camera shows the damage, the method depends on what it finds.
Trenchless pipe lining. A resin-coated liner goes inside the damaged pipe and cures against the pipe wall, sealing cracks, leaking joints, and root entry points. It works through small access points, so lawns and driveways stay in place.
Spot repair. If one section is damaged and can’t be lined, that section can be exposed and fixed directly, with digging limited to the damaged spot.
Replacement. If the pipe is collapsed, badly sagging, or damaged along most of its length, a repair won’t hold and you’re better off with sewer line replacement. We’ll show you the footage and tell you honestly when repair is the wrong answer.
Why Choose US Trenchless for Sewer Repairs
We hold a California General Engineering (“A”) license, #971065, and have been BBB accredited with an A+ rating since 2017. We recommend a repair when a repair will hold and a replacement only when it won’t, and we back that up with camera footage of your own line.
Sewer Repair FAQs: Lining, Limits, and Backups
Can a cracked sewer pipe be repaired without digging up the yard?
Often, yes. Pipe lining seals cracks and leaking joints from inside the pipe, so the work is done through small access points. Whether it works for your line depends on the pipe’s condition, which the camera inspection shows.
What is the difference between pipe lining and pipe bursting?
Lining repairs the existing pipe by forming a new surface inside it, so the old pipe stays in place. Pipe bursting replaces the pipe by breaking up the old one and pulling a new one through. Lining suits pipe that is damaged but still intact. Bursting suits pipe that is too far gone to hold a liner. See our pipe bursting page for how that works.
When can’t a sewer line be repaired?
A liner needs a pipe that still has its shape. Sections that have collapsed, shifted out of line, or sagged enough to hold water usually need replacement instead. Heavy damage along most of the line points the same way.
Is sewage backing up into my home an emergency?
It needs fast attention. Stop using water in the house, since every drain feeds the same line, and keep people and pets away from affected areas. Call us so we can find out what has failed.