How Trenchless Sewer Replacement Works

(And Why It’s a Game-Changer for Your Home & Yard)

If your home has a broken or collapsed sewer line, the thought of fixing it might make you panic. You’re probably imagining bulldozers tearing up your driveway, digging across your front yard, and leaving behind a dusty, expensive mess.

That’s what used to happen.

Today? You’ve got a smarter option — it’s called trenchless sewer replacement, and it’s changing the way homeowners fix underground drains across Toronto and the GTA.

Let’s break down what it is, how it works, and why it might be the perfect solution for your home.

 The Problem With Traditional Sewer Replacement

Older homes (especially pre-1970s) often have clay or cast iron drain pipes that are now cracked, collapsed, sagging, or full of roots. When they fail, wastewater stops flowing properly — or worse, it starts backing up into your basement.

In the past, fixing the issue meant digging a long trench from your basement to the property line — sometimes even all the way to the sidewalk. That could mean:

• Destroying your lawn, landscaping, or interlocking

• Breaking through concrete steps or driveways

• Needing weeks to fully restore everything after

It solved one problem, but created several more.

 Enter Trenchless Technology

Trenchless sewer replacement is exactly what it sounds like: replacing or repairing your underground drain line without digging a massive trench.

There are a few different methods (like torpedo shooting or pipe lining), but the most common in residential work is pipe bursting.

Here’s how it works:

1. We dig two small access points — one near the house and one at the connection point.

2. A special tool (the “bullet”) is inserted inside the old pipes and is being pulled by compressor machine .

3. As it moves, it brakes the old pipe and pulls a brand-new pipe behind it — typically a durable PVC drain line.

4. Once it’s in place, the new line is connected, tested, and your surface is restored at digging points.

Most jobs are done in just one day — with minimal mess and no need to rip up your front yard.

 Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Replacement

• ✅ Less damage to your landscaping or hardscaping

• ✅ Faster project timeline

• ✅ Long-lasting pipe materials (like PVC)

• ✅ No massive trench across your lawn or driveway

• ✅ Safe and code-compliant

• ✅ Usually more affordable than traditional digging after restoration costs

 Is It Right for Every Home?

Trenchless is ideal for homes with:

• Blocked, broken, or root-filled drain lines

• Finished driveways, patios, or landscaping you want to protect

• Limited property access (e.g., townhomes or tight lots)

• High water tables or soil that makes trench digging difficult

It’s also perfect if you need to replace both your sewer and main water line at once — we can run them together using a shared path.

 Let UPR Handle It

At UPR, we’ve done trenchless replacements across Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, North York, and beyond. We use top-tier pipe bursting equipment and licensed plumbers to ensure everything is installed to code, slope-corrected, and built to last.

We’ll inspect your drain with a camera, show you exactly what’s wrong, and walk you through your options. No pressure — just honest work done right.

Call 647-833-6743
Book a Free Trenchless Drain Estimate
Serving Toronto & the GTA — Clean. Fast. Reliable.