What’s the Difference Between Trenchless Pipe Repair and Traditional Pipe Repair?

Ricky Pattillo • February 23, 2022
Plumbworks

When you’re faced with broken pipes, the first concern will always be to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. Traditionally, this meant tearing up large sections of landscaping or pavement to find the source of the issue and repair it. By the time the sewer pipe repair is completed, you may be looking at a bill for the materials and labor as well as separate costs associated with getting your property back to its original state.


However, as trenchless underground pipe repair increases in popularity due to its minimally invasive nature, more and more people are opting to seek out plumbers who can provide this service. So how do trenchless repair methods work and how do they differ from traditional repairs?

Trenchless Pipe Repair


In the simplest definition, trenchless underground pipe repair is a method of fixing your broken sewer pipes without excessive digging. This is done by using the existing underground plumbing as a host for the new pipe instead of digging up and completely replacing the broken pipe, making it a much more desirable alternative to traditional sewer pipe repair.


Trenchless Pipe Repair Methods

With this type of repair, a small camera is inserted into the problematic pipe to accurately locate the exact point of the issue. Once the problem has been pinpointed, the plumbing technician will dig one to two access points that are used to feed in the replacement pipe with minimal fuss. 


Two of the most common trenchless sewer line replacement methods include pipe lining, which involves feeding a liner through an existing pipe then inflating it and allowing it to harden over time, and pipe bursting, where a new pipe is fed through the damaged pipe behind a hydraulic or pneumatic bursting tool that breaks up the damaged pipe.


Benefits 

As previously mentioned, trenchless sewer pipe repairs are much more gentle on your property with less mess and additional repairs. Because of this, trenchless pipe repair costs are a fraction of those associated with traditional repair methods. To top it off, trenchless repairs can be completed in hours as opposed to days meaning less downtime for your home or business.


Traditional Pipe Repair


With traditional repair methods, broken sewer pipes often lead to further damages to landscaping and pavement. Anything and everything between the damaged pipes and the surface must be removed if possible to allow the plumbers to reach the pipe and correct the issue or install a replacement.


Traditional Pipe Repair Methods

The main challenge with traditional sewer line repair is determining where the problem is. This means excavating the entirety of the pipe, repairing or replacing it, and then refilling the surrounding hole with dirt. Depending on the severity of the damage, this process can take days of work to complete.


Pros and Cons 

Compared to trenchless methods, traditional pipe repair is extraordinarily time-consuming and disruptive to day-to-day activities. Property owners are often left with a mess that requires additional money to clean up, adding to the already costly bill for materials, equipment, and labor. If the location of the repair affects a motorway, traffic disruptions and delays will occur as well.

Get Trenchless Sewer Line Repair Services from Plumb Works


Trenchless sewer repair can be a cost-effective and quick solution for your damaged pipes. However, the problem must be caught early so that the damages are limited, making the repairs even faster. If you think that you may be in need of trenchless sewer repair, contact Plumb Works today! We also provide a variety of other services including
smart toilet installation and garbage disposal repairs. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert plumber, call 404-524-1825.


