A broken sewer pipe is a problem no property owner wants, but if it happens, it’s important to act quickly and choose the right solution. Whether you’re dealing with persistent backups, slow drains, foul odors, or a soggy patch in your yard, these symptoms could point to a damaged or failing sewer line.
At NuFlow, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing both underground sewer pipes and the intricate pipe networks located inside buildings, such as those found in single-family homes, condominiums, commercial properties, and multi-unit facilities. Using advanced trenchless technologies, we deliver long-lasting sewer pipe repair with minimal disruption to tenants, operations, and surrounding structures. Here’s what you should know about how to fix a broken sewer pipe—and why working with a NuFlow Certified Contractor makes all the difference.
Step 1: Start with a Sewer Camera Inspection
Before any repairs begin, it’s critical to understand the full scope of the problem. A sewer camera inspection gives plumbing professionals a clear, real-time look inside your pipes. This high-definition video footage helps pinpoint the exact location and cause of the issue—whether it’s a pipe break, pipe belly, tree root intrusion, or long-term corrosion.
By identifying the problem with precision, a camera inspection ensures the right solution is applied, saving time, money, and unnecessary digging.
Step 2: Clean the Pipe
Once the damaged area is located, the pipe must be cleaned thoroughly. Using sewer drain cleaning equipment such as a mechanical cutter, electric drain snake, or hydro jetting system, professionals remove debris, grease buildup, tree roots, and scale that could interfere with repairs.
A clean pipe is essential for both traditional excavation and trenchless sewer lining—it allows for better bonding, post-cleaning inspection, and ultimately, a stronger, more reliable pipe repair.
Step 3: Choose Your Repair Method
Now that the pipe is inspected and cleaned, it’s time to choose the best method for repair. There are two primary options:
Traditional Sewer Replacement
This method involves excavating the ground to expose the damaged sewer pipe, cutting it out, and replacing it with a new section. While effective, this approach often comes with significant downsides:
- Destruction of landscaping, hardscaping, or interior flooring
- Extended downtime and costly reconstruction
- High labor and equipment costs
Trenchless Sewer Repair (The NuFlow Way)
Trenchless pipe lining – also known as CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) – is a modern alternative that repairs the existing sewer pipe from the inside out. A flexible liner soaked in epoxy resin is inserted into the existing pipe, inflated, and cured to form a seamless new pipe within the old one.
Benefits of trenchless sewer repair include:
- No major digging or demolition
- Faster project timelines
- Long-lasting and corrosion-resistant pipe within a pipe
- Minimal disruption to residents or businesses
Why Choose a NuFlow Certified Contractor?
Fixing a broken sewer line isn’t typically a DIY job. It requires the right drain cleaning equipment, the right sewer lining technology, and the right expertise. NuFlow Certified Contractors are trained professionals who understand the complexities of modern pipe systems and how to restore them using advanced trenchless solutions.
When you hire a NuFlow Certified Contractor, you’re choosing:
- Expert assessment and honest recommendations
- Access to industry-leading inspection and repair technology
- Support from a nationwide network of trenchless experts
- Confidence that your job will be done right, the first time
Don’t Wait—Fix It Right
Ignoring a broken sewer pipe can lead to much bigger problems over time, including property damage, environmental hazards, and expensive emergency plumbing repairs. At the first sign of trouble, don’t wait. Contact NuFlow, and we’ll connect you with a NuFlow Certified Contractor in your area to schedule a professional sewer camera inspection and explore the best trenchless pipe repair solution for your property.
From pipe diagnostics and drain cleaning to state-of-the-art CIPP trenchless repairs, NuFlow helps restore flow without the mess.
Sewer Pipe Maintenance & Repair Checklist
Use this checklist to stay proactive and informed when managing your property’s sewer and drain systems:
Inspection & Monitoring
- Schedule routine sewer camera inspections (recommended annually or as needed)
- Monitor for recurring backups or slow drainage in units or common areas
- Note any foul odors, especially near bathrooms, basements, or outdoor cleanouts
- Check for wet spots, sinkholes, or foundation cracks near sewer lines
- Keep records of past plumbing issues and repairs for future reference
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Perform regular drain and sewer cleaning to remove grease, scale, and root intrusion
- Ensure roof drains, area drains, and vent stacks are free of debris
- Install accessible cleanouts if not already present
- Educate residents on what not to flush or pour down drains (grease, wipes, etc.)
Repair & Rehabilitation
- At first sign of pipe failure, schedule a professional inspection
- Compare traditional vs. trenchless sewer repair methods for cost, time, and impact
- Consider NuFlow’s trenchless technology for minimally invasive, long-lasting results
- Request a detailed quote and timeline before authorizing work
- Keep communication clear with residents about planned repairs and access needs
Choosing the Right Contractor
- Work only with licensed, experienced plumbing professionals
- Verify the contractor is a NuFlow Certified Contractor
- Ask for references or case studies for similar property types
- Ensure contractor offers post-repair inspection and warranty documentation
Need Help?
Contact NuFlow today and we’ll connect you with a trusted Certified Contractor in your area.
Call us now at 855-371-0053 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation!
FAQ: How to Fix a Broken Sewer Pipe
Q: How do I know if I have a broken sewer pipe? Common signs include slow drains, persistent backups, foul odors, gurgling noises, and soggy patches in your yard. If you notice any of these red flags, a sewer camera inspection can confirm the issue.
Q: What is trenchless sewer repair and how does it work? Trenchless repair, or CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) lining, involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe and curing it in place. It creates a new pipe within the old one, with no major digging required.
Q: How long does trenchless pipe repair take? Most trenchless sewer repairs are completed in 1–2 days, depending on the scope of work. It’s significantly faster than traditional excavation methods, which can take a week or more.
Q: Is trenchless sewer repair as durable as pipe replacement? Yes. CIPP lining creates a seamless, corrosion-resistant pipe that often exceeds the lifespan of traditional materials. It’s a proven long-term solution for both residential and commercial properties.
Q: Why should I choose a NuFlow Certified Contractor? NuFlow Certified Contractors are trained in advanced trenchless technologies and follow strict standards for inspection, repair, and post-installation support. You get expertise, transparency, and peace of mind.