Get answers to common questions about trenchless sewer repair, pipe lining, and our services
Pelican Underground LLC provides trenchless sewer and drain services for residential and commercial properties, including sewer line repair, CIPP pipe lining, pipe bursting, sewer cleaning, rooter service, storm drain repair, vertical stack lining, and sewer camera inspections. Trenchless methods repair or replace damaged pipes through small access points instead of open trenches, preserving yards, driveways, and landscaping. The company serves Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida from its New Orleans headquarters, with crews available Monday through Sunday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Every project starts with a camera inspection so you know exactly what’s wrong before any work is quoted.
Trenchless sewer repair is a modern, minimally invasive method for repairing or replacing sewer lines without extensive excavation. It uses technologies like CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) lining and pipe bursting to fix pipes from the inside, preserving your landscaping, driveways, and property while completing repairs faster and often at lower total cost than traditional methods. To understand how this process works in detail, read our guide on what trenchless sewer repair is.
Pipe lining typically lasts 50 to 60 years when properly installed. The durability comes from robust materials like epoxy resin used in the process. Some methods like pipe bursting can extend pipe life up to 100 years. Factors affecting longevity include installation quality, environmental conditions, and regular maintenance. For a deeper explanation of lifespan expectations and what influences them, see our guide on how long pipe lining lasts.
Typically, homeowners are responsible for the sewer lateral (the portion from your home to the property line or main sewer connection). The municipality is usually responsible for the main sewer line in the street. However, this varies by location, so check with your local utility company for specifics. For a clearer breakdown of ownership and repair obligations, review our guide on who is responsible for sewer line repair.
Usually not. Standard Louisiana homeowners policies generally exclude sewer repairs caused by normal wear, aging, or tree root intrusion — the three most common causes of failure. Coverage typically applies only to sudden, accidental damage named in your policy, and even then, sewer backup damage inside the home often requires a separate endorsement. Some insurers offer optional “service line coverage” riders, usually $30–$130 per year, that cover buried utility lines on your property. Review your policy or ask your agent about service line and water/sewer backup endorsements before an emergency happens, read our guide on whether homeowners insurance covers sewer line repair.
Trenchless pipe repair is not just as effective—it’s often superior to traditional methods. It creates stronger, more durable results with a lifespan of 50-100 years, often outlasting original pipes. The process also improves flow capacity and structural integrity while eliminating extensive excavation needs. To learn more about the advantages and limitations of this modern approach, check out this comprehensive guide on the pros and cons of trenchless sewer repair.
CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) lining creates a new pipe inside your existing damaged pipe. A flexible tube saturated with epoxy resin is inserted and cured using heat, steam, or UV light, creating a seamless, jointless new pipe. Quality CIPP installations typically last 50-75 years with many manufacturers offering 50-year warranties. For a detailed overview of this trenchless rehabilitation method, explore this comprehensive guide to CIPP lining.
Pipe bursting is a trenchless method that replaces old pipes by fracturing them outward while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place. It’s ideal when existing pipes are too damaged for lining, can extend pipe life up to 100 years, and is used for complete pipe replacement without extensive excavation.
Trenchless methods work effectively on most pipe materials including cast iron, clay, PVC, concrete, and ductile iron pipes. They handle pipes of various sizes and can navigate straight runs, curves, bends, and pipes with multiple connections. However, severely collapsed pipes may require traditional excavation or trenchless pipe bursting techniques.
Most residential trenchless sewer repairs are completed in a single day. Pipe bursting requires only two small access pits, and CIPP liners typically cure within hours, so water service is usually restored the same day. By comparison, traditional excavation replacement takes 3–7 days plus additional time for landscaping and concrete restoration. Larger or more complex jobs — long runs, deep lines, or multiple failed sections — may take 1–2 days. Your technician will confirm the timeline after the initial camera inspection, and sewer cleaning or descaling before lining can add a few hours to preparation.
