When something goes wrong with your sewer line, it can turn into an emergency that affects your entire home. Whether you’re dealing with sewage backups in your basement or slow drains in the kitchen and bathroom, the thought of replacing your sewer line might feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “How long does sewer line replacement take?”
At Big Brothers Home Services, we believe in making plumbing problems easier to understand. We’ll walk you through the sewer line replacement timeline, what impacts the duration, and how new technologies like trenchless methods can save you time and money.
What Is Involved in Sewer Line Replacement?
Before we dive into the timeline, let’s break down what sewer line replacement actually involves. Your home’s sewer line carries waste from toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs to either a municipal sewer system or a septic tank. Over time, issues like corrosion, root intrusion, shifting soil, or pipe collapse can force homeowners to replace this essential piece of plumbing infrastructure.
A replacement may involve traditional trench-digging methods or more advanced trenchless technology like pipe bursting or pipe lining using epoxy. The choice depends on your home’s layout, the length and diameter of the damaged pipe, and the type of material (clay, cast iron, or polyvinyl chloride).
Factors That Affect the Sewer Line Replacement Timeline
Most sewer line replacement jobs take 1 to 3 days, but that window can change depending on a few key factors.
1. Accessibility of the Pipe
If your sewer line runs beneath a landscaped yard, large tree roots, sidewalks, or a concrete driveway, the job becomes more complex. Digging through obstacles adds time and increases the labor involved. In homes with easier access or a straightforward pipeline layout, the work can be completed more quickly.
2. Length and Diameter of the Line
Naturally, the longer the pipe that needs to be replaced, the more time it takes. A short 20-foot section could be swapped out in a single day, while a full line stretching across your yard or under your house might require more time, especially if larger diameter pipes are involved.
3. Pipe Material and Condition
Older homes in Utah, especially in Salt Lake City, often have cast iron or clay pipes, which degrade over time and can crack or collapse. Replacing these with plastic or polyvinyl chloride pipes may involve more cleanup and debris removal. If your pipe has severely corroded or collapsed, pipe bursting or trenchless lining might be the only options to avoid digging up your entire yard.
4. Type of Replacement Method
- Traditional digging: This involves opening a trench along the pipeline’s length, removing the damaged pipe, and laying a new one. It’s effective but time-consuming.
- Trenchless technology: With methods like pipe bursting or epoxy lining, your plumber only needs to dig one or two small access points. The pipe is either burst apart and replaced or relined from the inside using a resin coating. These methods can often cut the timeline down to just a day or two.
The General Timeline for Sewer Line Replacement
Here’s a rough breakdown of what the process typically looks like:
1. Initial Inspection (1 Day)
A plumber will use a sewer camera to inspect the line and determine the cause of the problem — whether it’s tree roots, corrosion, a collapsed pipe, or another issue. This step also includes leak detection and a review of any gas or utility lines in the area to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
2. Permits and Planning (1–2 Days or Longer)
Depending on where you live in Utah, your plumbing company may need to apply for permits before beginning any excavation or construction. This could add a day or two, or more if utility lines or gas lines require special planning.
3. Digging or Setup (1 Day)
For traditional replacements, your crew will dig a trench along the damaged pipeline. For trenchless jobs, only access pits are dug.
4. Replacement and Installation (1–2 Days)
Once access is established, the plumber will either install the new pipe or begin pipe bursting or epoxy lining procedures. This may involve heat curing or pressure testing to ensure everything is sealed properly.
5. Backfill and Cleanup (1 Day)
After the replacement, the trench or access points are backfilled, the soil compacted, and the yard or sidewalk restored as best as possible. Driveway and landscaping restoration may take additional time depending on the scope of work.
Can Sewer Line Replacement Be an Emergency?
Absolutely. If you’re experiencing sewage backups into your basement, kitchen, or bathroom, or you smell gas or sewage near your home, call for emergency service immediately. Sewer issues can pose serious health and safety risks. Raw sewage, in particular, can contaminate your home and lead to mold, water damage, or even structural issues if not addressed quickly.
Big Brothers Home Services offers emergency sewer replacement services in Salt Lake City and surrounding Utah areas. Whether you’re in the middle of a backup or just need an expert opinion, we’re here to help.
Tips to Prevent Future Sewer Line Problems
Once your new line is installed, regular maintenance will go a long way in protecting your investment. Follow these tips:
- Avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet (and yes, that includes so-called “flushable” wipes).
- Install root barriers near trees that are close to your pipeline.
- Schedule annual inspections using sewer cameras to catch issues early.
- Keep grease, debris, and food particles out of your kitchen sink and drain.
- Be mindful of landscaping and avoid planting deep-rooted trees near sewer lines.
These steps help keep your sewer system running smoothly and extend the life of your new line, especially if your replacement comes with a warranty.
Get Expert Help for a Smooth Sewer Line Replacement
Sewer line replacement might sound like a major construction project, but with the right plumbing company and a clear plan, the job can be completed pretty quickly. Whether it’s traditional digging or modern trenchless technology like pipe bursting, the total time depends on the pipe’s accessibility, material, length, and local permitting requirements.
Don’t let sewage backups, corrosion, or root damage compromise your home’s safety and comfort. Contact Big Brothers Home Services today to schedule sewer services in Salt Lake City, get answers, and enjoy honest, reliable customer service. Let our expert plumbers restore your peace of mind — and your pipes — with speed and professionalism.
