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Sewer Pipe Repair & Replacement in San Diego, CA

The fast, clean, and long-lasting solution you’ve been looking for is finally here

  • Minimal Excavation
  • Faster Completion
  • Long-Term Reliability
  • Cost-Effective

Also, you will receive:

  • Free Estimates
  • Free Sewer Camera Inspection

Restore your old pipes?

    Trenchless Sewer Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Better?

    Trenchless repair or replacement is a modern, minimally invasive method for fixing damaged sewer lines. The right solution depends on the condition of your existing pipe.

    Trenchless repair is ideal for pipes that are structurally intact but have cracks, corrosion, or minor damage. Two common methods include:

    • CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) Lining: A flexible, resin-saturated liner is inserted into the existing pipe, then inflated and cured using heat or UV light. Once hardened, the liner forms a new, seamless pipe within the old one.
    • Epoxy Pipe Lining: A thin layer of epoxy resin is sprayed or brushed inside a cleaned pipe. After curing, the resin seals small cracks and prevents future corrosion, making this method especially suitable for residential sewer lines.

    Trenchless replacement is recommended when the pipe is collapsed, severely deteriorated, or undersized. The most common technique is:

    • Pipe Bursting: A bursting head is pulled through the existing pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously pulling a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into place.

    A professional sewer camera inspection is the best way to determine whether trenchless repair or full replacement is right for your home’s sewer and drain system.

    Soon, most homes built before 1970 will face the same reality: their sewer lines will need to be replaced—either through excavation or pipe bursting. In many cases, trenchless repair using pipe lining will no longer be an option.

    Vlad Khorenko, CEO Almco Plumbing

    Minimal Property Damage

    Trenchless methods require only small access points, eliminating the need to dig up your lawn or driveway

    Faster Project Completion

    Most trenchless repairs are completed within a day and avoid extensive restoration work

    Long-Lasting Results

    Materials like epoxy liners and HDPE pipes are highly durable, offering lifespans of 50+ years

    Cost-Effective in the Long Run

    While initial costs may be higher, trenchless methods help you avoid expensive landscape repairs, reducing overall project expenses

    Eco-Friendly Solution

    Trenchless technology minimizes soil disruption, reduces waste, and preserves trees and hardscaping

    With a solid five-year workmanship guarantee, Epoxy Pipe Lining San Diego offers durable trenchless pipe rehabilitation backed by over two decades of industry expertise. Our advanced epoxy lining systems are designed to last, providing reliable performance with a projected lifespan exceeding 50 years.

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    When Is Trenchless Sewer Repair Used, and When Is Replacement Necessary?

    The following signs will help you determine which trenchless method is best suited to restoring your sewer system to good working order.

    • Pipes with Minor to Moderate Damage: Suitable for pipes that are structurally intact but have cracks, corrosion, small leaks, or root intrusion. This method restores flow without requiring full replacement
    • Cast Iron Pipes with Internal Scaling: Older cast iron pipes often develop heavy internal buildup. Trenchless cleaning and lining (such as epoxy or CIPP) can restore the pipe’s inner diameter and extend its lifespan
    • Clay Pipes with Root Intrusion: Clay sewer lines are prone to joint separation and tree root damage. After clearing the roots, trenchless lining seals the interior and prevents future intrusion
    • Pipes Under Concrete, Landscaping, or Structures: When sewer lines run beneath driveways, patios, or buildings, trenchless methods allow repair from access points, avoiding costly and disruptive excavation
    • Pipes with Difficult Access or Limited Yard Space: In urban areas or small lots where digging is impractical, trenchless repair minimizes disruption and speeds up project completion without damaging the property
    • Collapsed or Severely Damaged Pipes: If a pipe is crushed, collapsed, or large sections are missing, trenchless repair will not be effective. Full replacement or pipe bursting is required
    • Extensive Offsets or Joint Failures: When pipe sections are misaligned or joints have separated, trenchless replacement provides a continuous, joint-free pipe that prevents future leaks
    • Undersized Sewer Lines: Older homes may have pipes too small for modern plumbing needs. Trenchless replacement allows upsizing the line without excavation
    • Pipes Made of Incompatible Materials: Pipes made from Orangeburg, bituminized fiber, or other outdated materials deteriorate quickly and are unsuitable for lining, requiring replacement
    • Frequent & Severe Backups Despite Repairs: If ongoing issues persist despite repairs or cleanings, trenchless replacement offers a permanent solution by installing a new, durable pipe
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    Sewer Repair & Replacement Cases: Before & After

    Sewer pipe repair with CIPP Inversion lining. San Diego Mission Bay

    During the reconstruction of the school’s property and restroom facilities, the general contractor was faced with the necessity of repairing a clay sewer pipe under the athletic field that had been severely damaged.

