Why Some Sewer Line Repairs Can’t Be Done Without Excavation

When a sewer line becomes damaged or compromised, homeowners often hope for a quick solution, with as minimal disruption as possible. Trenchless repair methods, like cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining or pipe bursting, are appealing because they typically don’t require large-scale digging to access the affected pipes. However, not all sewer line problems can be fixed this way. In some cases, excavation is still the most appropriate and ideal choice.

As the trusted local plumber in Monument, CO, BullsEye Plumbing Heating & Air explores the conditions that are best addressed by traditional excavation.

Severe or Widespread Pipe Damage

One of the main reasons excavation is necessary is when the sewer pipe is severely damaged. If the pipe has collapsed, is heavily corroded, or has large cracks, no-dig plumbing repairs like CIPP lining or slip lining may not work. These techniques rely on the structural integrity of the existing pipe to insert a liner or use it as a guide. When the pipe is too damaged, there’s no support for these methods, often making excavation the safest and most effective option.

Poor Pipe Conditions or Misaligned Sections

Sometimes, the sewer line has shifted over time due to soil movement, tree root intrusion, or poor installation. This can lead to misaligned pipe sections, bellied areas (where the pipe has sunk), or blockages that are difficult to reach. Trenchless technology can’t always correct these structural issues. Excavation allows technicians from your plumbing company to access and physically realign or replace the problematic sections of pipe, ensuring the system functions correctly.

Limited Access or Complex Layout

In some situations, the layout of the sewer line or the property itself can make trenchless repair impractical. For instance, if the pipe has multiple sharp bends or is located too close to critical utility lines (pipe bursting involves breaking the old pipe and pushing the fragments into the surrounding soil), using trenchless equipment may be unsafe or ineffective. Excavation provides full and direct access to the pipe, regardless of its layout or location, allowing technicians to make precise repairs without risking additional complications. They can also take additional precautions to only disturb the immediate area, protecting nearby utilities and structures during the process.

Failed Previous Repairs

If a previous trenchless repair failed or caused complications, it may no longer be possible to use another trenchless method to fix the issue. Sometimes liners aren’t installed properly or the pipe wasn’t adequately cleaned beforehand, leading to failure. In these situations, excavation allows your provider of plumbing services to remove faulty work and ensure the pipe is replaced correctly.

Leave Underground Pipe Repairs to Our Experienced Professionals

We take every project seriously and provide reliable, efficient services to our customers. When it comes to sewer line repairs, our licensed team makes it a point to assess the situation carefully before recommending a solution. Our excavation work is done quickly, efficiently, and with the utmost care to minimize any disruptions to your property.

BullsEye Plumbing Heating & Air is a locally owned and operated company that has been serving Monument and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. We’re available 24/7 to respond to emergency plumbing concerns, and we stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee. Call us today or fill out our online form to request a service visit.