Category: Tips

  • Why We Don’t Use Trenchless Pipe Lining (And What We Do Instead)

    If you’ve been researching sewer line repairs in Denver, you’ve probably seen ads for “trenchless pipe lining” or “CIPP lining” promising to fix your sewer problems without digging up your yard. No mess, no landscaping damage, done in a day. Sounds perfect, right?

    Here’s the thing: we don’t offer pipe lining at Ed’s Sewer and Water Repair. Not because we can’t learn how to do it, but because after 28 years of doing underground work, I’ve seen too many lined pipes fail to put my name on that work.

    I’m going to explain exactly what pipe lining is, why it’s not the miracle fix it’s marketed as, and why we believe excavation and replacement is the right way to fix a broken sewer line. This isn’t about bashing other contractors—it’s about being honest with homeowners about what actually works long-term.

    What Is Trenchless Pipe Lining (CIPP)?

    Trenchless pipe lining, also called Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP), is a method where contractors insert a flexible resin-soaked tube into your existing damaged pipe. They inflate it like a balloon, let the resin harden, and you’ve got a new pipe inside your old pipe. All done through small access points without digging up your yard.

    The appeal is obvious: no digging means no destroyed landscaping, no torn-up driveways, and typically lower labor costs. The marketing makes it sound like a no-brainer. But here’s what they’re not telling you.

    The Problems with Pipe Lining Nobody Talks About

    It Doesn’t Fix Structural Problems

    This is the big one. Pipe lining creates a new pipe inside your old pipe, but it doesn’t fix what caused the damage in the first place.

    If your pipe has settled or shifted (what we call a “belly” in the line), the lining follows that same sag. Water still pools there. Grease still accumulates. You haven’t fixed anything—you’ve just made it slightly harder to see the problem on a camera inspection.

    If tree roots crushed your clay pipe and pushed it out of alignment, the liner goes into that misaligned pipe. The structural problem is still there. The ground around it is still moving. Eventually, that liner will crack or separate at the same weak points.

    We’ve been called out to excavate and replace lined pipes that failed within 3-5 years. The homeowner spent $8,000-$12,000 on the lining, then had to pay for full replacement anyway. That’s not saving money—that’s paying twice.

    It Can’t Handle Multiple Failure Points

    Pipe lining works best on a single section of pipe with minimal damage. But most sewer lines that need repair have multiple problems:

    • Several sections with root intrusion
    • Cracks or breaks in different areas
    • Joints that have separated
    • Both bellies and offsets in the same line

    When you have multiple failure points, you’re asking a flexible liner to fix every problem spot at once. It might hold for a while, but it’s not addressing the underlying issues that caused those failures.

    Joint Problems and Connection Issues

    Most sewer line failures happen at the joints—where two pipe sections connect. Clay pipes especially fail at these connection points because the mortar deteriorates or tree roots find their way in.

    Pipe lining doesn’t eliminate those joints. It covers them, but it doesn’t restore structural integrity at the connection. Over time, ground movement continues to stress those joints, and the liner can pull apart or wrinkle at exactly those weak spots.

    We’ve also seen problems where the liner doesn’t properly connect to existing pipes—your house connection or the city main. If there’s any gap or misalignment, you get leaking, root intrusion, or eventually another backup.

    It Reduces Your Pipe Diameter

    When you put a new pipe inside an old pipe, you lose diameter. A 4-inch sewer line might become a 3.5-inch or 3.75-inch line after lining. For main sewer lines, this usually isn’t a huge problem, but it does reduce flow capacity.

    More importantly, any future blockages or root intrusions have less room to develop before you’ve got a complete stoppage. That margin for error gets smaller.

    When Pipe Lining Actually Makes Sense (Rare Cases)

    Look, I’m not saying pipe lining is never the right choice. There are specific situations where it can work:

    • Single localized damage in an otherwise good pipe that’s in a terrible location to excavate (under a concrete patio, for example)
    • Commercial high-rise buildings where replacing vertical stacks would be enormously disruptive
    • Minimal damage with confirmed good structural integrity where the pipe has settled correctly and you’re just sealing minor cracks

    But these situations are the exception, not the rule. For typical residential sewer line problems in Denver—broken clay pipes, root-invaded cast iron, settled or shifted lines—excavation and replacement is the better solution.