Trenchless sewer repairs are engineered to last 50 years or more. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners are typically rated for a 50-year design life, and pipe lining generally lasts 50–60 years under normal conditions. The new pipe is seamless and jointless, making it resistant to the two most common causes of sewer failure: root intrusion and corrosion. Actual lifespan depends on soil conditions, usage, and maintenance — periodic camera inspections and routine sewer cleaning help maximize service life. Ask about the workmanship and material warranties available on your specific project when you receive your estimate.
Trenchless sewer repair in the New Orleans area typically costs $4,000–$15,000 for a standard residential line. Pipe lining (CIPP) runs $80–$250 per foot, while pipe bursting runs $60–$200 per foot, with final pricing depending on pipe length, diameter, depth, and access conditions. Trenchless is often cheaper than traditional dig-and-replace once restoration is factored in — excavation can add $2,000–$10,000 in yard, driveway, and landscaping repairs. A sewer camera inspection is the only reliable way to get an accurate estimate; treat flat-rate phone quotes as a red flag. Pelican Underground provides free camera inspections and no-pressure estimates.
Most residential sewer camera inspections range from $200 to $500, depending on the length and complexity of your sewer system. The inspection typically takes 1-3 hours, and you’ll receive video footage and a detailed report of findings with recommendations for any needed repairs. Learn more about the process and benefits of sewer camera inspection.
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water streams (thousands of PSI) to completely remove blockages, grease buildup, tree roots, and scale from inside your pipes. Most residential jobs range from $300 to $800, while commercial properties may cost more. Unlike traditional methods that just create holes through clogs, hydro jetting cleans pipes thoroughly.
A sewer camera inspection provides a real-time video view inside your pipes to accurately diagnose blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and other damage without digging. Understanding why you need a sewer camera inspection is important—it’s recommended when buying a home, experiencing recurring clogs, noticing foul odors, or before major repairs to identify exact problem locations.
Key warning signs include: gurgling sounds from toilets and drains, water backing up in multiple fixtures simultaneously, persistent foul odors from drains, slow draining from multiple outlets throughout your home, and changes in toilet flush performance. If you notice these symptoms, learn more about the signs your main sewer line is clogged and schedule a professional inspection promptly.
Common causes include: tree root intrusion seeking moisture, aging or deteriorating pipes (especially clay or cast iron), soil settlement shifting ground, natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, grease and debris buildup, and flushing non-biodegradable items. Regular maintenance and inspections help prevent serious damage and the need for sewer line repair.
A clogged main sewer line should be treated as an emergency if sewage is backing up into your home, as this poses serious health risks and can cause significant property damage. If you notice signs your main sewer line is clogged—such as multiple drains being affected or sewage appearing in fixtures—seek immediate professional attention.
For preventive maintenance, inspections every 2-3 years are recommended for homes over 20 years old, or annually if you’ve had recurring problems. New homeowners should consider a sewer camera inspection within the first year. Properties with heavy tree coverage may need annual root cutting to prevent intrusion.
Pelican Underground serves Louisiana (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houma, Alexandria, Covington, Slidell), Mississippi (Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Oxford, Ridgeland, Southaven, Starkville, Madison), Alabama (Mobile, Gulf Shores), and Florida. Contact us to schedule service in your area.
Yes, Pelican Underground maintains all required licenses, comprehensive insurance coverage, and bonding to fully protect customers. Our technicians receive ongoing training to maintain the highest standards of safety and quality, and we adhere to all state and local regulations. Learn more about why hiring a sewer repair specialist with proper credentials matters.
Yes! Pelican Underground provides free consultations and estimates for all services. Our specialists will assess your situation, explain your options, and provide a clear, no-obligation quote. Contact us at (504) 387-9909 to schedule your free consultation.
Yes, Pelican Underground LLC is a locally owned and operated family business with deep roots in Louisiana. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for excellence by completing thousands of successful trenchless sewer repair projects across the Gulf South region. Learn more about our company and our commitment to quality.
Pelican Underground is open daily from 7am to 9pm. We offer same-day service for urgent sewer and drain issues. Contact us at (504) 387-9909 or (504) 400-8817 to schedule service or request a free inspection.
Contact us now for a free inspection and discover why thousands of Louisiana residents trust Pelican Underground
