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.
