When the pipe is too far gone for repair, we replace the full sewer line with new pipe built to last. Camera-verified, properly permitted, done right.
Nobody wants to hear they need a new sewer line. It's one of the bigger jobs a homeowner can face, and it's not cheap. But sometimes the existing pipe is past the point where repairs make sense, and putting more money into patching a line that's failing everywhere just delays the inevitable while the costs pile up.
We don't recommend replacement unless the camera footage shows that's genuinely the right call. Cracked in one spot? That's a repair. But if the whole line is corroded, collapsed in multiple places, or so deteriorated that roots grow back within weeks of every cleaning, a new line saves you money in the long run compared to fixing the same pipe over and over. We'll show you the footage, explain why we're recommending replacement, and let you decide.
RooterMan Services | Rhode Island's Trusted Drain Cleaning and Sewer Specialist
A lot of homes in Rhode Island were built 40, 60, even 80+ years ago, and the sewer lines that went in with them are still the ones in the ground today. Clay pipes crack. Cast iron corrodes from the inside out. Orangeburg pipe (yes, it's made of tar paper) collapses under its own weight. These materials weren't built to last forever, and eventually the line needs to come out and be replaced with modern PVC or HDPE that will hold up for the next 50 to 100 years.
We handle sewer line replacement for residential and commercial properties across Rhode Island, including Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Johnston, East Providence, and surrounding areas. We offer both traditional open trench replacement and trenchless methods depending on the property, the pipe layout, and the condition of the existing line.
Replacement methods:
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (open trench) | Excavate along the pipe path, remove old pipe, install new PVC | Collapsed pipes, severely damaged lines, pipes under structures |
| Pipe bursting | Pull new HDPE pipe through the old line, breaking the old pipe outward | Lines with clear path, no major bellies, accessible pulling points |
| Pipe lining (full length) | Insert a cured-in-place liner that creates a new pipe inside the old one | Lines with cracks and joint failure but intact shape |
Old pipe materials we replace:
| Pipe Material | Common Problems | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Clay/terracotta | Cracks at joints, root intrusion, brittle fractures | 50 to 60 years |
| Cast iron | Interior corrosion, rust buildup, wall thinning | 50 to 75 years |
| Orangeburg | Collapses, deforms, disintegrates | 30 to 50 years |
| Galvanized steel | Corrodes, clogs with rust scale | 40 to 50 years |
| Early PVC (thin wall) | Cracks under pressure, joint separation | Varies |
Replacement is the last resort. But these signs usually mean you're there.
If the camera footage shows cracks, corrosion, or root damage in just one spot, that's a repair. But when the damage runs the full length of the pipe, patching one section doesn't help because the next section is about to fail too. At that point, a full replacement is the only fix that actually sticks.
Clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg pipes all have a shelf life, and most of the ones installed in Rhode Island homes 50+ years ago are at or past it. If your home still has original piping from the 1950s, 60s, or 70s and you're starting to have problems, the material itself is the issue, not just a single blockage.
If you've already paid for two or three repairs on the same sewer line and problems keep showing up in new spots, the pipe is telling you something. Each repair fixes a section, but the rest of the line is in the same condition and it's only a matter of time before the next section goes. Replacement stops the cycle.
A collapsed section means the pipe has caved in and nothing gets through. A belly is a low spot where the pipe has sunk and waste pools instead of flowing. One of these can be repaired. Multiple collapses or bellies across the line usually means the whole pipe has lost structural integrity and needs to come out.
If you've got persistent wet spots, sinkholes, or unusually green patches of grass along the sewer line path, the pipe is broken and leaking waste into the soil. Beyond the plumbing problem, this can contaminate groundwater and cause soil erosion under your foundation. A leaking sewer line that's deteriorated in multiple places needs replacement, not another patch.
Old pipe failing? Repairs not holding? We'll replace the line and you won't have to think about it for another 50 years.
Sam H. came out to replace a gas shut-off valve. Super friendly and knowledgeable. Said it would take an hour, but he was in and out in 45 minutes — had everything he needed with him. Definitely 5-star service. Would use them in the future and highly recommend.
Amazing workmanship! This company is an absolute pleasure. Kevin and his team did an incredible job fixing my boiler, oil tank and old plumbing issues. They worked non-stop, will definitely have them back for anything else I need. Thank you!
I used Rooter Man for help emptying out my parents' house. They were able to provide quick service, were fairly priced, and a pleasure to work with. I'd definitely give them my highest recommendation.
Such a pleasure to have Mark work in my home. He came right out to assess the problem and thankfully the procedure was repairable within the day. Mark was very pleasant, professional, respectful and an amazing worker. A great clean job. Absolutely will use this company again.
I've been using Rooterman for 20 years and am still very impressed by their promptness, customer service, and expertise.
I received extremely prompt service from Rooterman Plumbing of Johnston, R.I., in addition to the low price they gave me. I highly recommend them to anyone! They were courteous and highly professional. Nice to see there are still pros nowadays!
Excellent service, came when expected, took about an hour. Spoke with Mark. Fixed an old toilet with lime build-up and debris blocking water jets. Also provided quotes for a new toilet. Would recommend them.
Bert and Kevin came quickly and did a wonderful job putting in a new heating unit that works like a gem. They were professional and personable, and it was a pleasure to meet them. They did a great job!
Clear answers so you know what to expect before scheduling our service.
It depends on the length of the line, depth of the pipe, replacement method, and property conditions. A short, shallow run with easy access costs less than a deep line that runs under a driveway or landscaping. We provide a detailed written estimate after the camera inspection, and the price we quote is the price you pay. We also offer financing options if the cost is a concern.
Most residential replacements take 1 to 3 days. Trenchless methods like pipe bursting can sometimes wrap up in a single day. Traditional excavation jobs that involve deeper pipes, longer runs, or restoration of landscaping and hardscaping can take up to a week. We give you a clear timeline before work starts.
Traditional open trench replacement requires digging along the pipe path, which does disrupt the yard. We backfill and grade the trench when we're done, but landscaping restoration (grass, shrubs, etc.) is something to factor in. Trenchless methods like pipe bursting require only two small access pits and leave most of the property untouched. We'll recommend the option that causes the least disruption while still getting the job done right.
The camera inspection tells us. If the damage is isolated to one or two spots and the rest of the pipe looks solid, repair is the right call and we'll say so. If the footage shows problems across the whole line, corroded pipe walls, multiple cracks, root intrusion at every joint, collapsed sections, then replacement is what's going to actually solve it. We show you the footage so you can see it for yourself.
We use PVC or HDPE (high-density polyethylene) for most replacements. Both materials resist root intrusion, corrosion, and chemical damage. PVC is the standard for most residential sewer lines and has a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. HDPE is common in trenchless pipe bursting jobs because it's flexible and comes in continuous lengths with no joints for roots to enter. Either way, the new pipe will outlast the one it's replacing by decades.
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