So you’ve called a plumber, and they’ve run a camera through your pipes and confirmed what you feared: there’s a real crack, a root intrusion, or a collapsed pipe section somewhere deep underground. The next thing you hear is: “We’re going to need to dig.”
FIX IT WITHOUT DIGGINGBut wait. You probably don’t need any of that.
There’s another solution called trenchless sewer repair, and it’s something you should think about in the first place, especially if you want to get rid of sewer smells in your home without digging up your yard.
Trenchless sewer repair is exactly what it sounds like. Yes, in this case, your underground pipe can be fixed without digging a trench. Instead of excavating your entire yard to expose the broken pipe, certified plumbers use specialized equipment to either reline the pipe from the inside or pull a new pipe through the old one.
The results are even better than you can expect. Your pipes are fully restored, and your lawn, driveway, and landscaping remain mostly untouched.
Short history: Trenchless sewer repair is not a new or experimental technology. Trenchless methods have been used in North America since the 1970s and have become the gold standard for sewer line repair in urban and suburban areas in Canada, where old clay and cast iron pipes are still everywhere.
Basically, there are two primary trenchless techniques, and which one is right for you depends on the condition and location of your pipes
Think of this like installing a pipe inside your existing pipe.
A plumber inserts a flexible, resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe through a small access point (often an existing cleanout or a single small excavation). The liner is then inflated and pressed against the interior walls of the pipe, where it’s hardened using hot water, steam, or UV light. Once set, it forms a smooth, jointless, seamless “pipe within a pipe.”
What it fixes:
Cracks, fractures, small root growth, rust, tiny gaps at pipe joints, and surfaces inside pipes that are prone to biofilm buildup.
What makes it impressive:
The new lining is actually way stronger than the original pipe material. To give you a perspective: a properly installed CIPP liner can last 50 years or more.
What it requires:
Your original pipe needs to be mostly intact. If there are major offsets or if the pipe has collapsed, just lining it may not be enough.
This method is used when the existing pipe is too damaged to be relined.
A plumber pulls a hydraulic bursting head through the old pipe, shattering it outward into the surrounding soil as it goes. At the same time, they pull a brand-new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe behind it, replacing the old line entirely.
What it fixes:
Pipes that have completely failed or are severely damaged, or if you want to upgrade to a larger-diameter pipe while making these repairs.
What makes:
it impressive: You get a completely new pipe, not a repaired one. HDPE pipes are incredibly durable, highly resistant to root intrusion, and have a smooth interior that discourages biofilm buildup (remember the hydrogen sulfide gas we talked about here? A smooth, seamless pipe makes that far less likely to return).
What it requires:
There must be enough surrounding soil space for the old pipe to burst outward. In some tight urban settings or near other utilities, this method may not be feasible.
| Benefit | Traditional Excavation | Trenchless Repair |
| Cost | You’re paying for plumbing plus landscaping removal, digging, backfilling, and restoration, which alone can double or triple the bill. | Most of those extra costs disappear. The primary focus is on the pipe, not your yard. |
| Time | Replacing a sewer line the old way can take several days or even over a week, depending on depth, access, and ground conditions. | Most trenchless jobs are done in a single day, sometimes just a few hours. |
| Disruption | Deep trenches (often 2–4 metres or more) can wreck your yard and even affect neighbours. Nearby utility lines may need to be temporarily moved. | Only a small area needs work, so your yard, driveway, and property stay mostly untouched. |
| Property Value | Landscaping, interlock driveways, mature trees, and garden beds often get damaged or destroyed. | Your hard work stays protected, so your property value doesn’t take a hit. |
| Environmental Impact | Lots of digging means soil disruption, extra waste, and a higher chance of hitting roots or buried infrastructure. | Minimal digging, less waste, and a smaller carbon footprint overall. |
Keep in mind: The trenchless method may not be your option if the pipe has many sharp bends or offsets that block a liner or bursting head from passing through. It also may not be suitable if the pipe has completely collapsed over a long distance, leaving no space to work with.
Here’s what the process looks like, from start to finish, in just four simple steps.
A plumber runs a high-resolution drain camera through the affected sewer line. This reveals the exact location, depth, length, and nature of the damage. You’ll often be shown the footage directly so you understand what’s happening in your own pipes.
Based on the camera footage, your plumber determines which trenchless method is appropriate. You receive a detailed quote that outlines the scope of work, the method being used, and the expected outcome.
Your plumber locates the access points. For CIPP lining, they clean the pipe, then insert and cure a resin-saturated liner to form a new pipe inside the old one. While, for pipe bursting, a bursting head breaks the old pipe while pulling a new one into place. Once the repair is finished, the access points are closed.
The plumber uses a CCTV camera to inspect and confirm that the repair is complete, the new lining or pipe is fitted correctly, and the flow is back to normal.
Trenchless sewer repair can seem expensive at first. But most homeowners underestimate the real cost of traditional digging: excavation equipment, labour, removing and replacing concrete or interlock, restoring landscaping, permits, and the risk of damaging nearby utilities or foundations.
Trenchless sewer repair is faster, cleaner, less expensive in total, and longer-lasting than traditional excavation in most residential situations.