    Why Excavation and Replacement Is the Right Way

    You Fix the Actual Problem

    When we excavate and replace your sewer line, we’re not just covering up damage—we’re eliminating it. We remove the broken clay or corroded cast iron pipe and install new Schedule 40 PVC pipe that’s properly bedded and supported.

    If the line has settled and created a belly, we correct the grade. If tree roots caused the damage, we reroute the line away from the tree or install root-resistant pipe. We address the cause, not just the symptom.

    Modern Materials Last Longer

    PVC sewer pipe, when properly installed, should last 75-100 years or more. It won’t corrode like cast iron. Tree roots can’t penetrate the joints like they did with clay pipe. It’s smooth inside, so waste flows better and doesn’t accumulate.

    Pipe lining manufacturers claim their product lasts 50 years, but that assumes perfect installation conditions and no continued ground movement. We don’t have 50 years of real-world data yet because the technology is relatively new for residential applications.

    What we do have is 28 years of seeing what actually holds up underground. Properly installed PVC holds up. Liners over structurally compromised pipes? Not so much.

    You Get Proper Support and Bedding

    When we replace a sewer line, we don’t just drop new pipe in a hole. We properly bed the pipe in clean gravel, ensure correct slope for drainage, compact the backfill in lifts, and make sure nothing’s going to shift or settle.

    Pipe lining doesn’t give you any of that. Your new liner is sitting in the same failed pipe, in the same unsupported soil conditions that caused the original failure. Nothing has changed structurally.

    Warranties Actually Mean Something

    We warranty our excavation and replacement work because we know it’s done right. The pipe is supported correctly, graded properly, and installed to code. If something goes wrong, it’s on us to fix it.

    Pipe lining warranties often have more exclusions than coverage. They might not cover problems caused by continued ground settlement, root intrusion, or connection failures—which are exactly the problems most likely to occur.

    The Honest Cost Comparison

    Yes, excavation costs more upfront than pipe lining. Typically 20-40% more depending on the situation. But let’s look at the real numbers over time:

    Scenario 1: Pipe Lining
    Initial cost: $8,000
    Liner fails in 5 years due to structural issues
    Full replacement now required: $10,000 (prices increased)
    Total cost: $18,000

    Scenario 2: Excavation and Replacement
    Initial cost: $11,000
    Properly installed pipe lasts 75+ years
    Total cost: $11,000

    The math is pretty simple. If there’s even a 30% chance the lining will fail and need replacement within 10 years, you’re better off doing it right the first time.

    Our Philosophy: Do It Right or Don’t Do It

    Ed’s Sewer and Water Repair isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. We’re not a one-stop shop for every possible plumbing service. What we are good at—what we’ve been doing since 1997—is underground sewer and water line work done right.

    When you call us, we’re not going to sell you the quick fix that makes us money today but creates problems for you tomorrow. If your sewer line needs repair, we’re going to recommend the solution that actually solves the problem: excavation and replacement with proper materials and proper installation.

    Is it messier? Yes, for a few days. Does it cost more upfront? Usually, yes. Will it actually fix your problem and last for decades? Absolutely.

    We’ve turned down work because a homeowner wanted pipe lining and we couldn’t ethically recommend it for their situation. That’s fine. We’d rather lose a job than put our name on work we don’t believe in.

    Questions to Ask Before Choosing Pipe Lining

    If you’re getting quotes from contractors who offer pipe lining, here are questions you should ask:

    1. What caused my pipe to fail? (If they don’t know or don’t care, that’s a red flag)
    2. Will lining fix the underlying structural issue? (If they say yes, be skeptical)
    3. What happens if the liner fails in 5 years? (Who pays for replacement?)
    4. What’s not covered by your warranty? (Read the exclusions carefully)
    5. Can I see examples of lined pipes you’ve installed that are still working after 10+ years? (This tech is newer than many realize)

    A good contractor will answer these questions honestly. If they’re evasive or defensive, that tells you something.

