- HEP Plumbing
- Trenchless Replacement

Trenchless Replacement
Trenchless Replacement | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Heiskell
When water backs up in the basement or the yard suddenly turns into a soggy mess, Heiskell homeowners know they’re dealing with main line issues—and that traditional dig-and-replace methods can leave the property looking like a construction zone. HEP’s trenchless replacement service eliminates that headache by repairing or swapping out your underground pipe through a pair of small access points. No torn-up driveways, no week-long wait; just innovative technology that restores full flow in a fraction of the time.
Our licensed technicians snake cameras through the existing pipe, pinpoint the problem, then pull a new, high-quality line into place where the damaged one once lay. The result is a durable, code-compliant solution backed by HEP’s workmanship guarantee, all delivered with the neighborly service Heiskell has trusted for decades. Say goodbye to disruptive digs and lingering main line issues—and hello to a yard that looks untouched and a plumbing system that works flawlessly.
FAQs
What is trenchless main line replacement and how does it work?
Trenchless main line replacement is a modern technique that lets us install a new sewer or water main without digging an open trench the full length of the pipe. In Heiskell, we typically employ pipe bursting or pipe lining. With pipe bursting, we pull a bursting head through the old line to break it apart while simultaneously pulling in a new, seamless HDPE pipe. With pipe lining (CIPP), we insert an epoxy-saturated liner that hardens in place to form a new pipe inside the old one. Both options are completed through small access points, eliminating the need to excavate your whole yard or driveway.
What signs suggest I might need my main line replaced?
Common red flags for Heiskell homeowners include frequent drain backups, gurgling noises in toilets, sewage odors in the yard, soggy or unusually green patches of grass, and mature tree roots near the pipe path. If you experience repeated clogs despite snaking or hydro-jetting, or if a camera inspection shows cracks, bellies, or root intrusions, a full or partial main line replacement is usually the most reliable long-term fix.
How long does a trenchless replacement project take from start to finish?
Most trenchless main line replacements in Heiskell are completed in a single day. A typical timeline is: (1) camera inspection and utility locates—1–2 hours; (2) site preparation and pipe cleaning—1–2 hours; (3) pipe bursting or lining—2–4 hours; (4) cure or pressure test and final inspection—1–2 hours. Even large or complex jobs rarely exceed two days, which is far faster than the week or more traditional open-cut replacements often require.
Will trenchless technology protect my landscaping and driveway?
Yes. Because we only need one or two small excavation pits (usually near the house and at the street connection), your lawn, flower beds, trees, and hardscape stay largely untouched. There is no long trench to refill and settle later, so you avoid costly post-repair landscaping or concrete work. After backfilling the access pits and washing down the work zone, most customers can’t tell we were ever there.
Is trenchless main line replacement more expensive than digging?
Upfront costs for trenchless methods can be slightly higher than open trench for short, easily accessible runs. However, when you factor in the expense of restoring landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, or retaining walls—and the downtime, noise, and mess—trenchless typically costs the same or less overall. In Heiskell’s rocky soil, open digging often requires heavy equipment and disposal fees, which makes trenchless the more economical choice for many homeowners.
Do I need permits or inspections in Heiskell, and do you handle them?
Yes—Anderson County and the local utility district require a permit and final inspection for any sewer or water main replacement. Our team pulls all necessary permits, schedules inspections, and provides video documentation for the inspector. We are licensed, bonded, and familiar with Heiskell’s codes, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or compliance issues. Once the inspector signs off, we provide you with a copy for your records.