Work through it in order
- Is the pipe holding its shape?.If the camera shows a collapse or a section that has lost its round shape, that section generally needs to be dug and replaced. Go to the dig questions.
- Is there a belly or serious offset?.A sag that holds water or a joint that has shifted far out of line usually needs excavation to correct. Lining follows the old pipe, so it will not fix the slope.
- How many places are roots getting in?.One or two spots point toward a spot repair or continued maintenance. Roots at joints all along the run point toward lining or full replacement.
- How often has the line needed clearing?.Check your log. Frequent backups, or any sewage in the house, weigh toward a permanent repair.
- What is above the pipe?.Driveways, mature trees, hardscape or the parkway can make digging more disruptive, which often makes trenchless options worth asking about.
Quick reference
- IfSound pipe, light roots at a few joints, rare backupsThenScheduled maintenance is a reasonable conversation.
- IfSound pipe, roots at many jointsThenAsk about trenchless lining.
- IfOne cracked or broken section, rest of line fairThenAsk about a spot repair at that point.
- IfCollapse, belly or severe offsetsThenExpect a dig-and-replace for those sections, possibly combined with lining elsewhere.
- IfDamage throughout an aging lineThenAsk about full replacement by trench or trenchless methods.
Keep maintaining vs repair now
Keep maintaining
- Lower cost per visit
- No permit or excavation for clearing
- Backup risk between visits
- Pipe may keep deteriorating
Repair now
- Closes entry points in the repaired section
- Larger single expense
- May need a permit and inspection
- Fewer clearings afterward if successful
Before you decide
- Have the camera footage and your completed camera worksheet.
- Know which part of the line, if any, may be the city's; check with the City of Fullerton.
- Get written scopes for the options you are considering.
- Consider a second opinion from another licensed plumber for large repairs.
- Ask about permits for any digging, lining or replacement.
Common questions
Can I decide without a camera inspection?
Not reliably. The choice depends on what the pipe actually looks like inside.
Is lining always cheaper than digging?
Not always. It depends on length, access, and what is above the pipe. Compare written quotes for your specific line.
What if two plumbers recommend different repairs?
Ask each to explain their reasoning using the same footage, and compare what each scope covers.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.