    Our Solution: We installed a 200-foot continuous sewer liner in one piece. Before beginning the project, we coordinated with the city utility department to verify and approve the liner materials and installation methods, ensuring compliance with local standards. We installed the liner precisely up to the point where the new plastic pipe began.

    Result: A new, 200-foot-long, sealed sewer pipe was formed using a cured-in-place epoxy liner. The liner was installed precisely up to the point where the new plastic pipe began. This eliminated the need for time-consuming and costly excavation and restoration of the sports field.

    Before
    After

    Sewer pipe replacement with pipe bursting technology. Pacific Beach San Diego

    The client needed to repair an old, 70-foot-long cast iron sewer system outside a house built in the 1930s or 1940s. The repair was complicated by the fact that another house had been built on top of the sewer line.

    Our Solution: We proposed a complex trenchless repair of the sewer segment in the yard. This included replacing the damaged cast iron and clay pipes with 4-inch SDR-35/SDR-17 (HGP) pipes using pipe bursting technology for a 60-foot section under the new house.

    Result: The customer received a brand new SDR-35/SDR-17 sewer pipe, which has a service life of 100 years. Large-scale additional costs for excavation and subsequent restoration of the foundation and sidewalk were avoided at the same time.

    Before
    After
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    FAQ Sewer Pipe Repair & Replacement

    What are trenchless sewer repair and replacement?

    These modern, non-invasive methods fix damaged sewer pipes without extensive digging. Instead of excavating your entire yard or foundation, these techniques use small access points to repair the pipe from the inside or pull a new pipe through the old one.

    When is trenchless repair better than replacement?

    Trenchless repair is best when the existing pipe is structurally intact but shows signs of wear, such as:

    • Cracks or corrosion
    • Small leaks or root intrusion
    • Scaling inside cast iron pipes
    • Clay pipes with separated joints

    If the pipe can hold its shape and be lined, trenchless repair methods like CIPP or epoxy lining are usually faster and less invasive.

    When is trenchless replacement necessary?

    Trenchless replacement, such as pipe bursting, is recommended when:

    • The pipe is collapsed, crushed, or severely deteriorated
    • There is a straight pipe section with no connections and two access points
    • The pipe is too small to meet your household’s needs
    • In these cases, lining won’t hold, and full replacement is the most reliable option

    What are the main trenchless methods used?

    There are three popular methods:

    • CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) Lining: A resin-soaked liner is inserted, inflated, and cured inside the existing pipe, creating a new pipe within the old one.
    • Epoxy Pipe Lining: A thin epoxy coating is sprayed inside a cleaned pipe to seal cracks and prevent corrosion, ideal for smaller residential lines.
    • Pipe Bursting: A conical head breaks apart the old pipe while pulling a new HDPE pipe into place.

    How long do trenchless repairs last?

    Epoxy linings are designed for long-term durability, with repaired systems typically lasting 50 years or more. Epoxy Pipe Lining San Diego also offers a five-year workmanship guarantee.

    How long do trenchless replacements last?

    Materials like HDPE pipes used in trenchless replacements are built to last over 100 years.

    Is trenchless sewer work eco-friendly?

    Yes. Trenchless technology minimizes disruption to soil and landscaping, preserves trees and hardscaping, and reduces waste compared to traditional open-trench methods. It’s a cleaner, more sustainable solution.

    How long does a typical trenchless job take?

    Most trenchless repair or replacement projects take one to three days, depending on complexity. Simple repairs may be completed in a day, while full replacements usually take two to three days, including preparation, installation, restoration, and final inspection.

    How do I know which method is right for my sewer line?

    A professional sewer camera inspection is the first step. It allows technicians to assess your pipes’ condition and recommend the most effective and cost-efficient solution—whether repair or replacement.

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    Epoxy Pipe Lining San Diego provides trenchless sewer repair services using epoxy pipe lining technologies in San Diego. We have been in business since 2001 and provide quality service to our customers. We solve problems with clogged pipes, leaks, worn out sewer systems, tree root intrusion, etc. Contact us if you notice that your water bills have increased dramatically, you hear the sound of running water or unpleasant odors.

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