Lenz building
October 21, 2025
When Lenz, Plumb Works’s marketing agency of record, moved into its new home, an historic building on the Decatur Square, it didn’t have to look far.
Water heater inspection
October 2, 2025
October is the perfect time for seasonal plumbing maintenance to make sure your water heater is ready to bring the warmth when you need it most.
Thank you, Eric Ponder for 20 years of service!
October 2, 2025
Eric, thank you—for your 20 years of service, for the integrity you bring to your work, and for being a core part of the Plumb Works family.
September 16, 2025
The arrival of football season often inspires many to create a backyard retreat custom made for game day celebration. Sure, our imaginations can run wild when it comes to adding an outdoor kitchen or gas lines for that dream fire pit or grill. However, before kicking off the big play, the experts at Plumb Works are here to remind you of some key elements.
August 1, 2025
If your home is 30, 40, or even 50 years old, there’s a good chance your gas piping system hasn’t been updated since it was installed. Unfortunately, aging gas pipes can put your home and family at serious risk. Gas lines naturally degrade over time, and older materials are much more likely to develop leaks, corrosion, or even sudden failures. In metro Atlanta, soil conditions and humid weather can speed up deterioration, making it even more important to have your system inspected if your home is decades old. At Plumb Works, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers of outdated gas lines in Atlanta-area homes. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to have yours evaluated. Why Old Gas Pipes Are a Serious Hazard Gas lines may last for decades, but they don’t last forever. Many Atlanta homes built between 1975-1995 used black iron or galvanized steel gas piping. These older materials are prone to: Corrosion and rust: Atlanta’s humid summers and occasional flooding can accelerate corrosion, especially in crawl spaces or underground lines. Loose connections: Changes in temperature between the hot southern summers and colder winters can weaken threaded connections, leading to leaks. Outdated materials: Galvanized steel pipes used in the past can flake apart internally, causing dangerous blockages. Lack of protective coating: Modern gas lines are coated with fusion-bonded epoxie (FBEs) to resist corrosion, but older pipes generally don’t have that protection. Even small leaks are dangerous because there is no safe level of exposure to natural gas. Natural gas is highly flammable, and any exposure can also lead to serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even suffocation at high levels. Warning Signs Your Gas Piping Needs Repair or Replacement Because most gas piping runs behind walls or underground, spotting problems isn’t always easy. Here are a few red flags to watch for: A rotten egg smell (the odorant added to natural gas) Hissing or whistling sounds near gas appliances or lines Dead patches of grass above buried gas lines Visible rust or corrosion on any exposed pipes A sudden or unexplained increase in your gas bill If you notice any of these, call a licensed plumber right away. Gas leaks are an emergency and should NEVER be handled as a DIY repair. What Atlanta Homeowners Should Do If Your Gas Piping Is 30-50 Years Old If your home’s gas lines are decades old, schedule a professional inspection even if you haven’t noticed issues. Licensed plumbers in Atlanta, like Plumb Works, can evaluate your system, locate leaks, and determine if repairs or a full replacement are necessary. Modern gas piping materials like CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) or polyethylene piping last longer, resist corrosion, and are more flexible for installations around Georgia’s clay-heavy soil. Upgrading your system will not only make your home safer but also more efficient. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late Delaying repairs or replacement of old gas pipes can have devastating consequences, including fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide exposure. Addressing the problem now can keep your family safe while protecting your property (and your wallet) from major damage. It’s also crucial to bring your home up to Georgia’s current safety codes. Call Atlanta’s Trusted Gas Line Repair Experts If your Atlanta home was built from 1975-1995 and you’ve never had the gas piping inspected, now is the time. Plumb Works, Inc. specializes in Atlanta gas line repair and gas line replacement . We understand the unique challenges of Georgia’s climate and soil conditions and follow all City of Atlanta and Georgia state codes for gas line safety. Don’t wait until a small leak turns into a dangerous emergency. Call us today or schedule an appointment online using our self-scheduler. Our licensed plumbers will perform a thorough inspection and give you peace of mind knowing your home’s gas piping is safe.
June 16, 2025
Plumbing can be intimidating. But not every plumbing fix requires a call to the pros. In fact, there are a handful of simple plumbing tasks that just about anyone can tackle with a little patience and the right guidance. Whether you’re a new homeowner, a renter, or just tired of paying for every minor leak or clog, this one’s for you.
May 1, 2025
Here’s a closer look at the most common summer sewer concerns and how to stay ahead of them before they become major (and messy) problems.
April 1, 2025
Thinking about a career in plumbing? Here’s a breakdown of the journey from apprentice to master plumber, and why Plumb Works is a great place to get started.
March 4, 2025
If you're thinking about stepping up your home’s plumbing game, here are a few 'want, not need' additions that can bring a touch of luxury to your space.
March 1, 2025
A little spring cleaning now can prevent major headaches later, especially as the warmer months bring increased water usage and the potential for hidden winter damage to show up. Here’s how to give your plumbing a seasonal refresh and keep things flowing smoothly.
Show More