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Sewer Line Repair & Replacement in Red Deer
Trenchless or Excavation — We Do Both
Since 2011 • Licensed & Insured • 24/7 • ★ 5.0 Google Rating
5 out of 5 stars. "we had a sewer issue, and they were quick, and did an excellent job... when finished you wouldn't know that it was there, they were very efficient" — Dorothy B., Google Review
A damaged sewer line can be fixed in two ways, or a combination of the two:
- Trenchless repair or replacement, where we fix the line from the inside, with little or no digging
- Excavation, where we dig down and expose the pipe so it can be repaired or replaced
- A combination, where we excavate the worst sections and use trenchless methods for the rest
The right method depends on your pipe's condition. A camera inspection shows us which approach is best, so we can provide an effective solution and an accurate quote.
Sewer Line Problems We Fix
If you're dealing with any of these, the issue is likely your sewer line, not just a clogged drain:
Sewage backing up in the basement
Slow drains and gurgling toilets in more than one fixture
Sewer smell inside the house or in the yard
Soggy or unusually green patches in the yard
A sinkhole or low spot forming in the yard
Repeated clogs that only clear temporarily with augering
Large, mature trees near your sewer line are also worth checking. Their roots are a common cause of clogs that don't show up until they're already serious, and a camera inspection is the only reliable way to check.
Not sure what's wrong? Start with a camera inspection to find the exact problem before you spend anything on repairs.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Sewer Line?
Our technicians review the camera footage and recommend a path: a spot repair, a section replacement, or a full-line replacement. We give you a written quote once we evaluate the condition of your pipe. A sewer camera inspection is how we find the most affordable and effective solution for your line.
Two Ways to Replace a Sewer Line — and Why We Offer Both
Trenchless Methods: Relining, Bursting, and Coating
We fix or replace sewer lines without digging up your yard, using three trenchless methods: pipe relining (cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP, pulled through the old line), pipe bursting (we pull a new pipe through while the old one breaks apart), and pipe coating for lines that only need a protective lining.
Trenchless work fits best when the line is accessible by camera and intact enough to reline, burst, or coat, or when your landscaping or driveway needs protection.
Traditional Excavation
Traditional excavation is a full dig-and-replace job, done with our own excavators and hydrovac trucks.
It's the better answer when the line has collapsed, flows backward instead of downhill, sags badly in one or more sections, or when digging is the cheaper option for your situation.
Which Method Is Right for Your Sewer Line?
| Factor | Trenchless | Excavation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost bracket | $7,000–$15,000 | $5,000–$15,000; relandscaping quoted separately |
| Timeline | Often 1 day | Most jobs 1 day; deep or long runs take longer |
| Yard impact | Minimal digging | Full trench, backfilled to rough grade; relandscaping quoted separately |
| Pipe condition suited | Lining needs an open, cleanable pipe; bursting works through shifted joints and pipes up to about 85% collapsed | Any condition, including full collapse |
| Expected lifespan | 50+ years | 50+ years |
We have trenchless and excavation crews in-house, so we can recommend whichever method actually fits your situation. We're one of a few local companies that can deliver both.
If you want a side-by-side look at cost, timeline, and yard impact, read our trenchless vs. excavation comparison.
What Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost in Central Alberta?
Your cost is dependent on whether the problem is on your property, or in the public sewer system.
Who's Responsible for Which Part of the Line
Your sewer line runs from your building, across your property, and out under the street, where it connects to the City sewer main — the shared pipe that serves the whole street. Under Red Deer's Utility Bylaw 3606/2018 (§76–78, Schedule A), the property owner is responsible for the section from their building to the property line. The City is responsible for the rest, from the property line to the main.
If a problem starts in the City-owned section, blockage-clearing costs may be reimbursed, up to a maximum number of billable hours the City sets. To obtain reimbursement, a camera inspection with a measured distance must be provided. The Trenchless Guys produce the camera footage and measured distances the City requires.
What Else Affects Your Price
- Length and depth of the line
- Access — how easy it is to reach the pipe
- Method — trenchless versus excavation
- Surface restoration — lawn, driveway, or concrete (quoted separately after the trench settles)
- Utility locates and permits
- Soil and groundwater conditions
- Emergency versus scheduled work
Cost by Type of Repair
| Camera inspection | $300–$500 |
|---|---|
| Excavated spot repair | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Trenchless replacement — relining or pipe bursting | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Full excavation replacement | $5,000–$15,000 (backfilled to rough grade; relandscaping quoted separately) |
The Price You Agree to Is the Price You Pay
Book a camera inspection and we'll follow up with a written quote, or share the results of a recent inspection with us and we'll quote from that.
What to Expect When We Repair or Replace Your Sewer Line
Camera Inspection
If the line is blocked, we clear it first so the camera can travel the full length.
Review the Footage Together
We walk you through repair versus replacement, and which method fits your pipe.
Written Quote
You get a written quote for the approach you choose.
Permits
We handle any permits your project needs — you don't file anything yourself.
The Work
We complete the repair or replacement — trenchless, excavation, or possibly both, depending on what your pipe needs.
Final Camera Verification
We run the camera through again to confirm the work, and you can see the finished line for yourself.
Site Cleanup
We clean up the site and return your line to service.
