Trenchless Sewer Repair vs. Traditional Methods: Pros & Cons

You may not think about the sewer lines in your Yakima or Tri-Cities home, but when they fail, they can quickly take up a lot of brain space.

From traditional sewer line repairs to trenchless methods, there’s a lot homeowners need to consider. While there’s not always a “right” or “wrong” answer, each method has strengths and drawbacks.

At Campbell & Company, we want to help make the choice between traditional and trenchless sewer line repair easier. Here’s the information you need about trenchless sewer line repair versus traditional methods and their pros and cons.

Traditional Sewer Repair Methods

When homeowners think about sewer line repairs, they’re likely thinking about traditional sewer repair. This process involves digging trenches or long, narrow ditches near the problem. Then the old, broken pipes are removed, and new pipes are installed. It's a method that has been used for decades and may still be the best choice today, depending on the situation.

Pros of Traditional Methods

There are several pros for using traditional methods of sewer line repair. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Accuracy: Digging a trench allows direct access to the sewer line, which can be helpful for complex or large-scale repairs.
• Comprehensiveness: This method makes performing extensive repairs, replacements, or upgrades to the entire system easier.

Cons of Traditional Methods

There are also downsides to using traditional sewer repair. Some of its cons include:

• Disruptive: The biggest downside is the disruption it causes. Digging trenches can destroy landscaping, driveways, and other surface structures.
• Time-consuming: The process can take several days or weeks to complete, which can be inconvenient for homeowners and businesses.
• Costly: Because of the extensive labor, complex process, and restoration, traditional methods can be expensive.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Methods

Trenchless sewer repair offers a way to repair pipes without extensive excavation. This method involves technicians making small access holes where the damaged pipe starts and ends. Then, using the existing pipeline, technicians can use special chemicals that cure in place to essentially create new pipes.

Pros of Trenchless Methods

There are many benefits to trenchless sewer repair. Some of the benefits include:

• Less intrusive: Trenchless repair causes minimal landscape disruption and doesn’t require tearing up lawns or driveways.
• Quicker: Most trenchless repairs can be completed in a day or less.
• Cost-effective: With less labor and time spent, trenchless repairs can be more cost-effective, especially when you factor in the lack of landscape restoration costs.

Cons of Trenchless Methods

There are also downsides to trenchless sewer repair, including:

• Limitations: Trenchless repairs are not suitable for all situations. Severe pipe collapses may require traditional methods to be fully repaired.
• Accessibility: In some cases, the initial setup and the need for access points can be challenging, depending on the property layout.

Choose Campbell & Company for Expert Sewer Repairs

To decide between traditional and trenchless sewer repairs, homeowners need to consider several different factors, including the condition of their existing pipes, the type of soil, and the layout of their property.

At Campbell & Company, we offer both traditional and trenchless sewer repair services. With more than 40 years of experience, we’ll discuss your options and help you decide which is better for your needs, home, and budget.  

For expert sewer repairs in Yakima and the Tri-Cities, count on Campbell & Company. Call today to schedule sewer repair services.