Trenchless Sewer Repair & Replacement Services

Introduction to trenchless sewer repair

Trenchless sewer repair is a method of fixing or replacing underground sewer pipes without the need for large trenches. This allows for minimal digging and property damage.

Trenchless methods include:

Pipe bursting – breaking apart old pipe and replacing it simultaneously
Pipe lining – inserting a new pipe liner inside the old pipe

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Table of Contents

» Pipe Bursting For Trenchless Sewer Repair
» Pipe Lining For Trenchless Sewer Repair
» Minimal Digging And Property Damage
» Faster Repair Process
» Cost-Effectiveness Vs Traditional Methods
» Long Lasting Results From Trenchless Methods
» Sewer Line Video Inspection
» Choosing The Right Trenchless Method
» Hiring A Qualified Sewer Repair Company

Pipe bursting for trenchless sewer repair

Pipe bursting is one of the main trenchless techniques used to replace damaged sewer pipes. This method involves breaking apart the old pipe while simultaneously installing a new pipe in its place.

Here's an overview of how pipe bursting works:

Access holes are dug at the start and end points of the pipe run that needs replacement. These access points are much smaller than trenches required for full pipe replacement.
A cone-shaped bursting head is fed through the access point and pushed through the old pipe. The bursting head fractures and displaces the old pipe fragments outward while moving forward.
Behind the bursting head is the new pipe - usually high-density polyethylene (HDPE) - which gets pulled in as the old pipe is burst apart.
The new pipe will be a continuous run without any joints, which improves flow and prevents root intrusion.

» Benefits of pipe bursting:

Faster process - can be completed in 1 day.
Cost-effective - reduces restoration costs.
Upsizing capacity - can replace with larger pipe size.
Long lasting - no joints in HDPE pipe.

» When is pipe bursting used?

Pipe bursting is an excellent trenchless method when:

Original pipe is deteriorated.
Increasing pipe capacity is needed.
Pipe is in a difficult to access area.
Minimizing restoration costs is important.

However, pipe bursting may not work if:

The old pipe is severely misaligned.
There are a lot of connections or turns.
The pipe walls have collapsed.

Consult with trenchless sewer specialists to see if pipe bursting is the right trenchless approach for your particular sewer line issues. They can determine this through video pipe inspection.

Pipe lining for trenchless sewer repair

Pipe lining is another popular trenchless method for repairing damaged sewer pipes. This technique involves installing a new pipe lining inside the old pipe. Here is an overview of the pipe lining process:

First, a video inspection is done to assess the condition and length of the old pipe.
A felt liner or fiberglass sleeve is soaked in an epoxy resin. This forms the new pipe lining.
The liner is then pulled or inflated into the old pipe through an access point.
It is expanded to press against the old pipe walls.
The liner hardens as the epoxy cures. This creates a smooth, jointless "pipe within a pipe".

» Benefits of pipe lining:

Minimal digging - access points are small.
Low disruption to property and landscaping.
Long lasting - epoxy can last 50+ years.
Faster process - can be done in one day.
Cost-effective compared to full replacement.

» When should pipe lining be used?

Pipe lining works well when:

The old pipe has cracks, breaks, or root intrusion.
The pipe just needs internal stabilization.
Accessing the pipe is difficult.
A smaller pipe size is acceptable.

However, pipe lining may not work if:

The old pipe is severely misaligned or corroded.
The pipe needs upsizing.
Connections need to be reconfigured.

Consult with an experienced plumber to determine if pipe lining is the right trenchless approach for your sewer issues. They can advise through video inspection.

Minimal digging and property damage

A major benefit of trenchless sewer repair methods like pipe bursting and lining is the minimal digging required compared to traditional open trench replacement.

When using trenchless repair, only small access holes need to be dug at either end of the pipe run. This minimizes the damage and disruption to landscaping, driveways, and other property features.

Here is a comparison of digging requirements:

As you can see, the digging requirements for trenchless methods are far less invasive. This also translates into:

Lower costs for restoration
Shorter downtime - no waiting for trenches to be refilled
Less risk of damage to surrounding utilities

With open trench replacement, its common to have areas of your property become unusable for days or weeks after the work is done. Huge mounds of dirt need to be refilled into trenches. Lawns, sprinkler systems, and landscaping need to be restored.

