When a sewer lateral has collapsed, is riddled with root intrusion, or has too many failures to spot-repair, replacement is the permanent fix. The good news is that replacement no longer always means an open trench across your entire yard — trenchless pipe bursting and lining can often renew the line with far less disruption.
We only recommend replacement after a camera inspection proves the pipe is beyond repair. Then we lay out your options clearly: trenchless where the run qualifies, or a targeted excavation where it does not, with a written scope covering permits, restoration, and warranty so there are no surprises mid-project.
Trenchless or open-cut? How we replace a failed sewer line
Replacement no longer always means a trench across your whole yard. After a camera confirms the line is beyond repair, we choose the least-disruptive method your pipe qualifies for.
Trenchless pipe bursting
We pull a new pipe through the old path, breaking up the failed line as we go — minimal digging, so mature yards and driveways stay intact.
Best for: Qualifying runs where you want to protect the surface
Trenchless lining
A cured-in-place liner renews the line from the inside through existing access, ideal for a pipe that is cracked but not fully collapsed.
Best for: Aging lines that are damaged but still continuous
Open-cut excavation
A targeted dig replaces a collapsed section or reaches a run trenchless methods cannot. We keep the footprint as small as the job allows.
Best for: Collapsed sections or where trenchless will not reach
What our replacement includes
- Confirm the line is beyond repair with a camera and locate
- Map the full run, depth, and connection points
- Pull the municipal permit and mark utilities before digging
- Install the new line and camera-verify it runs clear
- Pass the required inspection
- Restore the surface and landscaping we disturbed
When to call us for sewer replacement
Collapsed or offset pipe
A camera showing a collapsed section or a badly offset joint means that run can no longer be reliably cleared.
Chronic root intrusion
When roots re-enter the same line every season, replacing the failed section ends the cycle for good.
Repeated backups after cleaning
If jetting and repairs no longer hold, the pipe itself has reached the end of its service life.
Bellied or sagging line
A section that has sunk and traps waste will keep clogging until the grade is corrected.
What's included in our sewer replacement
Every sewer replacement job is a complete, documented service — not a quick patch. Here's what you can expect when our licensed team is on site.
- A camera-and-locate that confirms the line is truly beyond repair
- A full map of the run, depth, and connection points before we start
- The municipal permit and utility markout ahead of any excavation
- Trenchless pipe bursting or lining wherever the line qualifies
- Camera verification of the new line and a passed inspection
- Surface and landscape restoration for any area we open
Our process
- 1
Confirm with camera & locate
We verify the pipe is beyond repair and map the full run, depth, and connection points.
- 2
Trenchless vs. open-cut plan
We determine whether pipe bursting or lining will work, or whether a targeted dig is required, and price both honestly.
- 3
Permit & utility clearance
We pull the municipal permit and mark utilities before any excavation begins.
- 4
Replace, test & restore
We install the new line, camera-verify it, pass inspection, and restore the surface we disturbed.
What affects the price
We never post fake prices. Here's what actually drives the cost — and we put the real number in writing before any work begins.
- Length and depth of the replacement run.
- Trenchless (pipe bursting/lining) vs. open excavation.
- What sits above the line — driveway, mature trees, or finished slab.
- Permit fees and required inspections.
- Surface and landscape restoration.
Why Bloomfield Hills homeowners choose Bloomfield Hills Plumbing for sewer replacement
We've served Bloomfield Hills and Oakland County for over 17 years, hold a 4.9-star rating across 138 reviews, and back every job with a licensed Michigan master plumber. Here's what that means for your sewer replacement.
Replacement only when it’s warranted
We confirm the line is collapsed, bellied, or repeatedly failing on camera before recommending replacement — never as a default upsell.
Less digging, less disruption
Trenchless pipe bursting and lining renew the line with minimal excavation, which matters on the established lots and driveways in this area.
Permits and restoration handled
We pull the permit, mark utilities, pass inspection, and restore the surface — you get a finished job, not an open trench and a punch list.
Proof it’s fixed
We camera the new line before we close out, so you can see the sewer runs clear from the house to the main.
Sewer Line Replacement FAQs
A camera inspection is the deciding factor. Isolated damage with a sound pipe usually calls for a spot repair or liner; a collapsed, bellied, or repeatedly failing line calls for replacement. We show you the footage and explain the recommendation.
Yes, where the existing line qualifies. Trenchless pipe bursting and lining can renew a sewer with minimal digging, which protects mature landscaping and driveways common in this area. The camera inspection tells us if your line is a candidate.
Yes. Our written scope includes surface restoration for any area we open. Trenchless methods minimize the footprint, and we discuss exactly what restoration looks like before the work starts.
A trenchless replacement is often completed in one to two days; an open-cut excavation can take longer depending on depth, length, and what sits above the line. We give you a realistic timeline in the written scope before we start.
Yes. We obtain the municipal permit as the licensed contractor, mark utilities before any digging, camera-verify the new line, and pass the required inspection — then restore the surface we disturbed.