1. Why Naperville Homeowners Are Stressed About Sewer Repairs

You probably didn’t expect to deal with a sewer problem this year. Most folks don’t. One day, everything’s working fine and then suddenly you’ve got soggy patches in the yard, foul odors creeping up from your drains, or worse, sewage backing up in your basement.

We get it. It’s overwhelming. You’re asking yourself:

• How bad is this?
  

• How much is it going to cost?
  

• Is my yard going to be completely destroyed?
  

And then, you hear there are two very different ways to fix it: trenchless and traditional.

We’re Allied Waterproofing & Septic. We’ve walked side by side with hundreds of homeowners through exactly this. And here’s what you need to know without the sales pitch.

2. Understanding the Basics: What Is Traditional Sewer Repair?

Traditional sewer repair is the “dig it all up” method. It’s been around forever because it works. Here’s how it goes:

• A crew digs a trench along the length of the sewer line (usually from your house to the street).
  

• They remove the damaged section of pipe.
  

• They install a new pipe.
  

• Then, they backfill the trench and (maybe) restore the lawn, driveway, or sidewalk that got dug up.
  

It’s straightforward, but it’s also time-consuming, disruptive, and often leaves your yard looking like a construction site.

3. How Trenchless Sewer Repair Works (And Why It’s Gaining Popularity)

Trenchless sewer repair skips the big dig.

Instead of excavating the entire line, trenchless repair only requires one or two small access holes. From there, specialized tools are used to either:

• Pipe burst: break apart the old pipe while pulling a new one through the same path.
  

• Pipe line (CIPP): insert a flexible resin-coated liner into the damaged pipe, then cure it into a solid, seamless new pipe.
  

It’s faster, cleaner, and often finished within a day. Sounds great, right? Let’s dig deeper.

4. Comparing Costs: Trenchless vs. Traditional in Naperville

Let’s talk numbers. For a typical residential job in Naperville:

Trenchless isn’t always cheaper upfront. But when you factor in landscaping, driveway repair, or sidewalk replacement after traditional digging it can end up saving money in the long run.

5. Time on the Job: Which Method Gets Your Yard Back Faster?

• Traditional sewer repair often takes 3–5 days, sometimes longer depending on soil, pipe depth, and weather.
  

• Trenchless sewer repair can often be done in a single day.
  

And beyond just the job itself, trenchless usually doesn’t require weeks of additional cleanup or hiring another contractor to re-pour concrete or re-sod your lawn.

6. What Happens to Your Yard? A Look at Property Damage

If you’ve got a beautifully landscaped front yard, a stamped concrete driveway, or a garden you’re proud of traditional repair can feel like a gut punch.

• Expect a long, deep trench often right through your lawn or even under driveways.
  

• Any trees, shrubs, or fencing in the way? They might have to go.
  

• Afterward, you're left with a patch job.
  

Trenchless? It’s two holes maybe three. Your lawn might need a touch-up, but the heavy digging is avoided.

7. When Is Traditional Sewer Repair Still the Better Option?

Trenchless isn’t magic. Sometimes, the old-fashioned dig is necessary, like when:

• The pipe is completely collapsed or crushed.
  

• There are severe bellies (sags) in the pipe that can’t be lined.
  

• The line is made of a material that can’t support a liner or bursting.
  

And in some older parts of Naperville, the layout or condition of the line just doesn’t lend itself to trenchless tech.

8. When Trenchless Makes More Sense in DuPage County

If your sewer line is still mostly intact but has:

• Cracks, root damage, or minor separations
  

• You need to avoid damaging landscaping, driveways, or sidewalks
  

• Or you're just tight on time and want it done with minimal disruption
  

Trenchless repair can be a huge win.

And with more Naperville homes built in the '80s and '90s now reaching the age where sewer issues begin, we’re seeing trenchless repair become the go-to choice more often.

9. Choosing the Right Repair: Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Before signing off on any sewer repair, ask your contractor:

• Do you offer both trenchless and traditional options?
  

• What’s the condition of my pipe and can you show me a camera inspection?
  

• What’s included in the quote? Are there extra charges for permits, cleanup, or landscaping?
  

• How long will the work take?
  

• Will my yard, driveway, or sidewalk be impacted?
  

If they can’t clearly answer these, keep looking.

10. How We Help Naperville Homeowners Get the Right Fix Not the Most Expensive One

At Allied Waterproofing & Septic, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter answers.

Some homeowners just need a simple spot repair. Others need a full replacement. We walk the line with you literally and figuratively to figure out the best fix for your situation, not just the biggest one for our bottom line.

We’re based in Manteno and serve all across DuPage County, including right here in Naperville. While we’re not a big-box company, we take the time to listen, explain your options, and help you make the right call, whether that’s trenchless or traditional.

11. Final Thoughts: The Smarter Sewer Repair Starts With Knowing Your Options

Nobody wants to deal with sewer problems. But knowing your options and what they actually mean for your yard, your time, and your wallet puts you back in control.

Trenchless isn’t always better. Traditional isn’t always cheaper. But the right choice is the one that fits your home, your timeline, and your budget.

If you’re unsure what your next step is, don’t worry we’re happy to walk through it with you, no pressure.