With trenchless repair, your property stays intact and usable. The small access holes are easy to fill in and require minimal restoration.

In most cases, trenchless sewer repair provides a huge advantage over traditional replacement when it comes to minimizing property damage and digging requirements. Consult with an expert to determine which trenchless method is optimal for your situation.

Faster repair process

One of the biggest perks of trenchless sewer repair is the faster process compared to traditional open trench replacement.

While an open trench job can take over a week to complete, trenchless methods usually take only 1-2 days from start to finish.

Here is a comparison of approximate timelines:

Method	Timeline
Open trench replacement	1-2 weeks
Pipe bursting	1-2 days
Pipe lining	1 day

This faster timeline is possible because:

Very little digging is required - no waiting for massive trenches.
No time spent demolishing/hauling away old pipe.
The new pipes are installed quickly.
Access holes are easy to fill compared to huge trenches.
Minimal restoration needed - no rebuilding landscaping features.

With pipe bursting, the entire process of breaking the old pipe while pulling in the new pipe can be completed in just 1-2 days.

Pipe lining may only take 1 day as it simply involves inserting and inflating the liner inside the old pipe.

This means:

Lower labor costs - less technician time required.
Less downtime for the plumbing system.
Quick access restoration - fill holes vs enormous trenches.

The faster process results in homeowners and businesses experiencing less disruption to their lives and operations. This faster timeline can also help avoid high costs related to system downtime.

When evaluating trenchless vs traditional sewer repair, the faster process is a major point in favor of the trenchless options. Consult an expert to determine which method best fits your unique situation.

Cost-effectiveness vs traditional methods

One of the biggest advantages of trenchless sewer repair is it is far more cost-effective than traditional open trench replacement.

There are several factors that contribute to the lower costs:

Minimal digging - avoids major excavation costs
Faster process - reduces labor hours
Long lasting materials like HDPE and epoxy liners
Lower restoration costs - small holes vs huge trenches

Here is a rough cost comparison:

Method	Average Cost
Open trench replacement	$4,000 - $20,000
Pipe bursting	$3,000 - $12,000
Pipe lining	$3,000 - $12,000

As you can see, open trench replacement can cost significantly more on average. Those cost ranges account for:

Excavation, demolition, and hauling away old pipe
New pipe materials and installation
Massive backfilling, compaction, and restoration
Landscaping repairs - sod, plants, irrigation, hardscaping

With trenchless methods, the costs are kept low by:

Reusing the old pipe - only new liner/pipe inserted
Minimal excavation work
Faster process reduces labor hours
Small access holes require little restoration

Long term savings are also greater with trenchless repair. The new pipe materials like HDPE and epoxy liners have life expectancies of 50-100 years. Open trench replacement pipes may only last 30-50 years before failing again.

When evaluating your options, the cost-effectiveness of trenchless sewer repair will be a key factor for most homeowners and businesses. Consult an expert to review your specific project costs.

Long lasting results from trenchless methods

When comparing trenchless vs traditional sewer repair, the long lasting results from trenchless methods are a major advantage.

The materials used in techniques like pipe bursting and pipe lining can extend the life of your sewer system for 50-100 years.

Here is an overview of lifespan estimates:

Method	Pipe Material	Estimated Lifespan
Open trench replacement	Clay, concrete, PVC	30-50 years
Pipe bursting	HDPE	50-100 years
Pipe lining	Cured epoxy	50+ years

As you can see, the pipe materials used in trenchless repair methods last significantly longer than traditional pipe replacements.

HDPE pipe used in pipe bursting is highly resistant to corrosion and fatigue. It's also flexible and leak-free because it's fused together into one continuous pipe.

Cured epoxy liners used in pipe lining form a smooth, jointless barrier inside the old pipe. The epoxy holds up well against abrasion and chemical attack.

Longer lasting pipes mean:

Fewer repairs needed in the future
Less risk of failures, blockages, or leaks
Avoiding major property disruption down the road

With open trench replacement, joints between piping segments can allow root intrusion or corrosion over time.

The longer lasting results from trenchless methods translate into long-term cost savings as well, since future repairs are less likely to be needed. This gives homeowners and businesses added peace of mind.

