Sewer Lining vs. Sewer Replacement in Pittsburgh: Which Option Is Right for Your Home?

Sewer Lining vs. Sewer Replacement in Pittsburgh: Which Option Is Right for Your Home?

If you’ve ever had a backed-up main drain, a clogged sewer lateral, or that awful “rotten egg” sewer smell in your basement, you know one thing — sewer problems never come at a convenient time.

At Revelation Plumbing, we get calls every week from Pittsburgh homeowners dealing with broken, cracked, or collapsed sewer lines. The big question we’re asked is always the same:

“Do I need to replace my sewer line… or can it be lined instead?”

This guide will help you understand the difference between sewer lining vs. sewer replacement in Pittsburgh, when each option makes sense, and how our licensed plumbing experts evaluate your situation to recommend the right solution — not just the most expensive one.

🏙️ Why Sewer Problems Are So Common in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has some of the oldest infrastructure in the country. Many homes — especially in areas like Ross Township, Bellevue, Ben Avon, and Mt. Lebanon — still have original clay, terracotta, or cast iron sewer lines that were installed 50–100 years ago.

Over time, these materials break down due to:

• Root intrusion from trees searching for moisture

• Ground shifting and freeze-thaw cycles

• Corrosion, scaling, or rust

• Collapsed joints and offsets

• Heavy rainfall overwhelming old drainage systems

That’s why so many Pittsburgh homeowners experience sewer backups, slow drains, or flooded basements — and why a professional camera inspection is the first step to determine whether lining or replacement is best.

🔍 Step One: A Sewer Camera Inspection

Before deciding anything, we always start with a sewer camera inspection.

Using high-resolution equipment, Revelation Plumbing’s underground utility team runs a camera through your main drain and sewer lateral to pinpoint the problem. This tells us:

• Where the damage is located

• How severe it is

• What material your pipe is made of

• How accessible it is for repair or lining

Once we have that information, we can determine whether sewer lining (trenchless) or sewer replacement (traditional excavation) makes the most sense for your home.

🧱 What Is Sewer Lining?

Sewer lining (also known as CIPP — Cured-In-Place Pipe) is a trenchless repair method that allows us to create a new pipe inside your old pipe — without digging up your entire yard, driveway, or sidewalk.

Here’s how it works:

1. We clean and descale your existing line with hydro-jetting or mechanical cleaning.

2. A flexible liner, saturated with epoxy resin, is inserted into your damaged pipe.

3. The liner is inflated and cured with hot air or steam.

4. The resin hardens, forming a brand-new, seamless pipe inside your old one.

The result?A strong, smooth, root-resistant, and leak-proof pipe that can last 50+ years.

✅ Benefits of Sewer Lining

• Minimal digging: We only need one or two small access points.

• Less mess: Your landscaping, driveway, and sidewalks stay intact.

• Faster completion: Most jobs are completed in a day or two.

• Cost-effective: Typically 20–40% cheaper than full excavation.

• Durable: Resistant to roots, leaks, corrosion, and cracking.

🚫 When Sewer Lining Doesn’t Work

Sewer lining isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. It’s only effective if the existing pipe is structurally stable enough to support the liner.

Lining may not be suitable if:

• The pipe has completely collapsed

• There are major offsets or missing sections

• The line is undersized or poorly sloped

• Heavy root intrusion has destroyed the structure

• The home needs a full building drain replacement inside

In these cases, a sewer replacement may be the safer and longer-term solution.

🚧 What Is Sewer Replacement?

Sewer replacement is the traditional method of excavating and installing new piping to replace a damaged or collapsed sewer line.

At Revelation Plumbing, our underground team uses Schedule 40 PVC — the gold standard for residential sewer systems — designed to handle high flow rates, resist root intrusion, and meet local Pittsburgh plumbing codes.

Replacement involves:

1. Excavating the affected area to expose the broken pipe.

2. Removing the damaged sections.

3. Installing brand-new PVC piping with proper slope and alignment.

4. Backfilling and restoring the surface (yard, driveway, or concrete).

✅ Benefits of Sewer Replacement

• Permanent fix: Replaces the entire problem section — not just a patch.