Most replacements — trenchless or excavated — finish in a single day. Deep or long excavations can take longer, and after any dig we backfill to rough grade and quote relandscaping once the ground settles.
24/7 Emergency Sewer Repair in Red Deer & Central Alberta
A real person answers your call, day or night. We respond across Red Deer and Central Alberta for active backups, collapsed lines, and other urgent sewer problems. See our emergency repair service, or call now.
Why Red Deer Trusts The Trenchless Guys
Serving Red Deer and Central Alberta since 2011. We specialize in sewer and water line work, with a full in-house fleet — relining, bursting, and coating equipment, cameras, excavators, and hydrovac trucks — licensed and insured, and a written quote before any work starts.
"We have never had such amazing service from a business before!! We were told from a different company that we were going to need to rip up the basement because of a collapsed pipe but when The Trenchless Guys came to give us a second opinion, they said that it was not collapsed and that they could fix it for us with out ripping up the basement. We were so relieved and by the time they had finished there work they didn't just send us an invoice, they met with us again to show us what all they had done. I can't say enough good things about this company and I would recommend them to anyone. You will not be disappointed!!"
"The crew showed up exactly when expected. They rolled in with a purpose and got right to it. They were very considerate of my household and took the time to explain what was happening at certain steps. They were even courteous enough to invite me down to take photos of the process for my mortgage broker. They finished well before the estimated timeframe and left little mess behind. Great experience overall and highly recommended."
Serving Red Deer & Central Alberta
We serve Red Deer and the surrounding area, including Innisfail, Lacombe, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, and Stettler.
We repair and replace sewer lines for homeowners, and for commercial properties, industrial sites, and mobile home parks.
Sewer Repair and Replacement FAQs
How do I know if my sewer line is broken or just clogged?
A simple clog usually clears with augering and doesn't come back right away. A broken sewer line causes repeat backups, sewer smell, slow drains in more than one fixture at once, or soggy patches in the yard. A camera inspection is the only way to tell the difference for certain.
Does homeowner's insurance cover sewer line replacement?
Coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Many policies exclude wear-and-tear failures like root intrusion or aging pipe, but some cover sudden collapse or include a sewer backup rider. Check your policy's wording, or see our insurance claims page for what we typically see.
How much does sewer line replacement cost in Red Deer?
Sewer line replacement in Red Deer typically runs $5,000–$15,000 by excavation and usually $7,000–$15,000 by trenchless relining or pipe bursting. Small excavated spot repairs start around $3,000. Excavation prices cover backfill to rough grade, with relandscaping quoted separately. Your exact cost depends on length, depth, and access.
How long does sewer line replacement take?
Most replacements finish in a single day, whether trenchless or excavated. Deep pipes, long runs, and tight access can stretch an excavation past that. After an excavation, we backfill to rough grade the same day; relandscaping is quoted separately once the ground settles.
Can you replace a sewer line without digging up my yard?
Yes, if your existing pipe is intact enough to reline, burst, or coat. With trenchless sewer replacement and repair — relining, bursting, and coating — we replace or renew the line through existing access points, with no trench across your yard. A camera inspection confirms whether your pipe qualifies.
How long does a relined or replaced sewer line last?
A properly installed relined or replaced sewer line typically lasts 50 years or more, similar to a new pipe. Actual lifespan depends on the material used, soil conditions, and how well the line is maintained afterward.
Do you handle the whole job, or do I need a separate excavation company?
We handle the whole job in-house. The Trenchless Guys run our own camera crews, relining and bursting equipment, excavators, and hydrovac trucks, so you don't need a separate contractor if your pipe turns out to need excavation instead of trenchless work.
Who is responsible for the sewer line repair costs — the homeowner or the City of Red Deer?
Your sewer line runs from your building, across your property, and out under the street, where it connects to the City sewer main — the shared pipe that serves the whole street. Under Red Deer's Utility Bylaw 3606/2018 (§76–78, Schedule A), the property owner is responsible for the section from their building to the property line. The City is responsible for the rest, from the property line to the main. If the problem starts on the City's section, blockage-clearing costs may be reimbursed, up to a maximum number of billable hours the City sets.
Can a sewer line be replaced in winter in Alberta?
Yes. We repair and replace sewer lines year-round. Frozen ground slows excavation but doesn't stop it, and trenchless methods are generally less affected by frost, though liners can't be installed below −15°C. If your line has an active backup, don't wait for warmer weather to deal with it.
What happens if I ignore a collapsed or severely damaged sewer line?
Sewage keeps backing up into your home, which can damage flooring, drywall, and belongings, and creates a health hazard from contact with wastewater. Left long enough, a collapsed line can also undermine the soil around your foundation, and the problem typically has to be disclosed if you sell your home.
Will trenchless work if my pipe has completely collapsed?
It depends on the method and how bad the collapse is. A liner can't pass a collapse, but pipe bursting often can: the bursting head breaks the old pipe outward as it pulls the new pipe in, and works through shifted joints and pipes up to about 85% collapsed. A fully crushed line with no path left means excavation, and we'll tell you that upfront.
Do I need a permit to replace a sewer line in Red Deer?
Permit requirements depend on the scope of work and whether it affects the City-owned section of the line. Either way, we handle any required permits ourselves — you don't need to file anything with the City.
Book a Camera Inspection
Get a camera inspection first, so your quote is based on what's actually happening in your line.
