Thompson Trenchless has been providing expert trenchless sewer replacement services throughout Wyandotte, Monroe, and Downriver Michigan for over 30 years. When your sewer line needs complete replacement due to age, damage, or failure, trenchless technology allows us to install a brand new sewer line without the massive excavation, property destruction, and high costs associated with traditional dig-and-replace methods.
Trenchless sewer replacement encompasses several advanced technologies—including pipe bursting, CIPP pipe lining, and slip lining—that enable us to replace your entire sewer line while only excavating two small access points. This means your landscaping, driveway, sidewalks, and property remain virtually untouched during installation.
Serving both Wayne County and Monroe County with same-day emergency assessments, comprehensive video camera inspections, and lifetime workmanship warranties, we’re the trusted choice for homeowners who need reliable sewer line replacement without property destruction.
Trenchless sewer replacement is a category of modern pipe replacement technologies that install new sewer lines without requiring continuous excavation along the entire pipe route. Unlike traditional replacement that demands digging a 3-4 foot wide trench from your house to the street—destroying everything in its path—trenchless methods only require small access points at strategic locations.
Trenchless replacement works by accessing your existing sewer line through minimal excavation (typically two pits measuring 4×6 feet each), then using specialized equipment to either install a new pipe within the old one or replace the old pipe entirely. The specific method depends on your pipe’s condition, but all trenchless approaches share the same goal: give you a brand new, long-lasting sewer line without tearing up your entire property.
Modern trenchless equipment includes bursting heads that fracture old pipes while pulling new HDPE pipe into place, resin-saturated liners that cure inside existing pipes to create seamless new pipes, and slip lining systems that insert smaller diameter pipes into larger hosts. Each technology has optimal use cases based on your unique situation.
Traditional Replacement: Requires excavating a continuous 3-4 foot wide trench along your entire sewer line, typically 4-8 feet deep. This destroys landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, fences, sprinkler systems, and anything else in the pipe’s path. Installation takes 1-2 weeks, followed by weeks more for property restoration. Total cost including restoration: $18,000-$40,000+.
Trenchless Replacement: Requires only 2-4 small access pits (4×6 feet each) regardless of total pipe length. Your landscaping, hardscaping, and structures remain untouched. Installation completes in 1-3 days with minimal restoration needed. Total cost: $12,000-$25,000 including all work—saving $5,000-$15,000 while avoiding months of property damage.
The new pipe installed through either method lasts equally long (50-100+ years with HDPE), but trenchless eliminates 95% of the excavation, 80% of the installation time, and thousands in restoration costs.
Complete sewer line replacement becomes necessary when your pipe has deteriorated beyond the point where repairs or rehabilitation can restore function. Common scenarios requiring full replacement include:
Thompson Trenchless specializes in three primary trenchless replacement technologies, each optimal for specific conditions:
Pipe Bursting – Fractures your old pipe while simultaneously pulling new HDPE pipe into place. Best for: collapsed pipes, severe damage, situations requiring diameter increase, all soil types.
CIPP Lining – Installs resin-saturated liner inside existing pipe, cures to create seamless new pipe. Best for: pipes maintaining basic structure, cracks and joint issues, fastest installation time, budget-conscious projects.
Slip Lining – Inserts slightly smaller diameter pipe inside existing line. Best for: large diameter pipes, certain commercial applications, specific municipal requirements.
How It Works: A hydraulic or pneumatic bursting head fractures your old pipe into fragments, pushing them into surrounding soil while simultaneously pulling new HDPE pipe behind it. The process creates its own path, replacing your old sewer with new pipe in a single operation.
Best For: Completely collapsed pipes, severe structural damage, situations requiring larger diameter pipe (can upsize 2-4 inches), all pipe materials including cast iron and clay tile.
Installation Time: 1-3 days depending on length and conditions
Cost: $100-$200 per linear foot
Advantages: Works when no pipe structure remains, increases flow capacity through upsizing, creates entirely new pipe, no curing time required, same-day operational.
How It Works: A flexible liner saturated with epoxy resin is inserted into your existing pipe through a small access point, inflated to conform to the pipe walls, then cured with hot water or steam. The result is a seamless, jointless new pipe within your old one.
Best For: Pipes maintaining basic round shape, cracks and fractures, joint separations, root intrusion damage, corrosion, projects requiring fastest installation.
Installation Time: 1 day (4-8 hours curing + connections)
Cost: $80-$150 per linear foot
Advantages: Fastest installation method, minimal excavation (two 3×3 foot access points), seamless design prevents future root intrusion, 50-100 year lifespan, cost-effective solution.
How It Works: A new pipe (typically HDPE or PVC) slightly smaller than your existing pipe is inserted through it, then the space between old and new pipes is grouted for stability. The new pipe becomes your functional sewer line.
Best For: Large diameter pipes (8+ inches), certain commercial applications, situations where CIPP or bursting aren’t optimal, municipal specifications requiring slip lining.
