Commercial Sewer Line Replacement in Denver and Aurora

Multiple Failures Across the Run

A single offset joint or isolated crack is a repair. When the camera shows failures distributed across the full length of the line, with sound pipe between failure points becoming shorter as the line ages, the aggregate repair cost approaches or exceeds replacement cost without addressing the underlying pipe condition. We present both options with pricing when the camera findings place the property in this range.

Third or Subsequent Repair on the Same Section

A property that has completed two or more repairs on the same sewer main within a five to seven year window has demonstrated that the line is failing systematically, not locally. The third repair authorization is the point where the repair history and the camera condition together make replacement the more cost-effective choice over the next ten-year horizon.

Capacity Upgrade Required for New Construction

ADU builds, commercial renovations that add fixture units, and multi-unit additions that increase flow demand on an existing sewer main may require upsizing the service lateral. When the existing line is too small for the new demand and is also in deteriorated condition, replacement with a larger pipe addresses both requirements in one project rather than two. Many municipalities in the Denver area also require new sewer line installation or upgrades as a condition of permit approval for ADUs, major remodels, and significant changes in use, regardless of the existing pipe’s condition.

Excavation and Replacement

Excavation replacement is the traditional method: excavate a trench along the full sewer route, remove the damaged pipe, install new PVC or HDPE pipe at the correct grade and depth, and backfill. On commercial properties, excavation replacement involves larger equipment, more complex surface restoration, and longer project timelines than trenchless methods.

Excavation is the required approach when pipe depth, soil conditions, or existing pipe conditions rule out trenchless methods. It is also the appropriate choice for belly correction, where the pipe requires re-grading that a bursting pass cannot achieve. On sites where the surface above the sewer route requires replacement anyway, the cost of excavation and restoration may be similar to a trenchless approach.

Partial Replacement Combined With Spot Repair or Lining

Not every commercial replacement involves the full lateral. When the camera shows one deteriorated section between two segments in acceptable condition, a partial replacement addressing the failed section may be the right scope. We present partial replacement as an option when the camera evidence supports it, rather than defaulting to full lateral replacement when a shorter scope would address the actual condition.

For partial replacements where the surrounding segments are suitable for lining, a hybrid approach combines spot excavation for the worst section with CIPP lining of the adjacent segments. This reduces the total excavation scope while addressing the full length of degraded pipe.

Owner and Tenant Notification for Access and Disruption

Common area sewer main work on an HOA property requires notifying owners and tenants when the replacement will restrict parking, landscaping access, or drain use for connected units. We coordinate timing with the property manager, work within the notice requirements the community documents specify, and provide clear advance communication about what the work involves and how long it will take.

Permitting, City Tie-In, and Right-of-Way Requirements

Commercial sewer main replacement in Denver and Aurora requires permits from the relevant city authority. In Denver, work involving the public sewer system or a right-of-way tie-in requires a licensed plumber to pull a permit through DOTI and schedule a city inspection before the trench or access point is closed. We handle all permit applications, manage the inspector scheduling, and coordinate the city tie-in as part of the project scope.

Full Project Documentation for Reserve Fund and Insurance Records

HOA boards need replacement documentation that serves multiple future purposes: reserve fund updates, insurance documentation, and disclosure to future buyers of units within the community. We provide written scopes of work detailing the reason for repair, methods used, and any unique factors such as traffic control or interactions with other utilities before work begins, along with post-repair videos and permit and inspection records once the project is completed.

Step 3: Permit Applications and Pre-Construction Coordination

Once replacement is authorized, we file permit applications with the relevant city authority, coordinate any required utility locates, and communicate the project schedule to property management so owner and tenant notifications can go out with adequate lead time. On Denver projects requiring a DOTI sewer or right-of-way permit, we manage the permitting and inspection coordination directly.

Step 4: Replacement Execution

Our crews perform the replacement with our own equipment. For trenchless pipe bursting, two access points are excavated, the bursting cable is threaded, and the new HDPE pipe is pulled into position. For excavation work, the trench is excavated to the pipe, the damaged pipe is removed, new pipe is installed at the correct grade, and initial backfill is compacted before any city inspection. No subcontracting on any part of the pipe work.

Step 5: City Inspection, Backfill, and Surface Restoration

Where city permits require a pre-backfill inspection, we schedule the inspector and coordinate timing so the trench is not held open unnecessarily. After inspection sign-off, final backfill and compaction are completed. Surface restoration, whether asphalt patching, concrete replacement, or landscaping restoration, is planned and costed as part of the original project scope rather than as an afterthought.

Step 6: Post-Replacement Camera Verification and Documentation

After the replacement is complete, we camera-scope the full new run. The post-replacement footage confirms alignment, grade, and connection quality at both ends. The property receives the complimentary post-replacement camera video, written service report, materials documentation, permit records, and city inspection sign-off upon project completion.

Trenchless pipe bursting on a commercial property typically takes one to two days from access point excavation through new pipe installation. Excavation replacement on commercial properties takes longer depending on total footage, pipe depth, surface restoration requirements, and whether a city inspection must occur before backfill. Most commercial excavation projects run three to five days. We provide a timeline estimate with the written replacement proposal before any work is authorized.

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is the standard material for trenchless pipe bursting replacement. HDPE has no joints to offset or allow root intrusion, resists corrosion and chemical attack, and carries a design life of 50 or more years in commercial applications. PVC is the standard material for excavation replacement, using SDR-35 or sewer-grade schedule for commercial pipe diameters. Material selection is confirmed with the written replacement proposal.

Yes. Commercial sewer line replacement in Denver requires permits from DOTI for any work involving the public sewer system or right-of-way access. In Denver, work involving the public sewer system requires a licensed plumber to pull a right-of-way permit and schedule a city inspection. In Aurora, similar requirements apply through the City of Aurora Building Permit Center office. We handle all permit applications and inspector coordination as part of the project scope.

Pipe bursting requires two access points, one at each end of the replacement run, rather than a full trench. On a commercial property where the sewer route crosses an active parking lot, pipe bursting eliminates the need to close, excavate, and restore the full length of the parking surface. That difference can be significant in cost and in operational disruption. Where the pipe condition is suitable for bursting and no grade correction is needed, pipe bursting is the preferred method for parking lot crossings. See our trenchless sewer repair page for full detail.

Yes. Large projects can often be broken into phases for various reasons, including convenience for residents and budgeting. We can help you prioritize the phases of the project and plan work in a way that minimizes disruption to the community.

Access to parking areas or landscaping above the replacement route may be restricted during excavation and restoration. On trenchless projects, only the areas around the two access points are affected. On excavation projects, the full trench path requires restricted access until backfill and initial restoration are complete. We plan access restrictions with the property manager before work begins and communicate the timeline clearly so the property can manage the period of restriction for tenants and owners.

Yes. The 5-year transferable warranty covers all sewer line replacements completed by Sewer Lines Only and transfers with the property through ownership changes. For commercial real estate transactions and HOA common-area infrastructure where management companies change, the transferable warranty protects the incoming owner or management team without requiring a new service engagement.