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A Thompson Trenchless and Hydro Jetting worker checks a home’s sewer line with special equipment to find problems.

How Much Does Trenchless Repair Cost in 2026?

Quick Answer: Trenchless repair cost in 2026 typically ranges from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the method: slip lining runs $3,000-$12,000, Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining runs $6,000-$15,000, and pipe bursting runs $10,000-$20,000. On average, trenchless sewer repair costs $8,000-$18,000 total, compared to $13,000-$40,000 for traditional dig-and-replace repair. Pricing depends on

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A Thompson Trenchless and Hydro Jetting worker inspects a home's drain pipe using a sewer camera for maintenance.

What Are the Most Common Lateral Sewer Line Problems?

Quick Answer: Common lateral sewer line problems include tree root intrusion, bellied or improperly sloped pipe, collapsed sections, offset joints, and full line failure. These issues usually show up as slow drains, gurgling noises, sewage backups, or wet spots in the yard. Because homeowners are responsible for maintaining their lateral

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Thompson Trenchless and Hydro Jetting shows two main ways to fix pipes underground: bursting the old pipe or lining it inside.

Pipe Bursting vs. CIPP: Which Trenchless Method Wins?

Quick Answer: The right choice in the pipe bursting vs CIPP debate comes down to your pipe’s condition. CIPP lining works best when the existing pipe still holds its shape but has cracks, joint failures, or root intrusion — a resin-saturated liner cures inside the old pipe to seal it.

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Thompson Trenchless and Hydro Jetting team member checks a pipe’s condition using a camera for safe repairs.

What Is the CIPP Process and What Are the Benefits of Pipe Lining?

Quick Answer: The CIPP process (cured-in-place pipe lining) repairs damaged sewer and drain pipes without digging by inserting a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe, inflating it against the pipe walls, and curing it into a smooth, seamless replacement pipe. Pipe lining benefits include lower costs than excavation, installation often

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Thompson Trenchless and Hydro Jetting explains how an underground drain pipe can clog from a dip that stops water flow.

What Causes Sewer Line Bellying?

Direct answer: Sewer line bellying happens when a section of underground pipe sinks below its proper slope, creating a low spot where water and waste collect instead of flowing to the sewer main. The most common causes are poor soil compaction during installation, natural soil settling, Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, and

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Tree roots have broken a sewer pipe, causing plumbing problems that Thompson Trenchless and Hydro Jetting can fix.

Tree Roots in Sewer Lines: Prevention and Solutions

Quick answer: Tree roots clogging sewer lines is one of the most common — and expensive — drain problems homeowners face. Roots enter pipes through tiny cracks or loose joints, then grow inward until they block flow entirely. The good news: if you catch it early, clearing the line and

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