• Addresses slope issues: We can correct pitch for better drainage.

• Code-compliant materials: Schedule 40 PVC meets or exceeds all local standards.

• Long lifespan: Properly installed PVC can last 80–100 years.

• Peace of mind: Full visibility and inspection approval from ACHD or borough inspectors.

🚫 Drawbacks of Sewer Replacement

• More invasive: Requires digging and restoration work.

• Takes longer: Most replacements take 2–3 days depending on the depth and surface.

• Higher cost: Labor and restoration increase total project cost.

However, when the sewer is beyond repair or structurally unsound, replacement is the only way to guarantee your plumbing system functions properly and passes inspection.

🏠 Sewer Lining vs. Sewer Replacement: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Sewer Lining	Sewer Replacement
Digging Required	Minimal (1–2 access points)	Full excavation
Cost	Lower	Higher
Time to Complete	1–2 days	2–4 days
Durability	50+ years	80–100 years
Structural Repair	Works inside existing pipe	Full new pipe
Root Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Ideal For	Cracked or leaking but structurally sound pipes	Collapsed or heavily offset pipes

🧠 When Sewer Lining Makes Sense

Choose sewer lining if:

• Your pipe is cracked, leaking, or root-infiltrated, but still has its shape.

• You want to avoid digging up your driveway or yard.

• You need a faster, less disruptive solution.

• Your line is under concrete, landscaping, or near trees you want to save.

🏗️ When Sewer Replacement Makes Sense

Choose sewer replacement if:

• Your line has collapsed or disintegrated.

• The pipe has major offsets or missing sections.

• You’re replacing an old building drain or main drain inside the house.

• You need to correct slope or alignment issues.

• You want a brand-new, long-term system with full inspection approval.

📍 Local Pittsburgh Sewer Repair Considerations

In Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, many boroughs — such as Brentwood, Ross Township, and Wilkinsburg Penn Joint Water Authority areas — require camera inspections, dye testing, or permits for sewer work.

At Revelation Plumbing:

• We handle all permits and ACHD inspections for you.

• We perform NASSCO-certified camera inspections before and after work.

• We provide 10-year warranties on lining and replacement services.

So whether you’re selling your home, facing a failed dye test, or dealing with a recurring sewer backup, our licensed team can guide you through every step — from inspection to completion.

💬 Real-World Example: A Homeowner in Ross Township

Recently, a homeowner in Ross Township called us after repeated sewer backups. Our camera inspection revealed a cracked clay sewer lateral running under a concrete driveway.

Instead of tearing up the concrete, we recommended sewer lining, which allowed us to repair 68 feet of pipe from an existing cleanout. We handled the ACHD inspection, permits, and a 10-year warranty — all without digging.

The homeowner saved thousands and avoided weeks of disruption.

🔧 Why Homeowners Choose Revelation Plumbing

At Revelation Plumbing, we believe in honest recommendations — not sales pitches.We offer both sewer lining and full replacement, giving us the flexibility to choose what’s best for your home and budget.

Our approach is simple:

1. Inspect thoroughly. We show you exactly what the camera sees.

2. Explain clearly. We walk you through your options and costs.

3. Fix confidently. Whether it’s trenchless or traditional, we do it right the first time.

We’re a family-owned plumbing company in Pittsburgh committed to rescuing homeowners from plumbing problems — big or small — with craftsmanship, care, and integrity.

🕒 Ready to Fix Your Sewer Problem?

If you’re dealing with a clogged main drain, sewer backup, or need a dye test before selling your home, Revelation Plumbing is here to help.

We’ll inspect your system, explain your options, and recommend whether sewer lining or replacement makes the most sense for your home.

⚔️ Revelation Plumbing — the knights in shining armor for your home’s plumbing system.Serving Pittsburgh, Ross Township, Bellevue, Brentwood, and the entire North Hills.

💧 Call us today for your sewer inspection or same-day service!