Trenchless Repair Options
Trenchless Repair Options | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Philadelphia
When a clogged, cracked, or root-invaded sewer threatens your property, HEP’s trenchless technology delivers a swift cure without uprooting your life—or your landscaping. Serving Philadelphia’s diverse mix of historic rowhomes and modern builds, we slip a durable epoxy liner through the existing pipe or deploy precision pipe-bursting equipment, restoring full flow in hours instead of days. No mud-soaked lawns, no sidewalk permits, just a clean, code-compliant fix backed by long warranties and performed by licensed local technicians who respect your time and your neighborhood.
Homeowners call us the moment main line issues appear—slow drains, gurgling toilets, or that unwelcome basement backup—because they know we pair cutting-edge cameras with honest, upfront pricing. From Fairmount to Fishtown, we diagnose the true source of the problem, discuss every trenchless repair option, and get you back to normal with minimal disruption. Don’t wait for a small obstruction to become a costly excavation; let HEP renew your sewer from the inside out and keep Philadelphia flowing smoothly.
FAQs
What is trenchless main line repair and how does it work?
Trenchless repair is a no-dig or minimal-dig alternative to traditional sewer line replacement. Technicians access your main line through one or two small entry points, clean the pipe, and then install a new structural liner or pull in a new HDPE pipe. Because the surface isn’t excavated, yards, driveways, sidewalks, and historic Philadelphia streetscapes stay intact.
Which trenchless methods do you offer for Philadelphia homes and businesses?
We provide two primary options: 1. Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining – a felt or fiberglass tube impregnated with epoxy resin is inverted into the host pipe, inflated, and steam- or water-cured to form a joint-free, structural liner. 2. Pipe bursting – a conical bursting head fractures the old clay, cast-iron, or concrete pipe while simultaneously pulling in a new HDPE pipe of equal or larger diameter. Both methods are approved by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) when installed by a licensed master plumber.
How can I tell if trenchless repair is right for my main line problem?
A camera inspection is the first step. We look for root intrusion, cracks, offset joints, missing sections, or bellies. If the pipe still has at least 20–25 % structural integrity and the route is mostly straight, CIPP lining is usually possible. When the pipe is completely collapsed, undersized, or has severe offsets, pipe bursting is often recommended. Our technicians will review the video footage with you and explain the pros and cons of each option.
Do trenchless repairs comply with Philadelphia plumbing codes and require permits?
Yes. The City of Philadelphia requires a plumbing permit any time a sewer lateral is repaired or replaced. We handle the permit application, schedule required inspections, and ensure the materials (ASTM F1216-compliant liners or SDR-17 HDPE) meet both PWD and Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code standards. Final approval is issued only after we submit post-repair CCTV footage and a certified pressure test.
How long does the process take and will my water service be disrupted?
Most residential CIPP lining projects are completed in one day: a few hours for pipe cleaning, 2–3 hours for lining and curing, followed by reinstating any branch lines. Pipe bursting typically takes one full day as well. Your water/sewer service is usually offline for 4–6 hours; we coordinate timing so you have advance notice. Because excavation is minimal, landscaping and hardscaping remain virtually untouched, and you can resume normal use the same evening.
What does trenchless repair cost compared to traditional excavation, and what warranties do you offer?
On average in Philadelphia, trenchless repair ranges from $100 to $180 per linear foot, whereas open-cut replacement can exceed $250 per foot once you factor in sidewalk, asphalt, and landscape restoration. While upfront pricing for trenchless can appear similar, homeowners typically save 20–40 % after restoration costs are considered. We include a transferable 10-year materials and labor warranty on CIPP liners and a 25-year warranty on HDPE pipe bursting installations.