Sewer Repiping in San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties: How to Replace Failing Lines the Smart Way

Repipe Champions
Dec 15, 2025
5 min read

If your home or business in San Mateo County or Santa Clara County is experiencing recurring drain backups, foul odors, or wet spots in the yard, the issue might be deeper than a simple clog. Sewer lines — especially those made of older materials like cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg — have a limited lifespan. Over time, they corrode, crack, or collapse, leading to leaks, backups, and costly property damage.

At Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter Inc., we specialize in sewer repiping, a permanent solution that replaces outdated lines with modern, long-lasting piping systems designed to meet California plumbing codes. Whether you’re in San Mateo, Burlingame, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, or San Jose, our team provides clean, efficient, and trenchless-friendly sewer replacements built to last for decades.

Understanding Your Sewer Line and Why It Fails

Your sewer line plays an essential role in carrying wastewater away from your home. Most older homes across the Peninsula were built with materials that weren’t designed to withstand decades of soil movement and moisture.

Common Sewer Pipe Materials Found in Bay Area Homes:

Cast Iron: Durable but prone to internal corrosion and scaling after 40–60 years.
Clay: Used widely in pre-1970 homes; susceptible to cracking and root intrusion.
Orangeburg: A fiber-based pipe used in mid-century construction that deteriorates quickly.
ABS or PVC: More modern materials, though early ABS (pre-1985) can deform or separate.

In regions like San Mateo County and Santa Clara County, with their clay-rich soils and seismic activity, underground sewer lines often shift or crack due to ground movement — making repiping a long-term, cost-effective solution.

Warning Signs You May Need a Sewer Repipe

Ignoring early warning signs can turn a manageable issue into a major repair. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to have your sewer line inspected:

Recurring Drain Backups: If multiple fixtures (toilets, tubs, sinks) back up simultaneously, the problem is in the main line, not just a single drain.
Slow Drains Throughout the House: Persistent slow-flowing drains signal pipe corrosion or partial collapse.
Unpleasant Odors: Sewer gas smells from drains or the yard mean your line may be cracked or leaking.
Water Pooling in the Yard: Wet spots or sinkholes could indicate underground sewage leakage.
Gurgling Sounds: Air escaping from clogged or broken lines often causes bubbling in toilets or drains.
Mold or Mildew: Leaking wastewater under the home can lead to damp floors and mold growth.

Repipe Champions offers free camera inspections to accurately diagnose your sewer condition and provide honest, cost-effective options.

Trenchless vs. Traditional Sewer Repiping

Traditional (Open Trench) Method

This method involves digging a continuous trench along the pipe’s path to expose and replace it. While effective, it disrupts landscaping, driveways, and walkways. It’s generally used when full access is required or existing trenchless options aren’t viable.

Pros:

Complete visibility and access to old lines.
Ideal for heavily collapsed or misaligned pipes.

Cons:

Longer project time.
More property restoration required.
Higher labor costs.

Trenchless Sewer Repipe (Pipe Bursting or CIPP Lining)

Modern trenchless technology allows our team to replace or reline your old sewer without major digging. Using two small access pits, we either burst the old pipe and pull a new HDPE pipe through, or line the existing one with a cured epoxy sleeve (CIPP).

Pros:

Minimal surface damage.
Faster completion (usually 1–2 days).
Lower restoration costs.
Long-lasting, seamless results.

Cons:

Requires stable soil and certain pipe conditions.
Slightly higher upfront material costs (offset by reduced labor).

The Sewer Repipe Process: Step-by-Step

Camera Inspection – We use advanced sewer cameras to assess pipe material, length, and condition.
Diagnosis & Estimate – A written estimate includes options for trenchless or open-trench replacement, permits, and materials.
Permit Application – Our office handles all San Mateo County and Santa Clara County permit requirements and scheduling for inspection.
Preparation & Excavation – Access points are safely exposed; existing utilities are located and protected.
Replacement or Lining – Old pipe is replaced with HDPE or Schedule 40 PVC, or relined using epoxy CIPP technology.
Inspection & Testing – Every job undergoes hydrostatic testing and a final camera inspection before approval.
Backfill & Restoration – Soil is compacted, surfaces cleaned, and the site restored to pre-work condition.

Most residential sewer repipes are completed within 1–2 days.

Cost of Sewer Repiping in San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties

The cost of a sewer repipe depends on several factors: pipe length, depth, accessibility, and local permit fees.

Below are typical ranges for Bay Area homeowners:

Property Type	Average Length	Estimated Cost
Small Home / ADU	30–50 ft	$6,500 – $8,500
Medium Home	50–80 ft	$8,500 – $12,000
Large Home / Estate	80–120 ft	$12,000 – $18,000
Commercial Property	100–200 ft	$18,000 – $30,000+

Factors That Affect Price:

Depth of existing sewer (4–10 ft range)
Driveway or concrete removal needs
Root intrusion or pipe collapse
Soil type and trench access
City permit and inspection fees

At Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter Inc., we provide transparent, itemized pricing and 0% APR financing options for qualifying homeowners.

Choosing the Right Material

We only use industry-leading materials designed for Bay Area soil and water conditions:

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Flexible, durable, and ideal for trenchless applications.
PVC Schedule 40: Rigid, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant for open trench replacements.
CIPP Epoxy Liners: Seamless interior lining that restores pipe integrity without full replacement.

Each material comes with manufacturer warranties and our 30-year workmanship guarantee.

Local Permit and Code Requirements

Cities across San Mateo County and Santa Clara County each have specific sewer regulations and lateral compliance programs:

San Mateo, Burlingame, and Redwood City require lateral testing during home sale or remodels.
Palo Alto and Santa Clara require hydrostatic or air pressure testing for final approval.
Cupertino, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale enforce CPC-compliant slope and cleanout standards.

Repipe Champions manages all permitting and inspection coordination on your behalf, ensuring full compliance with city engineering and building departments.

Long-Term Benefits of a Sewer Repipe

Improved Flow & Efficiency – Modern pipes eliminate blockages and root intrusion.
Increased Property Value – New sewer systems are a key selling point during home inspections.
Lower Maintenance Costs – Fewer clogs and repairs for decades to come.
Eco-Friendly Operation – No groundwater infiltration or leakage of untreated sewage.
Peace of Mind – Every project includes a 30-year limited warranty and full inspection video documentation.

A properly installed sewer line by Repipe Champions means you’ll likely never have to deal with major sewer problems again.

Why Homeowners Choose Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter Inc.

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured (CSLB #1057926)
Trenchless and Traditional Experts
Fast Turnaround – Usually 1–2 Days
Permitting and Inspection Handled In-House
Transparent Pricing and Financing Options
Locally Owned and Operated
30-Year Workmanship Warranty

We’ve successfully completed sewer repipes in thousands of Bay Area homes—from the hills of Los Altos and Saratoga to the coastal properties of Half Moon Bay and San Mateo. Our combination of advanced technology and experienced craftsmanship makes us the go-to choice for lasting sewer solutions.

Serving All of San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties

We proudly serve homeowners and businesses in:

San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Cupertino, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Belmont, San Carlos, Foster City, Burlingame, San Mateo, Campbell, Saratoga, and Los Gatos.

Final Thoughts

A failing sewer system doesn’t just cause inconvenience — it threatens your home’s foundation, health, and value. With the right expertise, materials, and technology, sewer repiping can be done quickly, cleanly, and permanently.

Trust Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter Inc. to handle your sewer repipe in San Mateo or Santa Clara County with precision, professionalism, and long-term peace of mind.

Call (408) 295-4309 today or visit www.repipechampions.com to schedule your free camera inspection and estimate.