Installation Time: 1-2 days depending on diameter and length
Cost: $90-$180 per linear foot
Advantages: Works well in larger pipes, structural integrity of new pipe separate from host, proven track record in commercial applications.
The optimal trenchless replacement method depends on several factors assessed during our comprehensive video inspection:
Our experts provide detailed recommendations comparing all viable options for your specific situation, ensuring you understand the pros, cons, and costs of each approach.
Every trenchless replacement begins with complete HD video camera inspection of your entire sewer line. We document pipe condition, material, diameter, depth, length, and identify all damage, obstacles, and connections. This inspection determines which trenchless methods are viable and provides the data needed for accurate planning and pricing. You receive complete footage showing exactly why replacement is necessary.
Based on inspection findings, we recommend the optimal replacement method(s) for your situation. If multiple approaches would work, we present detailed comparisons of installation timeline, cost, disruption level, and long-term performance. You make the final decision with complete understanding of what each option provides.
We excavate small access pits at strategic locations—typically one near your house and one near the street connection. Pit size depends on the method: CIPP requires only 3×3 foot openings, while pipe bursting needs 4×6 foot pits. We carefully select locations to minimize property impact and ensure proper equipment access.
For pipe bursting, we fragment and displace your old pipe as the bursting head advances. For CIPP lining, we clean the pipe interior with hydro jetting to ensure proper resin adhesion. For slip lining, we verify the host pipe is clear and stable.
The new pipe installation method depends on your chosen technology:
Throughout installation, we monitor progress and verify proper positioning of the new sewer line.
Once the new pipe is installed, we make all connections to your building drain plumbing and the municipal line, reconnect any lateral branches, and perform final video inspection to verify perfect installation. We test the system to ensure proper flow and connections, backfill access pits, and restore surfaces. Your sewer is operational the same day, flowing through a brand new line rated for 50-100+ years of service.
Ready to explore your trenchless replacement options?
Only 2-4 small access pits required regardless of pipe length. A 100-foot replacement requires just 48-96 square feet of excavation vs. 1,200+ square feet with traditional methods—preserving 95% of your property from disturbance.
Complete replacement in 1-3 days vs. 1-2 weeks for traditional excavation. Your sewer is operational faster, you experience less disruption, and you can return to normal life quickly instead of living around construction for weeks.
While trenchless costs more per foot than pipe alone, total project cost is 30-50% less than traditional replacement when restoration expenses are included. Savings of $5,000-$15,000 are typical plus you avoid months of property damage.
Modern HDPE pipe and cured-in-place liners last 50-100+ years with no maintenance. You’re installing the last sewer line your property will need, whether you choose pipe bursting with HDPE or CIPP lining with epoxy resin.
Trenchless replacement succeeds where traditional excavation struggles—tight urban lots, homes with mature landscaping, properties with underground utilities, steep slopes, and anywhere continuous trenching would be extremely difficult or expensive. Learn more about all trenchless repair methods.
Your lawn, mature trees, gardens, driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other features remain intact. No need to remove fencing, no tree removal, no driveway replacement, no waiting months for lawn restoration—your property looks the same after installation.
Minimal excavation means fewer permit requirements, less inspection oversight, and faster approval processes. In many jurisdictions, trenchless work faces significantly less regulatory burden than traditional open-cut excavation.
Trenchless replacement works in all seasons including winter. Minimal excavation means less concern about frozen ground, weather delays, or seasonal restrictions that often postpone traditional replacement projects.
Watch for these warning signs indicating your sewer line may need complete replacement rather than repair:
Video inspection may reveal conditions where replacement is the only viable solution:
In rare cases, traditional excavation may be necessary:
Even in these situations, trenchless methods are often viable with creative access solutions. Our experts explore every option before recommending traditional excavation.
$12,000-$25,000
Complete replacement including all labor and materials
Trenchless sewer replacement costs vary based on method selected, pipe length, diameter, depth, and site conditions. Price ranges by method:
Pipe Length: Most residential sewer lines run 50-150 linear feet. Longer runs cost more in materials and labor but may achieve some economy of scale on per-foot pricing.
Pipe Diameter: Larger diameter pipes require bigger equipment, more materials, and higher costs. Upsizing (increasing diameter) adds 20-30% to project cost but significantly improves flow capacity.
Pipe Depth: Deeper pipes require larger access pits and more excavation labor. Standard depth (4-8 feet) is included in base pricing; depths beyond 10 feet increase costs 15-25%.
Replacement Method: CIPP lining is generally most cost-effective but requires existing pipe structure. Pipe bursting costs more but handles collapsed pipes and enables upsizing.
Site Conditions: Rocky soil, high water tables, difficult access, or numerous obstacles increase labor time and equipment requirements. Urban properties with tight access face 10-20% premiums.
Lateral Connections: Homes with multiple branch lines (from upper floors, separate drains) require additional connection work. Each lateral adds $500-$1,500 depending on method.
