Sewer Line Repair: Lining or Digging?

Repair starts with a camera inspection so we can see pipe material and condition before any work is chosen. A sewer scope answers whether the line is sound, cracked at a joint, root-filled, or collapsed.

Older homes in Joliet and across Will County often have clay tile from before 1960, cast iron from mid-century builds, and PVC in homes built after the 1970s. What the camera shows matters as much as how old the pipe is. Our sewer scope guide walks through what to expect from the video.

When pipe lining (CIPP) fits

Cured-in-place pipe lining pulls a new liner into a pipe that still holds its shape. It works well when joints have discrete cracks or roots enter at a fitting, and the run does not need an open trench.

If buildup or roots caused the backup, hydrojetting may come before the liner is installed.

When lining is not the right fix

Lining does not suit pipe that lost its round shape, bellied badly, or has a collapsed section. The camera will show flat spots, offset joints, or a crushed area where water ponds.

Those problems need open work so the damaged pipe can be reached. Spot excavation replaces one failed section while sound pipe on either side stays in place.

Digging and full lateral replacement

A collapsed or deformed length is cut out and replaced with new pipe at grade. Full lateral replacement is the usual answer for Orangeburg and badly corroded cast iron, and it often goes together with main sewer service.

Illinois law requires a locate request through JULIE at least two days before digging. We coordinate utility locates before any dig on your property.

Confirming the repair

After sewer repair, we run the camera again. The follow-up pass confirms the liner is fully cured or that new pipe is connected and flowing.

We do this after lining and after any dig, so you have a recorded look at the finished pipe.