Sewer line problems are stressful for any homeowner, especially in areas like Denver, where older pipes, clay soil, and aggressive tree roots often cause damage. When your sewer line fails, there are two main paths: traditional excavation repair, or modern trenchless methods. Each has its own advantages and trade-offs. Understanding them will help you decide which approach makes sense for your home.
What Is Traditional Sewer Line Repair?
Traditional sewer line repair—often called excavation sewer line repair—involves digging a trench along the path of the existing sewer line, removing the damaged pipe, and replacing it with new pipe. Because this method is well understood and time-tested, it’s reliable in many scenarios.
Pros of excavation:
- It allows full replacement of pipes, so there are no lingering weak spots.
- Best suited for situations where pipes are totally collapsed or severely misaligned.
- Materials and methods are standard and familiar.
Cons of excavation:
- Heavy disruption: yards, driveways, patios and landscaping often suffer.
- Longer project duration: typically 5-14+ days.
- Costs add up: restoration of landscaping, paving, and hardscaping can be expensive.
What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?
Trenchless methods encompass trenchless sewer line replacement, trenchless sewer repair, trenchless pipe lining, and methods like pipe bursting. Instead of digging large trenches, these approaches use minimal access points.
Two common trenchless techniques:
Pipe Bursting
A bursting head breaks apart the old pipe, while a new pipe (often HDPE) is pulled into place. Pipe bursting may allow upsizing the pipe for improved capacity.
Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining (Sewer Lining)
A resin-coated liner is inserted into the existing pipe, then cured in place. Once hardened, it forms a smooth, joint-less interior that resists leaks and root intrusion.
Pros of trenchless:
- Much less digging required; minimal disruption to property.
- Faster timelines: many jobs complete in 1-3 days.
- Long lasting: trenchless repairs can last 50-100 years.
- Better for environmental protection: gardens, trees, and structures preserved; less soil disturbance.
Cons of trenchless:
Upfront cost tends to be higher per foot.
Not always feasible: if the pipe is fully collapsed or misaligned beyond utility, trenchless methods might not work.
Cost, Lifespan, and Comparisons
Here’s a side-by-side look at trenchless repair vs. excavation:
Factor Trenchless Repair Traditional Excavation Repair
Cost per foot about $80-$250/ft about $50-$200/ft, plus restoration
Time to complete around 1-3 days typically 5-14+ days
Yard impact Minimal Major disruption
Lifespan 50-100 years 50-100 years (depending on materials)
Best used when cracks, corrosion, root intrusion, want minimal property damage complete pipe collapse, alignment issues, when soil or conditions prevent trenchless work
In Denver, the typical costs of trenchless sewer line repair run between $4,000-$15,000, while traditional replacement (via excavation) can cost $7,000-$30,000+, plus extra for restoring landscaping, driveways, and patios.
When to Choose Each Approach
Go trenchless if:
- Your pipe is cracked, corroded, or invaded by roots.
- You want to preserve landscaping, hardscaping, driveways, or patios.
- Speed and minimal disruption matter.
Go with excavation if:
- The pipe is fully collapsed or severely misaligned.
- Ground, soil, or utility conditions make trenchless methods unsafe or impractical.
- Local building codes or regulations require full excavation.
Both traditional excavation and trenchless methods have their place. The lifespan of both can be comparable (often 50-100 years), but the real differences lie in cost, disruption, and time. For many homeowners, trenchless sewer line replacement or repair offers substantial benefits: quicker completion, less mess, and protected landscapes. But for the most severely damaged systems, excavation still remains the dependable option.
If you’re facing sewer issues, the first smart step is a thorough inspection—ideally with a sewer camera. That way you can know exactly what condition your pipe is in and whether trenchless methods are viable. That knowledge helps you get the right repair: sewer line repair near you, trenchless or excavation, whichever fits your situation best.