When exploring your options, be sure to consider the lifespan for each method. Consult with trenchless specialists for recommendations on achieving the longest lasting sewer repair results.

Sewer line video inspection

An important first step with any sewer repair project is conducting a video inspection of the line. This allows trenchless specialists to assess the damage and determine the best repair method.

Here are key benefits of sewer line video inspection:

Identifies the location and extent of any pipe defects
Cracks, breaks, holes, root intrusion
Checks for misalignments, off-set joints, or backslope
Measures depth to determine best access points
Identifies any connections or branching lines

Inspection is performed by feeding a waterproof camera through an access point and maneuvering it through the pipe line. State-of-the-art video equipment allows for a detailed, up-close view of the interior conditions.

The video inspection serves several purposes:

Pinpoints what sections of pipe need repair
Assesses overall condition and functionality
Determines if lining, bursting, or full replacement is needed
Checks for obstacles that may impact installation
Allows for accurate measurements for materials

Armed with this visual data, trenchless specialists can determine the optimal repair approach. Key factors include:

Condition of old pipe walls
Amount of debris buildup
Severity of cracks, holes, or collapses
Feasibility of lining vs bursting vs replacement

In some cases, a combination of trenchless methods may be recommended based on the video findings. Thorough inspection paired with expert analysis provides the diagnosis needed to formulate the repair plan.

For homeowners and businesses, the importance of video inspection cannot be overstated when addressing sewer line issues. Be sure to consult trenchless sewer specialists who have advanced video pipe inspection equipment along with the expertise to assess conditions and recommend the ideal repair solution.

Choosing the right trenchless method

If you've decided to pursue trenchless sewer repair, the next key step is choosing between the main methods: pipe lining or pipe bursting.

Here are some key factors to help determine which trenchless approach is right for your situation:

» Pipe condition

Lining if walls intact but cracks/breaks present
Bursting if walls deteriorated or collapsing

» Pipe size

Lining to match old pipe size
Bursting allows upsizing pipe capacity

» Access

Lining may work with minimal access points
Bursting requires access at both ends

» Cost

Lining generally most cost-effective
Bursting has higher material/equipment costs

» Connections

Lining able to accommodate connections
Bursting more complex with multiple connections

» Timeframe

Lining usually 1 day timeline
Bursting may take 1-2 days

» Restoration

Both have minimal restoration needs
Bursting may have larger access pits

As you can see, factors like pipe condition, access, and budget can dictate which solution makes the most sense for your property's unique needs.

It's highly recommended to consult with professional plumbers or trenchless specialists to perform video inspection and evaluate which method they advise for your specific sewer pipes.

They can take into account all considerations like pipe layout, materials, sizing needs, and your goals to determine if pipe lining or pipe bursting is optimal. Taking advantage of their project evaluation expertise will help ensure you end up with the right trenchless repair solution.

Hiring a qualified sewer repair company

When pursuing trenchless sewer repair, it's essential to hire qualified specialists. The right provider will ensure your project goes smoothly and delivers long-lasting results.

Here are key tips for hiring the best trenchless sewer repair company:

Find specialists who focus specifically on trenchless methods vs general plumbers. Trenchless work requires advanced training and specialty equipment.
Look for established companies with a proven track record over many years of exclusively performing trenchless repairs. They will have the expertise to tackle any project.
Verify necessary qualifications like licensing, bonding, insurance, and industry affiliations. These demonstrate legitimacy.
Ask about their specific experience with your type of project - pipe bursting, pipe lining, commercial buildings, etc. The right expertise is a must.
Review past customer reviews and testimonials. Good feedback on many projects is a positive indicator.
Compare multiple estimates to assess costs. Experts can value-engineer expenses while maintaining quality.
Clearly define scope of work - materials, equipment, surfaces impacted, restoration plan, etc. before finalizing.
Check guarantees on workmanship and materials. Good providers stand behind their trenchless repairs.

By carefully vetting and selecting your sewer repair company, you ensure the best results. Property owners should look for established trenchless specialists with proven expertise, transparent estimates, and guaranteed workmanship.

Repairing sewer pipes through trenchless methods provides tremendous advantages. Hiring a qualified company will help maximize this value and deliver lasting solutions for your home or business's plumbing needs.

