If you’ve been told you need a sewer line replacement, you’re likely already dealing with slow drains, backups, or even sewage odors. On top of that, the idea of tearing up your yard or driveway can make the situation feel even worse.
But do you actually need to dig up your entire sewer line to fix the problem? And if not, is trenchless sewer lining really a better option?
The truth is, the right solution depends entirely on the condition of your pipe, and choosing the wrong method could cost you more time, money, and disruption than necessary.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how sewer line digging compares to lining, including how each method works, the pros and cons of both, and how to determine which option is best for your specific situation.
What Is Traditional Sewer Line Replacement (Digging)?
Traditional sewer line replacement involves excavating the ground above your pipe to fully remove and replace the damaged sewer line.
This is the most established method and has been used for decades. While newer trenchless options exist, digging is still necessary in certain situations where the damage is too severe to repair from the inside.
How Sewer Line Digging Works
The process follows a straightforward but labor-intensive approach:
- A trench is dug along the length of the sewer line
- The old, damaged pipe is exposed and removed
- A new pipe, typically made of durable PVC/SDR, is installed
- The trench is backfilled, and the surface area is restored
Because the pipe is fully replaced, this method provides a completely new system from the ground up.
When Sewer Line Digging Is Required
Digging is typically the best, and sometimes the only, option when the pipe cannot be repaired using trenchless methods.
This includes situations where:
- The pipe has collapsed or significantly shifted
- There are multiple breaks or major structural failures
- The pipe material is outdated and no longer viable, such as Orangeburg
- The sewer line needs to be rerouted or regraded to function properly
If the pipe has lost its structural integrity, lining is not an option, making excavation necessary.
Pros and Cons of Sewer Line Digging
Pros of Digging | Cons of Digging |
Fully replaces the old pipe with a brand-new system | Significant disruption to your property, including yards, driveways, and landscaping |
Works in nearly all situations, even with severe damage or collapse | Longer project timelines compared to trenchless methods |
Allows for correction of slope, alignment, or layout issues | Higher overall costs due to excavation and restoration work |
What Is Sewer Lining (Trenchless Repair)?
Sewer lining is a trenchless method that repairs your existing pipe from the inside, eliminating the need for full excavation.
Instead of removing the damaged pipe, this process creates a new, durable lining within the existing structure, restoring function without disrupting your property.
How Sewer Lining Works
The process is minimally invasive and typically completed quickly:
- A flexible liner coated in epoxy resin is inserted into the damaged pipe
- The liner is inflated to fit tightly against the interior walls
- The resin is cured, hardening into a solid structure
- The result is a smooth, jointless pipe formed inside the original one
Once complete, the new lining effectively functions as a brand-new pipe within the old system.
This method is commonly known as Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining.
When Sewer Lining Is a Good Option
Lining is highly effective, but only when the existing pipe is still structurally viable. It works best when:
- The pipe is structurally intact but showing damage, such as cracks, small leaks, or root intrusion
- The line has not collapsed or caved in
- The pipe still maintains its overall shape and alignment
If the pipe can hold its form, lining can restore it without the need for excavation.
Pros and Cons of Sewer Lining
Pros of Lining | Cons of Lining |
Requires little to no digging, minimizing disruption to your property | Not suitable for pipes that are severely damaged or fully collapsed |
Faster installation, often completed within 1 to 2 days | Cannot correct major alignment or structural issues |
Preserves landscaping, driveways, and existing structures | Effectiveness depends on the existing pipe maintaining its shape |
Creates a durable, long-lasting pipe with a lifespan of 50 years or more | Slight reduction in pipe diameter, which may impact flow in rare cases |
Which Sewer Replacement Method Is Better for You?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The condition of your sewer line will ultimately determine the best solution.
If your sewer line has collapsed, suffered severe structural damage, or has multiple sections failing, traditional digging is typically the only reliable option. It is also necessary if the pipe needs to be rerouted or regraded to function properly.
On the other hand, if your pipe is still intact but showing signs of deterioration, such as cracks or root intrusion, sewer lining can often restore it without excavation. This option is especially appealing if you want to avoid tearing up your yard or driveway and prefer a faster, less invasive solution.
In short, digging is best for pipes that cannot be saved, while lining is ideal for pipes that are still structurally sound.
How to Know Which Option You Actually Need
The only reliable way to determine whether digging or lining is right for your situation is through a professional sewer camera inspection.
This process involves inserting a specialized camera into your sewer line to get a real-time view of its condition. Rather than guessing based on symptoms like slow drains or backups, the inspection provides clear, visual evidence of what’s actually happening inside the pipe.
During the inspection, a technician can identify issues such as cracks, breaks, or full collapses, as well as root intrusion, alignment problems, and the overall structural integrity of the line.
Without this step, any recommendation is simply an educated guess, which can lead to choosing the wrong solution and potentially higher costs down the line.
How to Choose Between Sewer Line Digging and Lining
At the end of the day, both sewer line digging and lining are effective solutions. The right choice comes down to the condition of your pipe and the type of problem you’re dealing with.
If your sewer line is severely damaged, collapsed, or needs structural correction, digging provides a complete replacement and long-term reliability. If your pipe is still intact but deteriorating, lining offers a faster, less disruptive way to restore it without excavation.
If you’re dealing with sewer issues, you’re likely already feeling the stress of slow drains, backups, or concerns about property damage and repair costs. Choosing the wrong method can make those problems even more expensive and disruptive.
That’s why your next step should be to schedule a professional sewer camera inspection. This will give you a clear, accurate diagnosis so you can confidently choose between digging and lining based on what your pipe actually needs.
By working with an experienced sewer professional, you can get honest guidance, avoid unnecessary work, and move forward with a solution that protects your home, your property, and your investment.
FAQs
Is sewer lining cheaper than digging?
Sewer line lining can sometimes have a higher upfront cost per foot than traditional digging. However, because it avoids excavation, you may save significantly on restoring landscaping, driveways, or other structures. In many cases, the total cost ends up being comparable or even lower, depending on your property.
How long does sewer line replacement take with digging vs. lining?
Traditional sewer line digging can take several days to over a week, especially if extensive excavation and restoration are required. Sewer lining is typically much faster, with many projects completed within one to two days.
Will sewer lining reduce water flow in my pipes?
Sewer lining slightly reduces the diameter of the existing pipe, but in most cases, this does not negatively impact flow. In fact, the smooth, jointless interior of the new lining can improve flow efficiency compared to older, rough, or damaged pipes. Read more about this in our guide “Does Trenchless Sewer Lining Reduce Your Pipe Size?”
