When your sewer line starts acting up, the last thing you want is a crew digging up your lawn, driveway, or landscaping to fix it. Fortunately, modern trenchless sewer repair offers a cleaner, faster, and less invasive solution. But how do you know if your sewer line problems are serious enough to require repair—and if trenchless technology is the right fix?
Below are five clear signs you might need sewer line repair without digging, especially if you live in an older home in Burlington County or want to protect your property from unnecessary disruption.

1. Your Drains Keep Backing Up or Slowing Down
If you’ve had your drains cleaned multiple times and the problem keeps coming back, the issue may lie deeper in your main sewer line. Slow drains or frequent backups throughout your home, especially in low-level fixtures like basement tubs or floor drains, are major red flags.
These are some of the earliest signs of sewer line damage and shouldn’t be ignored. While sewer cleaning can clear temporary blockages, consistent drainage issues may indicate cracks, misalignments, or pipe deterioration, which are all conditions that often call for trenchless repair.
2. You Notice Sewage Odors Inside or Outside
Foul smells coming from your drains, basement, or yard often point to leaking or broken sewer lines. When wastewater escapes underground, it creates a noticeable odor and can pose health risks to your household.
This issue is especially common in older homes, where aging clay or cast iron pipes begin to degrade. Trenchless repair for older homes allows you to restore your sewer system without disturbing the building’s structure or yard, making it ideal for historic properties in places like Burlington or other long-established communities.
3. You Have Soggy or Sunken Patches in Your Yard
Have you noticed unexplained soggy areas in your yard, even when it hasn’t rained? Pooled water, unusually lush grass, or soft ground are classic indicators of a leaking sewer line. In more serious cases, you might even see small sinkholes.
Leaks like these can lead to more extensive damage if left untreated. Knowing when to replace a sewer line can help you avoid foundation issues or costly landscape restoration. With trenchless sewer repair, we can fix the problem with minimal disruption, preserving your lawn and hardscaping.
4. Your Water Bill Is Rising Without Explanation
A gradual or sudden increase in your water bill, despite no change in household usage, could be the result of a hidden sewer leak. Although sewer systems don’t typically use water directly, breaks or damaged connections can lead to inefficiencies that increase your costs.
In these cases, sewer line repair without digging is often the best long-term solution. Trenchless methods can resolve underlying problems faster than traditional excavation, while also preventing further property damage and ongoing utility waste.
5. Your Home Is More Than 40 Years Old
If your home was built more than four decades ago, there’s a good chance the original sewer system is showing signs of wear. Materials used in the past, like clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg, are all prone to deterioration over time, especially with exposure to shifting soil or root intrusion.
In many of these cases, residential trenchless sewer repair is a smart, cost-effective way to update your plumbing system without destroying your yard or driveway. A thorough sewer line inspection can help determine the current condition of your system and whether trenchless repair is the right fit.
What To Do If You Notice One or More of These Signs
If any of these problems sound familiar, it’s time to get a professional opinion. At Davis Plumbing & Drain, we use advanced camera equipment to perform detailed inspections and determine the best course of action. Whether the issue requires sewer cleaning, sewer pipe relining, or full pipe replacement, we’ll recommend the most efficient solution for your property.
Understanding how to know if you need sewer repair isn’t always easy—but that’s what we’re here for.
Why Homeowners Choose Trenchless Sewer Repair
More homeowners in Burlington, NJ, and surrounding areas are choosing trenchless solutions because they offer the following benefits:
- Less invasive: There’s no need to destroy landscaping, patios, or walkways.
- Faster: Most projects are completed in one to two days.
- Durable: New liners resist corrosion, cracking, and root intrusion.
- Cost-effective: You can avoid expensive post-repair cleanup and restoration.
While not every problem can be fixed with trenchless solutions, we’ll advise you on what your options are.
Schedule Residential Trenchless Sewer Repair Today
Don’t wait until a small sewer issue turns into a major disaster. Davis Plumbing & Drain provides trusted residential trenchless sewer repair throughout Burlington and Camden counties, the Greater Philadelphia area, and beyond. Our experienced technicians offer honest recommendations, transparent pricing, and high-quality results without the mess.
Schedule your inspection today to find out if trenchless repair is the right choice for your home.
FAQ About Sewer Line Repair Without Digging
How do I know if I need sewer line repair?
You might need sewer line repair if you notice slow drains, foul odors, soggy patches in your yard, and rising water bills. A sewer inspection can reveal whether trenchless repair is the best solution.
Can trenchless sewer repair be used on older homes in Burlington?
Yes, trenchless sewer repair can be used on older homes in Burlington. Trenchless methods are ideal for older homes with aging pipe materials. They preserve your home’s structure and yard while delivering long-term durability.
What’s the difference between trenchless repair and digging up the yard?
Trenchless repair uses minimal access points and internal repair methods to restore your sewer line, while traditional excavation involves digging a full trench to expose the pipe.
How long does trenchless sewer repair take?
Most trenchless sewer repair jobs take one to two days, depending on the extent of damage and the method used.
Is trenchless sewer repair expensive?
Trenchless repairs often cost the same or slightly more upfront than traditional methods, but they save you money by avoiding landscape and structural restoration.