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Like most appliances and systems in our homes, sewer lines eventually require replacements. But unlike most other things, these lines need immediate attention. Any delays can result in extensive damage or health hazards.
Call Staton Heating, Cooling & Plumbing where we provide a range of sewer line repair methods, including pipe bursting and pipelining. Get in contact with us today, and we’ll help you determine the right excavation method for your sewer line repair.
Exposure to sewer gas may cause side effects like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and impaired cognitive abilities. Not to mention, it smells like rotten eggs! You’ll need a repair ASAP. Several strategies are used to repair sewer lines, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
External Excavation
This traditional method of sewer pipe repair is tried and true; it’s been around for years and continues to be used in excavations.
With an external sewer line excavation, workers must dig trenches and tunnels to access the sewer line. This will expose the pipe completely so that it’s easier to repair or replace. However, it often causes damage to the surrounding land and structures.
Interior Access Excavation
Rather than digging up a large section of the yard, this method involves precise excavation where the damage is. It’s a way to repair sewer lines without digging large trenches.
Even though trenchless sewer line excavation methods can be costly, you won’t need to spend money repairing landscape damage once it’s done. However, it’s not always possible to use this technique; if the lines are damaged too extensively, pipe bursting may not be viable.
Reasons for Digging Up Sewer Lines
No one wants to have their lawn excavated—but if your sewer line needs repairs, it may be necessary. Here are a few common reasons why excavations are performed:
- The existing line is damaged. Oftentimes, this is due to tree roots. Damage to your sewer line can also be caused by oil, grease, and flushing things other than toilet paper. Avoid costly repairs by scheduling routine maintenance, like drain cleaning services.
- You’re updating your septic system. Switching from a traditional septic tank to the city sewer system? You might choose to do this if your septic tank needs repairs, or if a new city bylaw requires it. If so, you’ll need a new sewer line to make the change.
- Doesn’t need extra space – as the whole-house air purifier goes into the HVAC system itself, it won’t take up any space as many of the individual purifiers do.
Sewer Line Excavation Process
Before the real work begins, excavators start by marking all utility lines. Accidentally hitting a utility line may cause a service outage in your area and cause serious injuries to those nearby—in some cases, it may even result in death. Careful and precise planning is key to a successful sewer line repair.
Next, the workers will use video inspection technology to assess the condition of your pipes. It allows them to get a closer look at what’s happening within the line. Based on this information, they can select a strategy that’s optimal for your property and pipes. The plumbers may need to obtain permits or other inspections to proceed with the repair.
The specific plumbing excavation process varies depending on the methods that are used. We’re going to detail a few of them here:
Pipe Bursting vs. Open-Top Excavation
Which repair method is best for your property: trench or trenchless sewer repair? There are pros and cons to each:
Pipe Bursting
Some homeowners are hesitant to repair sewer lines because they don’t want trenches dug into their yards—it fixes their sewer line, but it ruins their lawn! One of the main advantages of pipe bursting is that it won’t require any trenches to be dug.
To remove old and broken pipes, we used a pneumatic or hydraulic head. We remove the old damaged pipe and replace it with a new one that’s perfectly sized to fit in that space.
If you’re interested in trenchless sewer line repair in Anne Arundel or Howard County, we also offer pipelining (also known as cured-in-place piping). With this method, your existing pipes are relined with epoxy. This saves you the trouble of removing the old pipes; once they’re relined, they’ll work as efficiently as if they were a new sewer line.
These repair methods have only been around for the last two decades, making them relatively recent. The lack of digging minimizes costs, both in terms of labor and what you’d spend to fix your property afterward.
Open-Top Excavation
In cases where a trenchless sewer line repair isn’t viable, there is an alternative method:
An open-top sewer line excavation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it ensures that your sewer line is completely repaired. Holes must be dug on either side of the pipe and around it, too. As you can imagine, this means a large portion of your yard must be dug up.
Once the pipes are unearthed, the repairs can begin. Whether the pipe requires a total replacement or just an adjustment, the workers will have easy access to the sewer line.
An open-top excavation tends to be more affordable than a trenchless repair. It’s a reliable way to repair a faulty sewer line or replace it with an entirely new pipe. That being said, this method has its disadvantages—namely, the time it takes to complete, and the expense associated with repairing your yard.
At some point or another, most home and business owners deal with a damaged sewer line. A prompt replacement is the key to minimizing damage or exposure to any hazards. We also offer expert sewer backups repair, drain cleaning, and water heater repair to keep your home’s plumbing in excellent condition. Wondering which of these repair methods are best for your property? We can help!
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Client Testimonials
REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL CLIENTS
Pete Johnson
1 day ago
We had a most unpleasant situation with broken pipes in our crawlspace. Plumber Matt saved the day. Competent, professional and personable. A job well done.
Hartwell Alderson
1 day ago
Joe was great. He found the leak immediately and took action. Within a day we had everything up and running again.
David Flanagan
1 day ago
Staton really is one of the best. Very professional and courteous, and the work expertly done. I know that when I need something repaired correctly, Staton will get it done. We had a small leak with a pipe connected to our water conditioner that very quickly turned into a spraying mess. I put in a request online in the middle of the night and heard back from them a couple hours later. Matt arrived today and got to work, not only fixing the repair so that everything was better than ever, but also putting in a new filter and ultraviolet bulb. Everything worked perfectly.
October 29, 2026
Staton saved the day AGAIN. We had a leak in our basement, a leaking pipe in the ceiling and water logged carpets. I shut the water off and called Staton and they had someone to me in an HOUR! They found the leak and fixed it. Water restored and now drying out the basement. Great service and always there for me.
October 29, 2026
Staton saved the day AGAIN. We had a leak in our basement, a leaking pipe in the ceiling and water logged carpets. I shut the water off and called Staton and they had someone to me in an HOUR! They found the leak and fixed it. Water restored and now drying out the basement. Great service and always there for me.
Lael Holton
2 days ago
Thanks, Reynaldo for doing such a great job on my install. Quick, thorough, and very informative about my system. Much appreciated!
Kailey Portwood
2 days ago
Cristian was great!
Korbalagae Kuawogai
2 days ago
Cristian was excellent. He was knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable.
Richard Taibi
3 days ago
Nathan Cormier came to stop my toilet from wobbling. He explained the complications that he had to deal with in order to fix it. It required 3 hours of patient work. I was glad Staton sent me such a competent plumber.
William Huggins
3 days ago
Joe did an excellent job diagnosing the problem and proposing a good solution. The work was done well and completed quickly. He is very professional and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Mr Weekend
3 days ago
Robert and Lee were both very informative, positive as to what they were going to accomplish and right on time as to their finish. I felt very at ease with them and informed as to their progress went on. They were super good as to taking care of and making all adjustments to our home as they did their job. You could not even tell that they had been here for such a big job. Koodo’s Gentleman, Job Well Done!
Matthew Habic
3 days ago
Taylor and Jake did a phenomenal job with the installation of my new HVAC system. They were extremely efficient and professional. They explained everything in detail and were always open and available to any questions. Definitely recommend them as they clearly go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.