Ouverson Sewer & Water
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is trenchless sewer repair and how does it work?
Trenchless sewer repair is a modern method of fixing damaged sewer lines without digging up your yard or driveway. Using techniques like pipe lining or pipe bursting, our team accesses the damaged pipe through small entry points. A new liner or replacement pipe is then installed inside the old one, creating a seamless, durable pipe that restores full flow and function without the cost or hassle of traditional excavation. This process is perfect for Twin Cities homes with mature landscaping or paved surfaces.
2. How much does it cost to repair a sewer line?
The cost to repair a sewer line varies depending on the depth, length, and extent of the damage. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $4,000 and $15,000 for trenchless sewer repair. Ouverson Sewer & Water provides free on-site estimates and upfront pricing throughout the Twin Cities metro area, so you know exactly what to expect before work beings.
3. Who is responsible for sewer line repair?
In most Minnesotan cities, homeowners are responsible for the sewer line that runs from their home to the city’s main connection at the street. The city is typically only responsible for the main, public line. If you’re unsure, Ouverson’s Sewer & Water can help you identify where your responsibility begins and ends.
4. Can trenchless sewer repair fix a “belly”?
A sewer “belly” is a low spot or sag in the pipe where water and waste can collect. In some cases, trenchless repair methods can correct minor bellies by relining the pipe and restoring proper flow. However, severe bellies caused by ground movement may require partial excavation. We’ll inspect your line with a high-definition sewer camera anywhere in the Twin Cities or Rochester metro areas to determine the best repair method.
5. Is trenchless sewer repair cheaper than excavation?
In most cases, yes. Trenchless sewer repair eliminates the need for major digging, which means reduced labor costs, less landscape or driveway damage, and lower restoration costs. Trenchless projects are usually faster and cheaper and can be done in all four seasons in Minnesota. Homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas often save thousands of dollars and days of disruption by choosing Ouverson’s trenchless solutions.
6. Does homeowner’s insurance over sewer line repair?
Homeowner’s insurance does not usually cover sewer line repairs caused by normal wear, corrosion, or root intrusion. However, if the damage was caused by a covered event, such as a fallen tree, it may be eligible. Some Minnesota insurers offer sewer line coverage add-ons, which may provide more coverage. We recommend customers check with their insurance companies on the details of their policies.
7. Is trenchless sewer repair worth it?
Yes. Trenchless sewer repair is long-lasting, non-invasive, and environmentally friendly, which is ideal for Minnesota homes with trees, yards, or hardscaping. It typically lasts 50 years or more and preserves your landscaping, driveway, and sidewalks. Ouverson Sewer & Water is a regional leader in trenchless sewer repair and uses industry-leading materials and equipment to ensure your new sewer line performs better than ever.
8. Do you need a permit to repair a sewer line?
Yes. Most Minnesotan cities and municipalities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, require a permit for sewer line repair or replacement to ensure the work meets local code. Ouverson Sewer & Water will handle all permitting and inspections for you, saving time and hassle.
9. How long does trenchless sewer repair last?
A professionally installed trenchless sewer liner or replacement pipe can last 50 to 100 years, depending on soil conditions and maintenance. The materials used, such as cured-in-place liners (CIPP), are designed to resist corrosion, root intrusion, and cracking, which is ideal for Minnesota’s freeze-thaw conditions.
10. What are the differences between a sewer liner, patch, and wye liner?
Sewer Liner (CIPP): A continuous liner installed through the length of a pipe to seal cracks, leaks, and root intrusions.
Sewer Patch: A localized repair for small sections of damage without lining the entire pipe.
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Wye Liner: A specialized liner designed to repair or reinforce the connection where a branch line meets the main sewer line (the “wye” fitting).
Ouverson Sewer & Water repair offers all three solutions and is a technical expert on wye liners, completing projects throughout Minnesota, the Midwest, and the U.S. for residential and commercial customers.
11. Do you also repair and install water lines?
Yes, Ouverson Sewer & Water provides water line repair, replacement, and new installation throughout Minnesota and the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
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12. How long does it take to repair a sewer?
Most trenchless sewer repairs in the Twin Cities can be completed in one day or less, depending on the size and condition of the line. Our crews are highly proficient and can complete residential trenchless repairs and traditional excavation in several hours.
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13. How do I request a free sewer repair estimate?
If you already have an inspection video, please email it to office@linemysewer.com. If you don’t have a video, please call or email us and we can schedule an inspection appointment—often available same day.
14. How do I start the sewer repair process once I have an estimate?
The easiest way to get started is to accept your estimate online using the link in the email you received. If you’re unable to accept online, you can:
- Call us and we can accept it over the phone with your verbal permission.
- Mail the signed estimate via USPS.
- Email us with written confirmation.
15. What happens after I’ve accepted an estimate?
Once you accept your estimate, our office team will reach out using your preferred contact method to:
- Explain our scheduling process.
- Request your preferred dates.
- Provide a timeframe for the repair day.
We schedule one week at a time. Typical wait times are between 0–3 weeks after acceptance. Repairs are typically scheduled in the order they are received, but we work hard to accommodate our customers to the best of our ability.
16. How do I pay for my sewer repair?
Payment is due when the work is completed. Our foremen on site can take payment by credit card or check and financing options are available upon request. If you’re using a City Assessment or Grant to repair your sewer, please let us know before completion so we can bill correctly. We will also need your proof of approval, which you can email to office@linemysewer.com.
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Financing is available via GreenSky financing. The application must be submitted and approved prior to beginning the work. Everything is done via GreenSky. All that we will need is the ID number.
If funds are being held by a title company or escrow account, please share the correct billing information ahead of time.
17. How can I share feedback or compliment the crew?
We truly value your feedback! For questions or concerns, please call the office so we can help right away. To share a compliment, please leave us a Google or Yelp review and mention the crew by name! We buy lunch for the crew with the most positive feedback each week!