Which Sewer Repair is Right for You?
When your underground sewer line starts backing up, the last thing you want is a messy, expensive trench dug through your yard or driveway. That’s where modern trenchless sewer repair methods come in—specifically CIPP Lining (Cured-In-Place Piping) and Trenchless Pipe Bursting.
Both solutions let you restore your sewer line without major excavation, making them extremely popular among homeowners here in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. But how do these two methods compare? Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your home—and your peace of mind.
Why Homeowners Choose Trenchless Sewer Repair
Traditional sewer line replacement usually means tearing up your landscaping, breaking up concrete, and dealing with a whole lot of mess and noise. That’s why many Southern California homeowners are turning to trenchless options.
Both CIPP Lining and Trenchless Pipe Bursting offer minimally invasive ways to fix underground sewer line issues—no trench digging required in most cases. These modern methods can tackle everything from root intrusion and corrosion to collapsed or cracked pipes, all while preserving your property.
How Each Method Works
What Is CIPP Lining?
CIPP stands for Cured-In-Place Piping. It’s basically a way to create a brand-new pipe inside your old one using a flexible liner and special epoxy resin. Here’s how it works:
- A felt or fiberglass liner is soaked in epoxy resin.
- The liner is inserted into the damaged pipe via a small access point.
- The liner is inflated, pressing it against the interior walls of the old pipe.
Once it cures (hardens), you’re left with a smooth, jointless new pipe inside the old one.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No digging or disruption to landscaping | Not suitable for pipes with large-scale collapses |
| Quick installation in most cases | Resin odor may linger temporarily indoors |
| Adds structural integrity to aging pipes | Requires dry weather or controlled curing environment |
| Creates a smooth, joint-free interior that resists clogs | May reduce pipe diameter slightly |
| Can extend the life of your sewer line by 50+ years | Doesn’t remove the old pipe, just reinforces it |
What Is Trenchless Pipe Bursting?
Pipe bursting involves breaking apart your old pipe and pulling a brand-new pipe into its place. Here’s the general process:
- Two small access holes are dug—one at each end of the damaged pipe.
- A bursting head is pulled through the old pipe using a hydraulic machine.
- As the old pipe is shattered, a new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe is pulled in to replace it.
- The new pipe is fully functional and has a long service life.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Fully replaces the old pipe with brand-new HDPE piping | Slightly more expensive than lining |
| Great for pipes with heavy damage or root intrusion | Requires access at both ends of the pipe |
| Long-lasting material resistant to corrosion & roots | May be difficult in areas with tight property lines |
| Keeps landscaping intact compared to traditional digging | Heavy equipment may still need space on your property |
| Handles longer stretches of pipe in one go | Soil type can affect ease and cost of installation |
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | CIPP Lining | Pipe Bursting |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Used | Epoxy-saturated liner (fiberglass or felt) | HDPE pipe and bursting head |
| Digging Requirements | Usually one small access point | Requires two small access pits |
| Time To Complete | 1–2 days depending on pipe length & curing time | 1–2 days depending on setup and soil conditions |
| Relative Cost | Moderate to high | High (slightly more than CIPP in most cases) |
| Best For | Pipes with minor collapse or corrosion | Pipes that are too damaged for lining |
Not Sure Which One’s Right for You? Let’s Take a Look.
If you’re noticing slow drains, frequent backups, or odd smells in your home, don’t wait for a bigger issue to strike. Call All Season Rooter and Plumbing today to schedule a professional sewer inspection.
With over 20 years of experience and 24/7 emergency service available, we’ve proudly served homeowners across the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood, and West LA with top-tier trenchless solutions tailored to your needs.
Avoid the mess, save your landscaping, and get peace of mind—call All Season Rooter and Plumbing today!