Express Sewer & Drain Blog

There is no easy way to deal with a damaged or failed sewer pipe. It's messy and creates problems until it's repaired or replaced. That said, with today’s trenchless technologies, you may not need to spend thousands of dollars on your sewer lines.

Trenchless pipe replacement is an excellent alternative to conventional pipe replacement, which can disrupt your life, yard, driveway, and parking areas, especially if large sections of sewer pipe fail.

There are 2 methods of trenchless pipe replacement, otherwise known as pipe lining and pipe bursting – both of which are far less invasive than conventional ways. Although the initial cost of trenchless methods of pipe replacement may be higher than conventional sewer line repair, the overall cost may be lower because you will not need to replace pavement, walkways, flower beds, and landscaping.

Factors Affecting Trenchless Pipe Replacement Cost

To start, the cost of replacing pipes depends on their size, location depth and accessibility, condition, and any internal damage. Further, materials, labor, and prep work can also raise the overall cost of pipe replacement.

When it comes to trenchless pipe replacement, the following factors are the top contributors to  costs. 

1. Length and Diameter of Pipes: The overall length and diameter of the pipes being replaced play a significant role in determining the cost. Longer and wider pipes require more materials and labor, leading to higher expenses.
2. Depth and Accessibility of Pipes: The depth at which the pipes are located, and how easily they can be accessed, both impact the cost. Pipes  buried deeper or located in hard-to-reach areas necessitate more time and effort to replace, increasing the cost.
3. Condition of Existing Pipes: The current state of the pipes also affects the replacement cost. Pipes that are severely damaged or deteriorated may require additional preparation and repair work before the trenchless replacement can proceed, adding to the overall cost.
4. Damage or Obstructions in the Pipeline: Any existing damage or obstructions within the pipeline, such as tree roots or built-up debris, can complicate the replacement process. Removing these obstructions or repairing damage before installing the new pipes can result in higher costs.

Trenchless Pipe Replacement Cost vs. Traditional Pipe Replacement

Replacing sewer lines can be costly. In fact, trenchless pipe replacement ranges between $6,000 - $12,000 while dig-and-replace repairs can cost from $4,000 to $13,000. As mentioned, multiple factors impact the cost of sewer line replacement from pipe size to the distance from your home or business to the main sewer line. These factors are true for dig-and-replace and trenchless pipe replacement, but with dig-and-replace, you will also need to include the replacement of driveways and walkways, lawns, landscaping, and the cost of labor for these jobs.

In some instances, you may only need a section of pipe repaired. Many older homes have sewer lines made from clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg that need trenchless pipe replacement. Even the best materials have a 50-year life cycle and many homes in Sacramento are over 100 years old. It is important to regularly monitor and maintain your sewer line to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Pipe Replacement Costs by Method

There are several methods of trenchless pipe replacement. Each method and their average costs are as follows:

• Trenchless pipe lining: Relining a damaged lateral or sewer pipe has a rough cost of $80 - $250 per foot, and averages about $160 per foot. The average cost of trenchless pipe replacement is $6,000 -$12,000 for trenchless sewer line replacement, in a standard home. Cost is determined by the length and diameter of the replacement line. Called “cured-in-place pipe,” or “pull-in-place pipe,” the method uses a flexible tube coated with resin. It is blown or pulled into the damaged pipe and the resin hardens, creating a new pipe that is corrosion-resistant, and seamless.
• Pipe bursting trenchless pipe replacement: One of the most common methods of trenchless sewer line replacement is pipe bursting. The rough cost of pipe bursting is $60 - $200 per foot, which results in a cost that runs between $3,500 and $20,000 for pipe replacement. Pipe bursting uses a specialized bursting head that blasts the existing pipe out of the way while it runs the replacement pipe.
• Lining applications for small-scale pipe replacement: Used for broken pipes that are less than 50 feet in length, pull-in-place lining can be done for roughly $3,000 - $4,000. As with other methods of pipe replacement, the cost will depend on the depth, location, and length of the pipe that is being replaced or repaired.

Pull-in-place lining offers a cost-effective, versatile, long-lasting, and less disruptive option for repairing or replacing pipes. It is a modern solution that combines efficiency with effectiveness and has become increasingly popular in the industry due to its numerous benefits. As technology continues to advance, we can expect pull-in-place lining to become even more efficient and cost-effective, making it an essential tool for any pipe repair project. 

So, the next time you encounter a damaged or aging pipe, consider pull-in-place lining as a viable option for restoring your pipes and preventing future issues. With its many advantages, it's no wonder this method has become the go-to choice for many professionals in the field of pipe repair.

Need a Quote on Trenchless Pipe Replacement Cost? Contact Express Sewer

Replacing sewer lines and plumbing is expensive and you want to use the best and most effective method available when faced with this decision. The professionals at Express Sewer & Drain have the knowledge and equipment for small jobs, or for trenchless pipe replacement in your business or municipality. As the area’s biggest provider of trenchless solutions, we can give you the advice you need to make a decision about replacing your pipes. Contact us today, for expert advice.