Comparing Sewer Solutions: Spot Repair vs Partial Replacement

Your sewer main sprung a leak — or three. Perhaps a pipe section is sagging, or pesky oak tree roots penetrated your sewer line. You’re comparing plumbing quotes that present 2 different solutions for your problem: spot repairs and partial sewer line replacement.

We train our plumbers to identify the exact cause of your sewer issue, compare your repair options, and establish the single best solution to the problem. This is the advice we give our customers — and we wrote it up in a homeowner’s guide for you.

We’re Mother — a Dallas based plumbing company founded on modern service options and long-term solutions. Our research team and Master Plumbers built this comparison guide for homeowners to compare their sewer repair options and choose the best quote for their project. 

Live in Dallas and need a second opinion? Call us 7 days a week for expert, timely service.

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The 6 Most Common Sewer Line Problems

If you’re choosing between spot repair or partial sewer pipe replacement, then you’re dealing with these 6 common sewer repair issues:

1. Underground sewer pipe leak
2. Tree root intrusion
3. Break in your sewer branch line
4. Separation in your sewer line
5. Sewer belly
6. Channel rot

Your choice usually boils down to one decision: conducting localized spot repairs, or replacing a section of your sewer pipe.

These 2 sewer repair solutions are usually insufficient to cover large sewer main breaks and sewer line collapses.

Need a different solution? Compare your choices in our comprehensive guide to Dallas sewer repair options.

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When to Choose a Spot Repair vs. Partial Sewer Line Replacement

First a quick overview of each kind of repair:

Spot repair is exactly what it sounds like: a targeted fix for an isolated damaged section of your sewer pipe. It's like putting a very strong, permanent patch over a single hole or crack.

Partial sewer line replacement involves digging up and replacing a longer, compromised section of your sewer pipe. Damaged pipe sections typically extend from 10 to 50 feet. 

Side-by-Side Comparison Table: Spot Repair vs. Partial Replacement

*Note: Costs are estimates and can vary widely based on pipe depth, location (e.g., under concrete), soil conditions, and specific DFW market factors.

Sewer Line Spot Repairs: Great for Single Issues

What’s involved in the repair process: First, we use a specialized sewer line camera to precisely locate the damaged spot. Then, we dig a single, focused trench directly down to that exact location. 

The damaged section of pipe is cut out, and a new piece of Schedule 40 PVC pipe is installed and securely connected. Finally, the trench is backfilled.

• Pros:
  • Less invasive than replacing a whole sewer line.
  • Generally quicker to complete than other sewer line repairs.
  • Lower upfront cost for localized issues.
  • Only disturbs a small area of your property.
• Cons:
  • Only fixes the specific problem and doesn't address overall pipe health.
  • If other issues arise later, you'll need another repair.
  • Requires minor excavation, which is still disruptive.

Partial Sewer Line Replacements: More Involved Issues

Partial replacement is used when a "patch" isn't enough, but the entire line doesn't need to be replaced.

What’s involved in the repair process: After diagnosing the extent of the damage with a camera, we excavate a trench along the length of the damaged section of pipe. 

The old, faulty pipe is completely removed, and a brand new, durable Schedule 40 PVC pipe section is laid in its place. We carefully ensuring proper slope for drainage. Connections are made to the existing healthy pipe on both ends, and the trench is then backfilled.

• Pros:
  • Replaces a significant section of bad pipe, offering a more robust solution than a spot repair for longer areas.
  • Corrects issues like bellies (sags) or multiple extensive tree root intrusions.
  • Less expensive and disruptive than a complete sewer line replacement.
• Cons:
  • More extensive excavation and property disruption than a spot repair.
  • Higher upfront cost compared to a spot repair.
  • Still leaves older pipe sections in place, which could develop issues later.

When to Choose Sewer Line Spot Repair

Spot repair is your go-to solution when the problem is clearly defined, small, and contained, and the rest of your sewer line is in good condition. 

Real-life customer scenarios where spot repair is the better choice:

• Our camera inspection pinpointed a single, clear break: Our plumbers showed the homeowner exactly one point of failure. The pipe was completely healthy before and after that spot.
• A single tree root managed to get in through one specific joint: We cleared the root, but the joint itself was compromised. It made sense to fix that single entry point.
• A small section of pipe was damaged by external digging or construction: A recent fence installation accidentally nicked a specific part of the sewer line.

