Trenchless sewer repair in Philadelphia

Two main trenchless methods

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining

The plumber cleans the old pipe and pulls or inverts a resin-soaked liner through it. Once cured, the liner forms a new pipe inside the old one. Access is usually from a cleanout or the basement, with little or no excavation. The old pipe has to be intact enough to hold the liner’s shape. Lining also slightly reduces the pipe’s inside diameter.

Pipe bursting

A bursting head pulls a new pipe (usually HDPE) through the old one, breaking the old pipe outward as it goes. It typically needs an entry pit and an exit pit, for example at the house and near the sewer connection, but not a full-length trench.

Does trenchless work for a Philadelphia rowhome?

Often, but it depends on the camera footage. Things that can rule it out or add cost:

• A fully collapsed section (lining needs a path)
• Severe offsets or sags (“bellies”)
• Problems at the curb trap or the connection to the main, which may still need to be opened
• Very short laterals, where digging may cost about the same

Lining or bursting the lateral is still lateral work, so expect the same PWD and L&I permitting as any lateral repair. See permits.

Published Philadelphia prices (2026)

Trenchless is not automatically cheaper. It often costs about the same as a simple dig, and saves the most when the alternative is opening a sidewalk, front steps or a street. Full cost guide.

Related

• Sewer camera inspection
• Sewer line replacement
• Sewer line repair cost in Philadelphia
• PWD Notice of Defect & the zero-interest HELP loan