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If a camera inspection shows your sewer line is failing, the next question is how to fix it without tearing up your yard. Rooter King uses three trenchless methods — CIPP pipe lining, pipe bursting, and spray lining — and the right one depends on the condition, material, and layout of your pipe. Here is how they compare, and how we decide. Serving Corona, Riverside, Jurupa Valley, and the Coachella Valley, 24/7.
Not sure which you need? Call (951) 880-3727 or book a free camera inspection — we scope the line and show you the footage before recommending anything.
The quick answer
CIPP lining is best when the old pipe still holds its shape. Pipe bursting is best when the pipe is collapsed, badly offset, or you want to upsize it. Spray lining is best for smaller-diameter lines and pipes with lots of bends where a rigid liner will not fit. All three replace or rehab the line through small access points instead of a full trench.
| Method | Best for | How it works | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIPP Pipe Lining | Cracked or root-intruded pipe that still holds its shape | A resin-saturated liner is inserted and cured in place, forming a seamless pipe inside the old one | 50+ years |
| Pipe Bursting | Collapsed, severely offset, or undersized pipe (can upsize) | A bursting head is pulled through, fracturing the old pipe outward while pulling in a new HDPE pipe | 50+ years |
| Spray Lining | Smaller-diameter lines, tight bends, and vertical stacks | A polymer coating is sprayed to seal and rebuild the pipe wall from the inside | Varies by application |
Ranges and fit are confirmed by a camera inspection — every line is different.
CIPP pipe lining
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining is the workhorse of trenchless repair. We pull a resin-soaked liner into the existing pipe and cure it in place, creating a smooth, jointless “pipe within a pipe.” Because there are no joints, roots have nothing to re-enter through. It is ideal for cast iron, clay, Orangeburg, and PVC lines that are cracked or root-intruded but still structurally present. Learn more about CIPP pipe lining.
Pipe bursting
When a line is collapsed, has dropped joints, or you want to increase capacity, pipe bursting is the answer. A bursting head is winched through the old pipe, breaking it outward into the surrounding soil while simultaneously pulling a new seamless HDPE pipe into place. It is the most robust trenchless option and the only one that can replace a fully failed pipe or upsize a line. Learn more about pipe bursting.
Spray lining
Spray lining (also called spray-applied pipe lining) coats the inside of the pipe with a polymer that seals leaks and rebuilds the pipe wall. It shines where a rigid CIPP liner will not go — smaller diameters, multiple bends, and vertical stacks — making it a great fit for interior drain and vent lines. Learn more about spray lining.
How we decide which method fits your line
It always starts with a camera inspection. The footage shows the pipe material, diameter, slope, bends, and the type and severity of the damage — which is what determines whether lining, bursting, or spraying is the right call. We show you the video, explain the options, and give you a written, upfront quote before any work begins.
When you might still need traditional excavation
Trenchless handles the large majority of residential sewer lines, but not all. A fully collapsed pipe with no path for equipment, severe joint offsets, or a line that needs re-routing can still require a traditional dig. If you are weighing your options, see our guide on trenchless sewer repair vs. traditional excavation, or explore all of our trenchless replacement and repair options.
Get a straight answer on your sewer line
Call Rooter King at (951) 880-3727 or book a free camera inspection. We will scope the line, show you what is really going on, and tell you honestly which trenchless method — or traditional dig — is the smarter money. Licensed & insured · CSLB #1090875 · 5.0★ on Google · 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
Which trenchless method is cheapest?
It depends on the pipe. CIPP lining and spray lining are often less involved than pipe bursting, but bursting may be the only option for a collapsed line. A camera inspection tells us which method your line actually needs, and we quote it flat-rate before starting.
How long does trenchless sewer work take?
Most trenchless jobs — lining, bursting, or spray — are completed in one to two days, versus three to seven-plus days for a traditional dig with restoration.
Do these methods last as long as a new dug-in pipe?
CIPP and pipe bursting install seamless pipe rated for 50+ years, with no joints for roots to re-enter. Spray lining life varies by diameter and application; we will tell you what to expect for your specific line.
How do I know if my line is a trenchless candidate?
A camera inspection. It reveals the pipe material, condition, and layout, which determines whether CIPP, pipe bursting, spray lining, or traditional excavation is the right fit.