When not to choose spot repair: Don't opt for a spot repair if the camera inspection shows multiple cracks, widespread deterioration, a belly (sag) in the pipe, or recurring root issues along a long section. 

Trying to spot-repair a failing system is like putting a Band-Aid on a gushing wound.

When to Choose Partial Sewer Line Replacement

Partial sewer line replacement is the better choice when the damage is more extensive than a single point, but still doesn't warrant replacing the entire pipe.

Real-life customer scenarios where partial sewer line replacement is the better choice:

• A long section of pipe with multiple hairline cracks or root intrusions: The camera showed 15-20 feet of pipe that was consistently compromised, making a single spot repair impractical.
• A significant belly (sag) in a sewer pipe section: A sewer belly caused standing water and repeated clogs in a Dallas home and its backyard. This required excavating and re-laying that entire section to ensure proper slope.
• The pipe under a homeowner’s driveway was completely crushed or deteriorated: Replacing the entire segment made sense for this a high-traffic or critical area. There’s no cost benefit to making multiple penetrations or a large tunnel for multiple spot repairs.

When not to choose partial sewer line replacement: Don't choose partial replacement if your entire sewer line is old, constantly failing, or made of problematic materials like Orangeburg pipe. 

In those cases, even replacing a large section is just a temporary fix, and a complete replacement offers a more cost-effective long-term solution.

What’s your project going to cost? Get current answers on local pricing in our updated Dallas sewer line repair and replacement cost guide.

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✅ Mother Modern Plumbing’s Recommendation

Choosing between spot repair and partial pipe replacement comes down to simple math:

Choose a spot repair when there’s one leak, break or intrusion, choose a spot repair.

Choose partial sewer line replacement when there are multiple leaks, cracks or systemic issues in a pipe section.

TABLE: Spot Repair vs. Partial Sewer Line Replacement Use Cases

*Choose a spot repair for a single root intrusion, and partial replacement for multiple root penetrations.

📞 Call Mother for Dallas Sewer Line Repair and Replacement

Still not sure which repair is right for your Dallas home? Worried your current plumbing quotes are too high, too invasive or incomplete?

Call Mother for a thorough inspection of your Dallas sewer line. We’ll identify the problem with our non-invasive sewer camera inspection and hydrostatic testing services. Then, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each service option in simple terms, with no pressure.

Whether you need simple spot repairs or a partial sewer line replacement, trust our plumbing experts for an honest second opinion and a long-term solution for your home.

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🙋Spot Repair and Partial Sewer Replacement FAQs

Is sewer line replacement covered by insurance? 

Homeowner's insurance typically doesn't cover general wear and tear or maintenance issues. However, if the damage was caused by a sudden, accidental event (like a vehicle crushing the pipe, or a specific tree falling on it), there might be some coverage. It's always best to check with your specific insurance provider.

Can I switch from spot repair to sewer line replacement later?

Yes, you can always transition from a spot repair to a partial or even complete replacement later on if new issues arise. However, doing a spot repair now might mean you're paying for multiple excavations over time if your pipe continues to fail.

How long will my new sewer pipe section last? 

We install new sections of Schedule 40 PVC pipe for spot repairs and partial sewer line replacements. Schedule 40 PVC is designed to last up to 100 years. 

The lifespan of the entire system will depend on the remaining old pipe, which could still develop problems.

How long do sewer line spot repairs take?

Expect your spot repairs to take 1-3 days. Simple patches (like single tree root intrusions) are often completed in one appointment on one day. 

How long does partial sewer line replacement take?

Partial sewer line replacement takes 3-7 days, depending on the length of your damaged pipe section and how deep it’s buried in your yard.

Can I sleeve a broken sewer line?

Sure, you can sleeve it — but don’t expect quality, lasting results. A sleeve doesn’t fix your broken sewer line, it temporarily supports the interior of the pipe. You’ll eventually need spot repairs or a partial replacement, so sleeving your pipe is a “sunk cost” that only delays the inevitable.