Conclusion

In summary, trenchless sewer repair trenchless sewer repair provides an excellent alternative to traditional replacement methods. Techniques like pipe bursting and pipe lining offer a minimally invasive option with many benefits:

Faster process - typically 1-2 days vs 1-2 weeks
Cost-effective - avoids massive excavation costs
Minimal digging and disruption to property and landscaping
Long lasting repairs - 50-100 year lifespan materials
Advanced video inspection to diagnose issues

Trenchless methods are ideal for sewer pipes that are deteriorated but still structurally sound. Consult with qualified specialists to determine which technique is optimal based on pipe condition, access, budget, and other factors unique to your situation.

By leveraging trenchless sewer solutions, homeowners and businesses can achieve lasting repairs, avoid major landscape destruction, and minimize costs and downtime. With minimal digging required, these methods provide an invaluable alternative to traditional open trench sewer line replacement projects.

Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter

4.9

Based on 174 reviews

Michelle Perez

18:37 12 Dec 25

I have used Conejo Seviced a couple of times now, and they have done a fantastic job both times. They were prompt, professional, easy to talk to, honest, and did the job in the specified time frame. I will happy to continue using them.

Lana Light

02:38 12 Dec 25

Owen was my electric tech,
and from the conversation over a couple of electrical issues here, I understood quickly that Owen knows the line of work very well: educated, smart, polite, with down the the earth professional demineur... He checked the wiring, and explained the possibilities why my appliance keeps tripping the breaker..
Thank you Owen.
The company has a right set up. They would also remind you about the appointment, and would convinietly call you a few minutes ahead.

They have the right codes... they won't walk in their shoes on your floors either...
I strongly recommend the Conejo company for your electrical issues...

Robert Lewis

22:40 11 Dec 25

Juan did an outstanding job. He is very professional and personable. He kept us informed on what he was doing. It was a pleasure working with him and Conejo Services. We have used you before and we have always had prompt and professional service. Thank you so very much.

Leslie Hackney

18:30 08 Dec 25

When our 31 year-old furnace suddenly stopped working, they were out within 24 hours of my call. It was a quick and easy replacement part, but something we wouldn’t dare do ourselves. It’s good to know we’ve found a reliable repair service!

Alejandra Aldana

01:20 05 Dec 25

It was excellent service from the initial request to schedule an appt for electrical repairs and the installation updates as to the time and date of service technician arrival at work site. The service person was timely in his arrival time, considerate , respectful and courteous.

Major Tom

13:06 03 Dec 25

David G. was patient, personable and explained things. He was thorough and cleaned up after himself. He is an asset to the company and exemplifies the level of professionalism and quality that I have come to expect from Conejo Services.

Linda Munday

04:49 03 Dec 25

The entire staff were wonderful. The crew that came out to do the installation were so nice and respectful. I would recommend them to anyone.

Carol Riccobono

23:09 01 Dec 25

Juan did an excellent job checking out our furnace and dryer vent. He was very informative and thorough. And he did not try to upsell us on other services.

Ted Haber

03:36 29 Nov 25

Omar was our electrician. He was very professional and easy to work with. He gets my vote.

Matt Bovard

22:26 26 Nov 25

I like supporting local Ventura county companies and then when they do such a great job it’s double gratification…

Joe F.

00:18 26 Nov 25

Heesse was on time, performed a HVAC tune up, and solved the problem of the thermostat not working. I know who I will contact for future hone repair needs.

Steve Kurasch

21:18 25 Nov 25

Jesse was here right on time to do testing and inspection of our furnaces. He was very thorough, professional and knowledgable and corrected several problems that other companies missed. He also gave us some options to look at in the future. We signed up for their maintenance plan and feel very confident that Conejo Services will meet our needs now and in the future. Thank you for giving us peace of mind!

Mary O'Sullivan

00:55 14 Aug 25

This company really stands behind its work. I have the platinum maintenance for my both HVAC and plumbing, both installed by them and it really pays off. The plumbing area, especially, led by Andrew Dilger and team are honest, thorough, skilled and offer options from minimal to full overhaul with pro’s and cons and short vs. long-term financial differentials of each approach. I have an older home with pipes at end of their 60 year shelf-life and it’s a new area for me. It’s really great to be able to trust a company when the product isn’t visible, but buried in the ground. I liked Derek who identified a potential issue during normal maintenance and the oversight of Andrew confirming it and best approach. I think it’s the honest approach set by senior management, including Andrew, Ralph and others. And highly professional! Kudos!

