Fast Plumbing Answers: Sewer Line Replacement Timeline

You’ve just been told you need a sewer line replacement. Maybe a recent plumbing inspection revealed a significant break, or your outdated cast iron or Orangeburg sewer line finally reached its limit. 

Your immediate questions: how long will it take to replace my sewer line, and do I need to replace the whole thing?

Don't worry — we'll answer all your questions in 2 minutes or less.

We’re Mother, a Dallas-Fort Worth plumbing company that provides dependable, hassle-free modern plumbing for homeowners who value quality. We've completed hundreds of partial and complete sewer line replacement projects throughout Dallas and Tarrant County.

{{sewer-line-repair-and-replacement="/services/sewer-line-repair-and-replacement"}}

​

The Fast Answer: How Long Does It Take to Replace a Sewer Line?

Most sewer line replacement projects are completed within two to five days. This timeline accounts for various factors, from the scope of the repair to the method used:

• Spot repairs: 1 day
• Partial replacement: 3-5 days
• Full replacement: 6-8 days (add 2 days for larger homes)

Your specific project timeline depends heavily on two critical factors: 

1. The scope of your project (partial vs. full replacement), and 
2. The chosen repair method (excavation vs. trenchless).

Concerned about cost? Our research team compiled a comprehensive pricing guide for Dallas sewer line replacement projects — take a look!

{{main-sewage-line-replacement-best-texas-guide="/blogs/main-sewage-line-replacement-best-texas-guide"}}

​

Project Timelines for Partial and Complete Sewer Line Replacement

The complexity and length of your sewer replacement depend on whether you need a partial repair or a complete repipe. A partial replacement focuses on a specific damaged section, while a full replacement addresses the entire sewer line.

Partial sewer line replacements take 3-5 days to complete

If only a section of your sewer line is damaged, a partial replacement is often sufficient. The process is generally quicker because it requires less excavation and material.

Scope: Repairing a specific, localized section of a damaged sewer line. 

Outline:

• Locate and excavate the damaged section.
• Cut out and remove the old pipe.
• Install new piping (e.g., Schedule 40 PVC).
• Test the new connection.
• Backfill the excavation and restore the area. 

Timeline: Partial sewer line replacements typically take 1 to 3 days on average, depending on the extent of the damage and accessibility.

Complete sewer line replacement takes 6-8 days

A full sewer line replacement is necessary when extensive damage, multiple breaks, or outdated pipe materials compromise the entire system. 

Scope: This project involves replacing your entire underground sewer line, from your home to the city sewer connection.

Outline:

• Conduct extensive excavation along the entire sewer line path.
• Remove the entire existing sewer line.
• Install a new, complete sewer line made from Schedule 40 PVC.
• Test the new sewer line thoroughly.
• Conduct extensive backfilling and restoration of the landscape/hardscape. 

Timeline: Expect a timeline of 3 to 5 days if you're replacing a full sewer pipe using traditional excavation methods.

TLDR: Partial sewer pipe replacements take 1 to 3 days on average. Expect a timeline of 3 to 5 days if you're replacing a full sewer pipe.

{{fast-plumbing-answers-signs-of-a-collapsed-sewer-line="/blogs/fast-plumbing-answers-signs-of-a-collapsed-sewer-line"}}

​

Traditional vs. Trenchless Sewer Replacement Timelines

The primary difference between traditional and trenchless sewer repair lies in the excavation required. Traditional methods involve significant digging, while trenchless methods minimize disruption, saving both time and money.

Traditional Sewer Pipe Replacement Requires Time-Consuming Excavation

Traditional sewer pipe replacement, also known as "open cut" or "dig and replace," involves digging a trench along the entire length of the sewer line to access and replace the pipes. This method is effective, but also disruptive to your yard and landscaping.

Scope: Full exposure and replacement of the sewer line through digging. 

Outline:

• Excavate a trench to expose the old sewer line (typically takes two days).
• Cut out and remove old pipes.
• Install new pipes by laying them into the trench.
• Test the new line for leaks and proper flow.
• Backfill the trench, and restore the disturbed landscaping, driveways, patio space or yard areas.

Timeline: The excavation process alone can add significant time. For a full replacement, this method typically extends the project to 6-8 days, with much of that time dedicated to digging and restoration.

Most trenchless pipe bursting jobs are done in one day

Trenchless sewer replacement methods offer less invasive alternatives. Pipe bursting is a highly effective, efficient method that only requires 2 small holes to be dug.

Scope: Replacing a damaged pipe by bursting the old one while pulling a new one into place, with minimal excavation. 

Outline:

• Create small access points at each end of the sewer line.
• Attach a bursting head to the new Schedule 40 PVC sewer pipe, insert it into the first access point, and pull it through the existing pipe.
• Use the bursting head to fracture the old pipe and pull the new pipe into its place.
• Remove the old pipe from the second small access point.
• Connect the new pipe to the existing system.
• Restore the small access points. 

Timeline: Overall, trenchless sewer replacements take 1-3 days less than traditional methods by removing excavation and restoration from the process. 

{{no-dig-sewer-repair-fort-worth="/blogs/no-dig-sewer-repair-fort-worth"}}

​

Ask Our Dallas Plumbing Experts About Sewer Line Replacement

While many projects fall within a 2-5 day window, factors like the scope of work (partial vs. full) and the method used (traditional vs. trenchless) significantly influence the exact duration. If possible, trenchless pipe bursting saves time and money on labor and messy excavation.

A professional estimate and a thorough, well-informed timeline are vital steps towards making an informed decision. If you live in Dallas, talk to Mother about your specific project requirements. We’re here 7 days a week to answer your call.

Contact us today to schedule an estimate and get real, no-nonsense answers to your sewer line problems. 

{{sewer-line-repair-and-replacement="/services/sewer-line-repair-and-replacement"}}

​

​