If you're dealing with a failing sewer line in the Sacramento area, you've probably heard about trenchless sewer replacement options like pipe bursting. This no-dig (or minimal-dig) method saves your landscaping, driveway, and time compared to traditional excavation.
In this video, Ryan Petersen of Affordable Trenchless & Pipe Lining (YDIG) in Carmichael, CA, walks through exactly how pipe bursting works, answers the most common homeowner questions, and shares important tips to ensure you get quality work.
Ready to Fix Your Sewer Line?
We serve Sacramento, Carmichael, and surrounding areas in Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, and San Joaquin counties.
Don’t risk major backups or property damage. Get a fair, honest estimate from the owner-operated team with over 20 years of experience.
Call Ryan today: (916) 488-1215
💻 Book online at Affordable Trenchless & Pipe Lining
Free estimates • Licensed & Insured • Serving Greater Sacramento
------------------------
What is Pipe Bursting? (Full VIDEO Transcript)
Ryan Petersen: Hi, I'm Ryan Petersen with Affordable Trenchless and Pipelining in Carmichael, California. I'm going to answer a few simple questions that we get asked every day about pipe bursting.
Trenchless sewer line replacement is a method used for replacing sewer lines and drain lines underground. Pipe bursting is one of the common methods.
One of the most common questions I get is: "Are you putting a smaller pipe inside of another pipe?"
The answer is no. What we're doing is hydraulically pulling a bursting head through the existing pipe. For example, if you have a 4-inch sewer line, we pull the bursting head through your existing sewer line, breaking it out in the ground. Behind the bursting head is a connection to a standard 4-inch polyethylene (HDPE) pipe that's fused together (melted together for a seamless joint).
As the bursting head travels through the old pipe, it pulls one continuous new line behind it. No smaller pipe inside the old one — we replace it with a new, full-size pipe.
What about bellies (sags) in the line?
I can personally say 98% of the time, yes — this process takes the bellies out.
How are inspections done after installation?
We call the city or county inspector out. They have us run a video camera through the new line to ensure proper grade (slope) so it drains correctly and isn't "back graded."
In layman's terms: We dig a small hole at the house where the sewer line exits, and another at the property line (front or back yard). A hydraulic machine at the property line pulls a cable connected to the bursting head through the old pipe. It breaks out the old pipe (left in the ground) and pulls the new pipe right behind it.
When the bursting head exits, we cut it off, make connections with cleanouts (two-way at the house, one-way at the property line), backfill, and get it inspected.
It's not rocket science — just two holes, pulling new pipe through the old, a couple connections, and inspection.
Important Tips for Homeowners
Ryan shares excellent advice on what to discuss with any contractor bidding on your job:
- Does the bid include USA (Underground Service Alert / 811 call) markings?
- Digging the access holes?
- Installing the pipe and all fittings?
- Handling any tie-ins (e.g., bathroom or kitchen lines)?
- Inspections and permits?
- Meeting the inspector and running the camera for grade verification?
Critical Warning on Tie-Ins:
If there's a lateral tie-in on the line being replaced (common from another part of the house), make sure the contractor digs it up, pulls the new main line through, and installs a new tie-in. Otherwise, it can get covered up and cause backups.
Sacramento-Specific Inspection Notes
In the City of Sacramento, the utility department inspects the tap (connection to city lines). If the tap is bad, you'll get a red tag. The city often repairs it at no charge once you excavate the hole to their specs. For deeper holes (>5 feet), shoring may be required.
USA (811) is free and mandatory — it takes about 48 hours. They mark gas, water, fiber optic, and other utilities so nothing gets hit. Always insist your contractor does this.
Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Bursting with YDIG
- Minimal disruption — No long trenches tearing up your yard.
- Faster — Often completed in a day or two.
- Durable — New seamless HDPE pipe resists roots, corrosion, and shifts.
- Cost-effective — Less labor and restoration than traditional digging.
- Environmentally friendly — Less waste and landscape damage.
We serve Sacramento, Carmichael, and surrounding areas in Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, and San Joaquin counties.