Jennifer Friedman

00:45 10 Apr 25

We were on Conejo’s maintenance plan for a while. We found they were very thorough in checking our A/C, plumbing and electric systems. It is worth considering these plans.

We had other work done where we felt the pricing was quite high, like for a garbage disposal and for installing a tankless hot water heater. So consumers should be sure to do price comparisons.

When they put in our tankless hot water heater, there were a couple of code violations that needed to be corrected, plus we had some questions about the costs. But when our concerns finally reached the Customer Service managers, their response was excellent and all our concerns were immediately and satisfactorily resolved.

Rick Phillips

00:10 03 Feb 25

I strongly suggest getting cost estimates from other companies before hiring Conejo. I was provided an estimate of $7149 to perform what turned out to be 7 hours of work by two (relatively low paid) employees and a couple hours to use specialty equipment to pinpoint failure point. I had a blockage in my home sewer system caused by root intrusion. By using their tool inserted into the sewer pipe they said the blockage was 8 feet deep and under my concrete entryway walkway and would therefore take two workmen 2 to 3 days to complete the repairs. I questioned that pricing since it seemed too high and was provided a reduction of $850 to $6299. That still seemed like a high price but I needed to get the work done quickly so I accepted the bid. (My big mistake.) I monitored the work when their two workmen came to make the repairs. I am retired from SoCalGas so have some knowledge about excavating and fixing damaged pipe. The sewer pipe was only 3 feet deep, not 8 feet deep. The work involved digging and exposing the 4-inch plastic sewer pipe and then cutting out a 3-foot section and installing new pipe, then backfilling the excavation (which was done poorly – was not well compacted – I did this after they left as best I could. I hope my entryway sidewalk doesn’t fail/crack in the future.) They completed the work in 7 hours. I then contacted Conejo and asked to them to reconsider the price since the basis of the estimate was incorrect. I eventually spoke with their plumbing manager, Nick, who said he would speak with the person who developed the estimate and get back to me. Nick never got back to me even though I called their offices twice and texted Nick. The next contact I had from Conejo was a revised bill reducing the charge by $500, leaving me with a bill of $5799. On the positive side, the people I spoke with in their billing and/or scheduling department with friendly and responsive.

Ben Rogers

17:47 26 Jan 25

Conejo installed a new furnace and water heater at my home, and I’m so impressed with the quality of their work. Their prices are competitive and their team is the best!

Pav G

20:40 08 Aug 24

Outstanding Service from Alfredo at Conejo Valley Heating and AC

We’ve had ongoing AC issues for a couple of years, and after trying other companies, we finally found the solution with Alfredo from Conejo Valley Heating and AC. The level of professionalism and quality of work Alfredo delivered was unparalleled.

From the moment he arrived, Alfredo impressed us with his attention to detail—respecting our home by wearing booties and carefully assessing the situation. He identified the root cause of our AC problems, taking his time and staying late into the afternoon, even after a long, busy day. As the last appointment of the day, Alfredo made sure our AC was fully repaired before leaving.

Beyond fixing the immediate issue, Alfredo also provided valuable advice and options for maintaining our AC in the future, along with some helpful plumbing suggestions. His dedication to his craft and customer service is truly world-class.

We highly recommend requesting Alfredo if you’re considering Conejo Valley Heating and AC. We’ve permanently requested him as our go-to technician for any future needs. His work is simply outstanding, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with the service.

Jason D

19:01 13 Jun 24

A home inspection was done for the sale of our home and the inspector flagged our furnace as not having a furnace door switch and being a potential fire hazard. Parker arrived to open the furnace door to find that the switch had a piece of black tape over it to protect it, he removed said tape, job done. Unreal. Thanks Parker.

Cindy Gooden

22:09 04 Jun 24

Gave us an estimate and we decided to wait a few months before booking. I called when we were ready to book, but the person they directed us to never called us back!

We ended up choosing another local plumber who charged half what CVHAPR quoted us. I'm so glad we got a second opinion.