Hey there, Lakewood folks! Marc here from Sewer Lines Only. Got a busted sewer line and wondering whether to dig up half your yard or go with one of those fancy trenchless methods? Let’s talk dollars and sense.
The Real Talk on Sewer Repair Costs
Here’s the thing: when your sewer line decides to call it quits, you’re probably not thinking about method comparisons. You just want it fixed, and you want to know the cost. We get it. We’ve been helping Lakewood homeowners make this exact decision for years, and honestly? The “cheaper” option isn’t always obvious.
If you’re dealing with urgent sewer issues, such as sewage backups or complete blockages, time is of the essence, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the cost comparison entirely.
The short version: Trenchless often wins on total cost when you factor in everything, but traditional digging still has its place (and its price advantages) in certain situations.
What We’re Comparing Here
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what these methods involve:
Traditional Sewer Repair (The Dig-It-Up Method) This is an old-school excavation method where we bring in heavy equipment, dig a trench to the broken pipe, remove the damaged section, install a new pipe, and backfill the area. It’s been the go-to method for decades because, well, it works.
Trenchless Sewer Repair (The Modern Marvel) We access your sewer line through small entry points and either line the existing pipe with a new cured-in-place liner or use pipe bursting to replace it entirely. Your landscaping mostly stays put, and you get to keep your sanity.
The Real Numbers: What Lakewood Homeowners Actually Pay
Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and talk real costs. These are the numbers we’re seeing in the Lakewood area:
Upfront Costs
Traditional Excavation:
- Basic repair: $3,000 – $7,000
- Full line replacement: $8,000 – $15,000+
- But wait, there’s more…
Trenchless Methods:
- Pipelining (CIPP): $4,000 – $12,000
- Pipe bursting: $5,000 – $15,000
- What you see is (mostly) what you get
“Hold up, Marc, those trenchless numbers look higher!”
Yep, they do. But here’s where it gets interesting…
The “Hidden” Costs That’ll Get You
Here’s what you need to factor in with traditional excavation beyond the pipework itself:
- Landscape restoration : $1,500 – $5,000 (depending on what we had to tear up)
- Driveway repair : $2,000 – $8,000 (if we had to cut through concrete)
- Sidewalk replacement : $500 – $2,000 (city requirements)
- Tree replacement : $200 – $2,000+ per tree (ouch)
- Fence repairs : $300 – $1,500 (when we have to work around property lines)
Suddenly, that “cheaper” traditional repair is looking a lot more expensive, right?
Why Wyatt Always Recommends a Camera Inspection First
Our Licensed Drainlayer Supervisor, Wyatt Chadwick, has seen every type of sewer disaster you can imagine. His golden rule? “Never dig blind, and never assume the whole line needs replacing.”
Our free estimates include a camera inspection that shows us the following:
- Exactly where the problem is
- How much of the line is damaged
- Whether trenchless methods will work for your specific situation
- If there are any surprises lurking down there
If we’re unsure about the extent of the problem, we often recommend starting with a line cleaning. Our cleanings come with a camera inspection included for $350, and here’s the key part – we’ll let you watch the camera feed yourself. You don’t have to take our word for what’s down there.
“I’ve seen homeowners spend $12,000 on a full line replacement when a $4,000 spot repair would’ve solved their problem,” Wyatt tells us. “The camera doesn’t lie, and it keeps everyone honest.”
When Traditional Digging Still Makes the Most Sense
Don’t get me wrong, we’re not opposed to excavation. Sometimes, it’s genuinely the better choice:
Your pipe is completely collapsed. If there’s no pathway for our trenchless equipment, we’ve got to dig no way around it.
You need grade corrections. When your sewer line has developed a serious belly (that’s a sag that traps waste), we often need to re-route the entire run with a proper slope. In Colorado, inspectors won’t pass trenchless repairs with any slope problems.
Are you already doing major yard work and planning a full landscape renovation? Combining the projects can save you money on the total job.
Short, shallow repairs near the surface. For a quick 6-foot fix that’s only 3 feet deep, traditional methods can be faster and cheaper.
The Lakewood Advantage: Why Location Matters
Living in Lakewood comes with some specific considerations that affect your sewer repair costs:
Clay soil and freeze-thaw cycles can cause excavated areas to settle and crack over time. We often see callbacks for driveway repairs 2-3 years after traditional sewer work.
