Sewer line repair and replacement options
Spot repair
Excavating to fix one damaged section. Makes sense when the camera shows a single defect in an otherwise sound line.
Trenchless lining (CIPP)
A resin-saturated liner is inserted into the existing pipe and cured in place, forming a new pipe inside the old one. It needs little digging, but the host pipe must be cleaned first, and lining slightly reduces the inside diameter.
Pipe bursting
A bursting head pulls a new pipe through the old one, fracturing the old pipe outward. It needs access pits at each end and works well for full-length replacement of badly damaged lines.
Open-trench replacement
The traditional dig-and-replace. It's sometimes required where the line has severe sags, wrong slope, or where other methods won't work.
Permits in San Francisco
Sewer work in San Francisco generally involves city permits, and work in the sidewalk or street involves additional permitting. Your contractor should pull the permits. Ask who obtains them and whether the price includes permit fees and sidewalk restoration. Confirm current requirements with the SF Department of Building Inspection and SF Public Works.
Before signing
- Get the camera video that justifies the repair.
- Get a written scope: method, length, cleanouts added, permits, restoration, warranty.
- Verify the contractor's license with the CSLB.