If you’ve ever faced a backed-up drain, foul odor in your yard, or repeated clogs, your sewer line might be trying to tell you something. For Fort Wayne homeowners, aging infrastructure, shifting soil, and root intrusion are common culprits behind sewer failures. But once damage is confirmed, how do you decide: Should you reline the pipe — or replace it entirely?
This guide breaks down the pros, cons, costs, and conditions that help determine whether trenchless sewer pipe relining or full replacement is the smarter long-term solution.
1. What Is Sewer Pipe Relining?
- A trenchless method that repairs pipes from the inside without digging up your yard
- Involves inserting a flexible epoxy-saturated liner into the existing pipe
- Once cured, it forms a “pipe within a pipe” — sealing cracks, corrosion, and small holes
- Ideal for pipes that are structurally sound but have minor to moderate damage
- Lifespan of a relined pipe: typically 40–50 years
Best for:
- Hairline cracks, joint separations, small root invasions
- Preserving landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks
- Faster repairs with minimal surface disruption
2. What Is Sewer Line Replacement?
- The full removal and replacement of old or broken pipes
- Can be done via open trench (traditional) or trenchless pipe bursting
- Necessary when pipes are collapsed, severely corroded, misaligned, or undersized for current usage
Best for:
- Clay or Orangeburg pipes beyond repair
- Total structural failure or large-scale tree root intrusion
- Homes needing sewer line upsizing due to renovations or added plumbing fixtures
3. How to Know Which Option You Need
A professional sewer camera inspection is the key. It shows:
- The material of your current pipe (clay, cast iron, PVC, etc.)
- The level and type of damage (cracks, collapse, corrosion, root infiltration)
- Whether the pipe alignment and slope are intact
If the pipe is stable but damaged: Relining is likely an option.
If the pipe has collapsed, shifted, or is undersized: Replacement is required.
Red Flags That Indicate Replacement May Be Necessary:
- Frequent backups, even after jetting
- Foundation damage or large sinkholes
- Pipe over 50 years old with widespread decay
- Multiple breaks or sagging sections
4. Cost Comparison: Relining vs. Replacement
Relining:
- Typically $80–$250 per foot in Fort Wayne
- Lower labor costs, but material-intensive
- Faster turnaround (often completed in 1–2 days)
Replacement:
- $100–$300 per foot depending on depth, length, and method (trench vs. trenchless)
- May include additional costs for excavation, landscape restoration, or permitting
- Longer project timelines, especially in dense urban neighborhoods
5. Environmental and Property Impact
Relining:
- Minimal disruption to landscaping, trees, hardscaping
- Eco-friendly: reduces excavation waste and emissions
Replacement:
- May require digging through lawns, driveways, or sidewalks
- Necessary if pipe capacity needs to increase or alignment needs correction
- Allows for pipe material upgrades (e.g., from clay to HDPE)
6. Fort Wayne-Specific Considerations
- Many Fort Wayne homes still use mid-century clay pipes prone to root intrusion and cracking
- Soil types in the area (clay and loam) can shift significantly during wet/dry cycles, stressing older pipes
- Local ordinances require permits and inspections for both relining and replacement projects
- Utility lines and tree roots must be carefully mapped before starting any sewer work
Bonus Tip: Don’t Delay Your Inspection
- Sewer issues that go unchecked often escalate into foundation damage, mold growth, and major indoor plumbing failures
- AAA Sewer Service offers real-time camera inspections and same-day consults across Fort Wayne
- Early detection gives you more options and often saves thousands
Fort Wayne Fact:
Clay pipes were commonly installed in Fort Wayne homes before the 1970s. Many are still in use — and are highly vulnerable to summer heat, soil shifts, and root intrusion, making them prime candidates for either relining or replacement.
Call in the Pros Before the Pipe Breaks
Not sure whether relining or replacing is right for your home? You don’t have to guess. At AAA Sewer Service, our experienced Fort Wayne technicians use precision diagnostics and trenchless tech to evaluate the best upgrade path — without unnecessary digging or delay.
📞 Call AAA Sewer Service at (260) 456-6930
🌐 Visit our website: www.aaasewerservice.com