Mature neighborhoods often mean mature trees with extensive root systems. Trenchless methods let us avoid the “root roulette” of traditional excavation.
Compact lots make equipment access challenging, which can significantly increase traditional excavation costs.
Local requirements also play a role in your decision. The City of Lakewood’s permitting process has specific guidelines for sewer line work, including inspection requirements and permit fees that can affect your total project cost.
Long-Term Value: The 10-Year View
Here’s where things get interesting and, honestly, regional. Wyatt always tells homeowners to think beyond the immediate repair, but the “best” option varies depending on your local municipality’s preferences.
In the Denver metro area, many cities and inspectors prefer traditional excavation methods. Their general ranking is as follows: Good = Pipe Lining, Better = Pipe Bursting, Best = Traditional Excavation.
Why the local preference for excavation?
- Inspectors can visually verify the work quality
- No concerns about long-term liner performance
- Established track record with local soil conditions
- Complete control over pipe grade and bedding
Trenchless methods still offer the advantage of minimal landscape disruption and faster completion; however, warranty periods in our area are often similar across all methods. Most contractors provide comparable coverage regardless of the repair type.
“Think of it like buying a car,” Wyatt explains. “The ‘best’ choice depends on your specific situation, your budget, your timeline, your property constraints, and what your local inspector will approve.”
Beyond Sewer Lines: The Complete Picture
Now, we’re Sewer Lines Only. It’s right there in the name, but we also handle a range of general plumbing work. Sometimes, a sewer issue is just the tip of the iceberg. You may discover that your whole plumbing system needs attention, from water line repairs to fixture upgrades.
We see this a lot on new construction projects, too. Builders often bring us in for sewer line installation, then realize it makes sense to have the same crew handle the internal plumbing rather than coordinating with multiple contractors.
Yes, sewer lines are our specialty, but we’re also licensed plumbers who can handle your leaky faucets, running toilets, and water heater issues. It’s just that sewer work is where we really shine, and honestly, it’s the stuff most other plumbers would rather not deal with.
Making the Decision: Our Honest Recommendation Process
Here’s how we help Lakewood homeowners make the right choice:
- Free estimate with camera inspection – always. No exceptions.
- We quote both methods when both are viable options
- We break down ALL costs – restoration items are noted as not included in our price and scope
- We explain the long-term implications of each approach
- We let you decide – no pressure, no sales tactics
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does each method take?
Most sewer repairs are completed in one day. Traditional excavation typically takes 1-3 days, depending on the scope, plus additional time for restoration work.
Trenchless repairs are usually completed in 4-8 hours for most residential jobs.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover either method?
Most policies cover sudden, accidental damage but not gradual wear and tear. The method doesn’t usually matter. It’s about the cause of the damage. We can work with your insurance adjuster if coverage is available.
Can you do trenchless repair on any type of pipe?
Not always. Very old Orangeburg pipes, severely collapsed lines, or pipes with major grade issues may require traditional excavation. That’s why the camera inspection is so important.
What’s the warranty difference?
Most reputable contractors in our area offer similar warranty periods regardless of the repair method used. The key is working with a contractor who stands behind their work and has a proven track record with your local building department.
Do I need to leave my house during the repair?
For trenchless repairs, you’ll typically lose sewer service for just a few hours. Traditional excavation might mean a full day or two without sewer access, depending on the scope of work.
The Bottom Line
For most Lakewood homeowners, trenchless sewer repair offers better long-term value when you factor in all costs. The upfront investment is often similar to traditional methods once restoration is factored in, and you receive a longer-lasting solution with less disruption.
However, and this is important, there are still situations where traditional excavation makes more sense, either due to technical reasons or budget constraints.
Our advice? Get that camera inspection, understand your options, and make the decision that works for your specific situation and budget. We’re here to give you the straight story, not to push you toward the more expensive option.
Ready to find out which method makes sense for your Lakewood home? Give us a call or book your free estimate online. We’ll take a camera look at what’s going on down there and give you honest recommendations – no sales pitch, just the facts you need to make a smart decision.
Remember: every sewer situation is unique, and these cost ranges reflect typical scenarios. We always provide detailed, written estimates before any work begins, with no surprises and no hidden fees.