Cost Component | Trenchless | Traditional |
Pipe & Materials | $4,000-$8,000 | $3,000-$6,000 |
Equipment & Labor | $6,000-$12,000 | $5,000-$8,000 |
Excavation | $2,000-$3,000 (2-4 small pits) | $4,000-$8,000 (continuous trench) |
Property Restoration | $500-$2,000 (minimal) | $6,000-$18,000 (landscaping, hardscaping) |
TOTAL COST | $12,500-$25,000 | $18,000-$40,000 |
Timeline | 1-3 days | 1-2 weeks + restoration |
Trenchless replacement provides exceptional long-term value:
Cast iron sewer pipes (common in homes built 1950-1980) typically last 50-75 years before severe corrosion causes failure. Replacement is necessary when camera inspection reveals extensive channeling (deterioration from bottom up), holes, complete wall failure, or structural collapse. Both pipe bursting and CIPP lining work excellently for cast iron replacement, with pipe bursting preferred when pipes are severely corroded or collapsed.
Clay tile pipes (predominant in homes built before 1950) were installed in 2-3 foot sections with joint connections. These joints separate over time, allowing root intrusion and soil infiltration. Clay tile also becomes brittle with age, cracking and crumbling. Complete clay pipe replacement is often necessary after 70-100 years. Pipe bursting handles collapsed clay tile excellently; CIPP works when pipe structure remains relatively intact.
Orangeburg pipe (fiber conduit used 1940s-1970s) has a limited 30-50 year lifespan and eventually becomes oval-shaped, delaminated, or completely collapsed. All Orangeburg pipe will fail—it’s a matter of when, not if. Replacement with modern HDPE pipe through pipe bursting is standard, as Orangeburg rarely maintains enough structure for CIPP lining. This upgrade provides 100+ years of reliable service replacing the temporary Orangeburg material.
Modern plastic pipes (installed 1970s-present) typically last 50-100+ years but can fail prematurely due to improper installation, ground movement, or external damage. When plastic pipe does require replacement, all trenchless methods work well. The choice depends on specific damage patterns: bursting for collapsed sections, CIPP for cracked pipes maintaining shape, slip lining for certain large diameter applications.
and all Wayne and Monroe County communities.
Installation time depends on method: CIPP lining typically completes in 1 day (4-8 hours curing plus connections), pipe bursting takes 1-3 days depending on length and conditions, and slip lining requires 1-2 days. This is dramatically faster than traditional replacement requiring 1-2 weeks of excavation plus additional time for property restoration.
No, you can remain home during trenchless sewer replacement. We’ll need to restrict water and drain usage during active installation (typically 4-12 hours depending on method), but you don’t need to vacate. We coordinate work to minimize disruption and ensure you understand the timeline before we begin.
Yes, trenchless sewer replacement works year-round including winter months. Minimal excavation means less concern about frozen ground, and our equipment operates in all weather conditions. We provide 24/7 emergency service regardless of season.
Thompson Trenchless provides a lifetime workmanship warranty on all trenchless replacement installations. Materials carry manufacturer warranties: HDPE pipe typically warrants 50 years to lifetime, CIPP epoxy resin systems warrant 50+ years, and all components are backed by industry-leading guarantees. Our warranties are comprehensive and transferable to future property owners.
Modern trenchless replacement materials last 50-100+ years. HDPE pipe installed through pipe bursting is essentially permanent—field studies show pipes installed in the 1970s still performing perfectly. CIPP epoxy liners have proven 50+ year performance with expected lifespan exceeding 100 years. You’re installing the last sewer line your property will need.
Yes, trenchless methods can replace specific sections rather than the entire line. If camera inspection shows damage concentrated in one area while the rest of the pipe remains sound, we can target just the problem section. However, if your pipe is original to a home built before 1970, complete replacement often makes more sense than piecemeal repairs given the overall pipe age.
No, trenchless replacement preserves 95% of your property. We excavate 2-4 small pits (4×6 feet each) at strategic locations—typically one near your house and one near the street. Your landscaping, trees, driveway, sidewalks, and other features remain untouched. The small excavated areas are restored promptly after installation.
Trenchless sewer replacement typically costs $12,000-$25,000 for complete installation depending on method, length, and conditions. This is 30-50% less than traditional replacement when restoration costs are included. CIPP lining ($80-$150/ft) is most affordable, pipe bursting ($100-$200/ft) mid-range, and slip lining ($90-$180/ft) varies by diameter. We provide detailed written estimates after video inspection.
Three decades of trenchless installations across Wayne and Monroe Counties
Pipe bursting, CIPP lining, slip lining—we offer every approach and recommend what's truly best for your situation
Ongoing certification from major trenchless equipment manufacturers ensures expert installation
We own all specialized trenchless equipment (not rented), guaranteeing availability and proper maintenance
Comprehensive warranty on all installation labor, transferable to future property owners
Complete HD camera inspection with recorded footage included with every estimate
Detailed written estimates comparing all viable methods with no hidden fees
Michigan Master Plumber license, full liability insurance, workers compensation
Consistently excellent customer satisfaction across all review platforms
Same-day response throughout Wyandotte and Monroe
See what our customers say on our reviews page