    What We Recommend Instead

    Before anyone does any work on your sewer line, get an independent camera inspection. Not from the contractor who’s bidding the job—from an independent inspector who has no financial interest in what gets recommended.

    A proper inspection will show you:

    • The exact location and extent of damage
    • What caused the failure (roots, settlement, corrosion, etc.)
    • Whether the problem is isolated or widespread
    • The overall condition of your entire sewer line

    Once you have that inspection video and report, you can make an informed decision. If you’ve got a single small section of damage in an otherwise good pipe, maybe spot repair makes sense. If you’ve got multiple problem areas, old pipe material, or structural issues, replacement is the answer.

    We’ll review your inspection report with you, explain what we’re seeing, and give you an honest quote for doing the work right. No pressure, no gimmicks, just straight talk about what your sewer line needs.

    The Bottom Line

    Pipe lining isn’t the miracle solution it’s marketed as. For most residential sewer problems in Denver—especially those involving older clay or cast iron pipes, root damage, or structural issues—excavation and replacement is the better long-term solution.

    We don’t offer pipe lining because we’ve seen too many fail. We’re not willing to put our name on work that we know won’t hold up. Instead, we do what we’ve been doing since 1997: quality underground work that actually solves the problem.

    Is our approach for everyone? No. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest option or the quickest fix, we’re probably not your contractor. But if you want your sewer line repaired once, correctly, and you want it to last for decades, that’s what we do.

    Ready to Fix Your Sewer Line Right?

    Start with an independent camera inspection so you know exactly what you’re dealing with. Once you have that inspection report, contact us for an honest quote. We’ll review the inspection with you, explain what needs to be done, and give you a fair price for quality work.

    No gimmicks. No pressure. Just honest advice from someone who’s been doing underground work in Denver since 1997.

    Call us at (303) 513-1233 or get a free quote online.

  • Sewage Backup: Causes, Fixes and Prevention

    Plumbing problems such as sewage backups are not something that can be ignored. If you have an issue with your home’s sewer line, it needs to be repaired promptly to prevent the slow flow from blocking all drainage from your home. Total blockage of your sewer line can cause wastewater to overflow into your home, creating health hazards and a cleanup nightmare. Learn how to recognize when you have a problem, how to fix it and prevent future backups.

    What Is a Sewage Backup?

    Sewage backups occur when the outgoing waste water line becomes blocked or breached. These lines move used water from your toilets, tub, shower, sinks and washing machine out of your home. When the line is blocked, wastewater will backup into your home. This will cause contamination, water damage and mold.

    Signs of a Sewage Backup

    Sewage backups often begin with subtle signs. The best option is to look for early signs of a backup so you can treat it before it becomes an emergency.

    Slow drains within the entire house are a critical sign that there is a problem with your sewer line. If only one drain has a problem, it can usually be repaired with a plunger or hair remover. However, when all drains appear to be draining slowly, the problem is with your sewer line.

    Another common sign of a sewage backup is when waste backs up into another pipe when you flush the toilet or use a washing machine. When waste overflows into your home such as in the bathtub, you have a serious issue.

    Signs of a Sewer Line Emergency

    Being able to identify signs of a sewer line emergency is crucial in order to have it repaired before the consequences become worse.

    Emergency backups cause hazardous wastewater to flow into your home when the drains back up. If your toilet backs up and sends waste onto the floor of your bathroom; you must act quickly. The wastewater is a biohazard and you must not use the area until it has been cleaned and disinfected. You must prevent anyone from using the plumbing in your home until it has been repaired.

    What Causes Sewage Backup?

    The causes of sewage backups may be factors that you can or cannot control. Sometimes, the city sanitary sewer line fails, which can cause backups in your home. City lines could clog or drain slowly because of flooding, clogs and soil settlements.

    You can tell if the sewage problem is caused from the city line by checking the sewage cleanout near your home. If it is full of water, the drainage problem is from your home to the city sewer. An empty cleanout indicates that the problem is closer to your home. If you suspect a problem with the city sewer, you should contact the city water department.

