The Challenge
What the camera found
The existing sewer service consisted primarily of 6-inch clay pipe. During the inspection, our team found that a previous repair had replaced a section of the line with 4-inch pipe, creating a restriction within the system. Root intrusion was also present throughout the line, increasing the likelihood of continued backups and drainage issues.
We evaluated both trenchless sewer lining and sewer pipe bursting as potential repair options. While lining would have been the lower-cost solution, it would have maintained the existing 4-inch restriction because the liner conforms to the shape and size of the host pipe. To provide the homeowner with the best long-term solution, we recommended replacing the entire sewer service.
Method Used
Trenchless pipe bursting
Our crew excavated at the city sewer connection and at the point where the sewer exited the home. A pipe bursting system was installed, allowing us to replace the deteriorated sewer line with new 4-inch HDPE pipe while minimizing disruption to the property.
The new pipe was pulled through the existing sewer path, eliminating the damaged clay pipe and removing the restricted section. Once installation was complete, the new sewer service was connected to both the home’s plumbing system and the municipal sewer main.
Learn about pipe bursting →
The Results
What the homeowner has now
Following installation, all disturbed areas were fully restored, including street excavation restoration at the sewer main connection, basement concrete restoration where access was required, and full site cleanup and final grading.
The homeowner now has a fully replaced sewer service with a continuous HDPE pipe system, eliminating root intrusion concerns and the pipe restriction that contributed to recurring backups. The trenchless replacement method provided a long-term solution with minimal excavation and a reliable warranty-backed installation.
