What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair? A Homeowner’s Guide for Chicagoland
By Megan A. Dutta, CEO, Drain Guys Chicago
If the words “sewer repair” make you picture torn-up lawns, broken sidewalks, and lots of chaos in your home or business, you’re not alone. In the past, fixing a damaged sewer line meant digging a trench straight through your yard (and sometimes your neighbor’s).
The good news? There’s a better option—and for many Chicagoland homes (especially those in Elmhurst, IL), it’s the smarter one.
It’s called trenchless sewer repair, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: repairing or replacing your sewer line without digging up your property.
Let’s break down what that really means and why it’s become a popular solution for homeowners in the Chicago area.
What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?
Trenchless sewer repair is a modern way to fix sewer lines without digging up your yard—most of the work happens underground instead. Instead of excavating the entire length of the pipe, plumbers repair the sewer line from the inside.
We use a method called cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), where a flexible liner is installed inside the damaged sewer line and hardened in place. The result is a brand-new pipe inside the old one—without tearing up your lawn or driveway.
How Is This Different From Traditional Sewer Repair?
Traditional sewer repair involves digging up the old pipe to remove and replace it. That can mean:
Excavating your yard
Removing concrete, pavers, or landscaping
Long timelines
Higher restoration costs
Trenchless sewer repair skips most of that. In many cases, the job can be completed in a day or two, with minimal disruption to your property.
When Is Trenchless Sewer Repair a Good Option?
Trenchless sewer repair works best when the existing pipe still has its general shape but is damaged by issues like cracks or fractures, root intrusion, corrosion/deterioration, minor offsets/separations, and recurring clogs caused by pipe damage.
Damage like this is especially common in older Chicagoland homes with clay or cast iron sewer lines—materials that were the standard decades ago but don’t always hold up to tree roots, soil shifting, and freeze-thaw cycles.
That said, trenchless isn’t right for every situation. Severely collapsed pipes or major alignment issues may still require traditional excavation. That’s why a sewer camera inspection is always the first step.
Why Trenchless Sewer Repair Is Popular in Chicagoland
Chicago-area homes face unique sewer challenges like older infrastructure, mature trees with aggressive root systems, harsh winters that cause ground movement, and tight urban lots where digging isn’t ideal.
Trenchless repair often makes sense because it addresses the problem without creating new ones. For example, your beautiful garden wouldn’t have to be destroyed and your sidewalks won’t be damaged.
What Are the Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Lining?
Homeowners often choose trenchless sewer repair because it means less mess, faster project completion and long-lasting results (Maxliner® CIPP comes with a 70-year warranty!).
It’s not just about convenience, it’s about protecting your home, your yard, and your peace of mind.
Learn more about the benefits.
How Do You Know If It’s Right for Your Home?
The only way to know for sure is with a professional sewer camera inspection. This allows us to see exactly what’s happening inside your sewer line and recommend the best solution—trenchless or otherwise.
At Drain Guys, our goal is always the same—fix the problem the right way, with honesty, transparency, and as little disruption to your property as possible. If sewer issues keep popping up, trenchless sewer repair may be worth a closer look.
Learn more about trenchless sewer repair from Drain Guys Chicago.
