If you’ve ever dealt with a damaged sewer line, you know how stressful it can be. Traditional sewer repair methods often involve tearing up driveways, landscaping, and even parts of your home’s foundation, resulting in days of disruption and thousands in restoration costs.
Fortunately, there may be an alternative for your pipe repair needs: trenchless sewer repair. This method can fix broken or aging sewer lines without extensive excavation, saving time, money, and hassle.
What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?
Trenchless sewer repair is a modern plumbing technique that allows contractors to repair or replace underground pipes without digging large trenches. Instead of excavating your entire yard, technicians create small access points — usually at the start and end of the damaged pipe — to reach the sewer line.
Using specialized equipment, they can then inspect, clean, and repair the pipe internally. This process is ideal for fixing cracks, leaks, root intrusions, or corrosion.
How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?
Every successful trenchless repair starts with a detailed camera inspection. This allows technicians to see the inside of your damaged sewer line in real time and determine the extent of the damage.
Once the inspection is complete, the technician can inform you of which options are available and the pros and cons of each.
A trenchless repair typically means pipe lining (Cured-In-Place Pipe or CIPP).
Pipe lining involves inserting a flexible liner coated with resin into the existing damaged pipe. The liner is inflated and left to harden (or “cure”) in place, creating a brand-new pipe within the old one.
Work begins with a camera inspection to identify damage or blockages. The existing pipe is thoroughly cleaned using high-pressure water jetting. A resin-coated liner is inserted through a small access point, and the liner is inflated, pressing the resin against the inner wall of the old pipe. After curing (with hot water, steam, or UV light), the liner hardens into a durable new pipe.
Advantages of Trenchless Sewer Repair
Some of the benefits of this approach are minimal excavation, the timeline of the solution (typically 50+ years) and the time to complete the repair itself, and increased flow capacity due to smoother pipe.
Unfortunately, not all repairs are a fit for a trenchless solution. For instance, pipes that have completely collapsed or shifted may not be suitable for pipe lining. In addition, some older pipe materials may require special handling or full replacement.
When to Consider Trenchless Repair
You may want to consider trenchless options if you notice any of these issues:
- Frequent sewer backups or slow drains
- Wet spots or foul odors in the yard
- Gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets
- Signs of damaged sewer lines on a camera inspection
- Old clay or cast iron pipes nearing the end of their lifespan
Expert Trenchless Sewer Repair in Chicago
At Madden Sewer & Drain, we’ve been repairing and replacing sewer lines in the Chicagoland area for over 55 years. As a family-owned and operated company, we combine advanced trenchless technology with old-fashioned reliability and customer care.
Our trenchless sewer repair services include:
- Camera inspections to diagnose problems accurately
- Pipe patch lining options
- Minimal-disruption repairs for homes and commercial properties
- Licensed, bonded, and insured technicians
Whether you’re facing a damaged sewer line or want to prevent future issues, our team can help you choose the most effective and affordable solution for your home or business.
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today
Don’t let sewer problems turn into a major headache. Contact Madden Sewer & Drain today to schedule your free estimate and learn if our trenchless sewer repair services are an option for your property.