Trenchless Sewer Line Repair: 7 Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Time and Money

Trenchless sewer repair is a practical solution for fixing damaged underground pipes without tearing up your yard. It’s faster, cleaner, and often more cost-effective than traditional methods. But if you don’t approach it the right way, it can still lead to delays, added costs, or more damage down the line.

Below are seven common mistakes homeowners make when dealing with trenchless sewer repair, and how to avoid them.

1. Waiting Too Long to Fix the Problem

Sewer problems don’t fix themselves. Small issues like slow drains or bad smells often signal a bigger problem underground. If you wait too long, minor damage can turn into full pipe collapse. That can double the repair cost and require emergency work.

The longer the problem sits, the more it affects the rest of your system. Pipes might back up. Wastewater can leak into your yard or foundation. Soil can shift. Mold can form. These issues take time and money to fix—and they all start with waiting too long.

2. Choosing a Company That Doesn’t Specialize in Trenchless Work

Not all plumbers offer trenchless repair. Some rely only on traditional dig-and-replace methods. Others might try trenchless but lack the equipment or training to do it right.

Trenchless work needs specific tools, like pipe-bursting machines or epoxy lining systems. It also requires a detailed inspection to plan the job. If the contractor doesn’t specialize in this type of repair, you risk poor results, rework, or even full system failure.

Look for a company that handles trenchless jobs regularly. Ask for examples of recent projects. Make sure they use the right tools and follow city code.

3. Skipping the Camera Inspection

No trenchless repair should begin without a full video inspection of the sewer line. A camera helps pinpoint the damage, map out the layout, and check the condition of the pipe. It also shows where bends, cracks, or breaks are located.

Skipping this step is like guessing. You don’t know what’s really going on underground. You might repair the wrong area or miss a section that needs attention.

Camera inspections also document the problem before work begins. That helps with permits and protects you if something goes wrong during the job.

4. Choosing Price Over Quality

Price matters, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that guides your decision. Low bids often leave out key steps or use cheaper materials. That can lead to faster wear and future repairs.

For example, pipe lining jobs that use subpar epoxy may not last as long. Equipment quality matters too. Older gear can lead to uneven pipe coverage or missed spots.

Quality work costs more upfront, but it saves money in the long run. A well-done trenchless repair can last 50 years or more. A poorly done one might not make it through the next season.

5. Ignoring Permits and Local Codes

Every city and county has rules for sewer repair. Most areas require a permit before trenchless work begins. The work must also follow building and plumbing codes. If you skip this step, you risk fines, delays, or having to redo the job.

Some contractors try to avoid permits to speed up the process. Others may not be licensed to pull them. This leaves you responsible if the city finds out.

Always confirm that the contractor is licensed, insured, and familiar with your local requirements. Make sure they pull permits and arrange inspections when needed.

6. Overlooking the Type of Trenchless Method Used

Trenchless repair isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right method depends on the condition of your existing pipe, the layout of your property, and the type of problem you're dealing with.

The two most common trenchless methods are:

• Pipe lining (also called CIPP) installs a new layer inside the old pipe.
• Pipe bursting breaks apart the old pipe while pulling in a new one.

Each has its pros and cons. Lining works well when the structure of the old pipe is still intact. Bursting is better when the pipe is fully collapsed or too damaged to line.

If the wrong method is used, the repair may not last. It could fail early or need to be done over. Always ask which method is being used and why it’s the right fit for your situation.

7. Failing to Get a Warranty

A good trenchless repair should come with a written warranty. This protects you in case something goes wrong after the work is complete. If the pipe collapses, leaks, or backs up again, a warranty gives you leverage.

Some contractors skip this or offer vague guarantees. Others may limit coverage to a short period. That’s a red flag. A strong company stands behind its work with clear terms.

Ask for the warranty in writing before work begins. Make sure it covers both materials and labor. Check how long it lasts and what situations are included.

Wrapping Up: Keep It Simple and Smart

Trenchless sewer repair makes it easier to fix pipes without destroying your yard or driveway. But it only works well when done right.

By avoiding these seven mistakes—waiting too long, hiring the wrong team, skipping inspections, choosing based on price alone, skipping permits, using the wrong method, and failing to get a warranty—you set yourself up for a smooth, lasting solution.

This approach protects your property, saves time, and gives you peace of mind that the job was done properly the first time.