Trenchless Repair
Trenchless Repair | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Sewanee
When your Sewanee home starts showing tell-tale signs of sewer or water line trouble—slow drains, lush spots in the yard, or that unmistakable odor—HEP arrives with trenchless technology that fixes the problem without turning your lawn into a construction zone. Our video inspection locates cracks, corrosion, or root invasions in seconds; then our specialized equipment relines or replaces damaged pipe through a pair of small access points. You get a durable, code-compliant fix in hours, not days, with no need to re-sod, re-pave, or re-landscape afterward.
Because “out of sight” shouldn’t mean “out of mind,” we pair every repair with a transparent report and a rock-solid warranty, letting you see exactly how your system is restored and protected for decades to come. Whether you’re facing sudden backups or chronic main line issues, HEP’s licensed plumbers are on-call around the clock to keep Sewanee’s water flowing smoothly—saving you time, money, and a whole lot of digging.
FAQs
What is trenchless sewer line repair and how does it work?
Trenchless repair is a method of fixing or replacing damaged main sewer lines without the need to dig a long, open trench across your yard. In Sewanee, we typically use one of two techniques: pipe lining and pipe bursting. Pipe lining inserts a flexible, resin-soaked tube into the existing pipe; the resin cures in a few hours and forms a durable new pipe inside the old one. Pipe bursting pulls a new HDPE pipe through the old line while simultaneously fracturing the damaged pipe outward. Both methods are completed through small access points at each end of the repair, drastically reducing surface disruption.
What signs indicate I might have a main line issue in my Sewanee home?
Common red flags include frequent backups in multiple fixtures, gurgling sounds in drains, slow drainage throughout the house, sewage odors outdoors or in the basement, soggy patches in the yard, and sudden spikes in your water bill. Because Sewanee’s hilly terrain and abundant tree roots can accelerate line damage, it’s wise to schedule a camera inspection as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
How long does a trenchless main line repair take compared to traditional digging?
A typical trenchless repair in Sewanee can be completed in one day, sometimes within just 4–6 hours. Traditional open-cut replacement often takes 3–5 days or longer, factoring in excavation, pipe replacement, backfilling, and landscape restoration. The minimal digging of trenchless technology significantly shortens overall project time, allowing you to resume normal water use sooner.
Is trenchless repair more expensive than conventional excavation methods?
Upfront, trenchless repairs may appear slightly higher per linear foot than conventional digging. However, when you add the costs of restoring lawns, driveways, retaining walls, or hardscapes—common in the rocky Sewanee landscape—the total price of traditional replacement often exceeds trenchless. In most cases, homeowners save 20–40 % overall, and the new pipe materials (cured-in-place epoxy or HDPE) are rated for 50+ years, delivering long-term value.
Will my yard, landscaping, or driveway be disturbed during trenchless repair?
Only minimal disruption occurs. We usually excavate two small access pits—one near the house and one at the street connection. These pits are roughly 3×3 ft and are backfilled and compacted once the work is complete. Because no large trench is dug, your lawn, trees, gardens, and hardscape remain virtually untouched, which is especially important for Sewanee properties with mature oaks, stone walls, or limited space between structures.
Does trenchless main line repair come with a warranty, and how long will the fix last?
Yes. Our Sewanee trenchless repairs include a transferable 10-year workmanship warranty and a manufacturer ’s 50-year material warranty. The epoxy-lined or HDPE replacement pipe is resistant to root intrusion, corrosion, and ground movement, giving it a life expectancy equal to—or better than—a brand-new PVC line installed by excavation.