    Sewage backups that you can control include tree roots, age, poor design and inappropriate disposal of waste/clogging.

    Tree Roots

    Tree roots can grow into older sewer lines and cause blockages. You can prevent damage from tree roots by installing updated plastic drain lines outside of your home or trimming tree roots.

    Age

    The age of your pipes can be a factor in blockages. Older pipes made of clay or cast iron are more susceptible to breaking. Modern plastic pipes are less likely to be damaged.

    Clogs

    Pouring fats, oils and grease down the drain can cause backups when they solidify as they cool down. Any items other than human waste and toilet paper should never be flushed, such as wipes, paper towels and feminine products. Even when products claim to be flushable, they may still clog your sewer line.

    Poor Design

    Poorly designed sewer systems can cause more backups. French drains and sump pump discharge should never connect to your main sanitary drain line. Accumulated dirt can cause a blockage in your sewer line.

    What to Do When Your Drain Backs Up

    If you have a sewage backup, you must act quickly.

    For slow drains, liquid drain cleaners and chemical treatments are not recommended. These may cause further damage to the pipes and the plumber when they perform repairs. Instead, try using a plunger or snake tool to remove hair from pipes. If neither of these works, you should call a plumber to repair the problem.

    For severe backups that send waste into your home, you should shut off the water to prevent it from going into any drains. If wastewater is near electrical outlets, you should turn off your electricity. Prior to entering the contaminated area, you must wear safety gear such as a face mask, goggles, boots and heavy-duty rubber gloves. Use a shop vacuum on the wet-dry setting to remove liquids and solids. A disinfectant should be used on the floors, walls and solid surfaces. If areas with absorbent materials such as carpet and wood have been affected, you will have to remove and discard the material. If the water reached high up on the walls, you may need to pull out the wall paneling to prevent mold. You will need to contact your city to determine the proper method of disposing of contaminated materials.

    Until a plumber fixes your sewer line, you must not use the toilets, showers, tubs or sinks in your home. Every time you use one of these, more water will back up into your home. Because using water is essential, you must get a plumber in to perform repairs as soon as possible.

    After a plumber has cleaned your sewage line, have an independent sewer camera inspection and get a copy of the inspection video. The inspector needs to locate the line and mark it with depths. The inspection video will identify any problems that need to be fixed. Once you have an inspection video, you are ready to contact us for a quote to have your sewer line repaired.

    How to Prevent Sewage Backup

    You cannot control a backup when it is caused by the city sewer line, but problems under your control can be prevented entirely.

    Old Sewer Lines

    Older pipes are made from materials such as clay or iron which are more prone to breakage. If you have old drain lines, replacing them with modern plastic pipes can prevent plumbing issues.

    Disposal of Waste

    Properly disposing of waste is an excellent method of preventing sewage clogs. You should never pour warm oil or grease down the drains. Oils solidify as they cool, causing a physical mass that clogs the drain. If it clogs in the main sewer line, it can create a backup. You should not flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste down a toilet. Wipes, diapers, paper towels and feminine products can easily clog a sewer line. Keep a trash can in your bathroom to properly dispose of these items.

    Correct Drainage Problems

    Connections such as French drains and sump pumps draining into your sanitary line can cause flooding and backups. These illegal connections can be issues if you ever plan to sell your home. It is best to have a plumber bring your system up to code to prevent flow reversals into your drains and backups.

    Tree Root Problems

    When tree roots grow through your pipes your sewer line can become damaged. Upgrading your system to modern plastic piping will cause trees to grow around the pipes, rather than through them. If you are not ready to replace your sewer pipes, you can contact a tree professional to cut the roots that are growing near your sewer line.

    Contact Ed’s Sewer and Water Repair

    Sewer problems can cause a lot of stress and impact your day-to-day life. If you need sewer line repairs, contact us. We have the experience and specialized equipment to resolve your problem in a timely manner. Call us at (303)513-1233 or visit our online form to get a free quote.