Fixing a Collapsed Sewer with Hybrid Trenchless Repair in Riverside, IL

Saving a Historic Front Porch by Fixing a Collapsed Sewer with Hybrid Trenchless Repair in Riverside, IL

The Project Overview

The Problem: A homeowner in a beautiful brick home in Riverside, IL, was facing a massive infrastructure crisis. The main sewer line had completely collapsed. The break was located in the worst possible spot: directly underneath the home's expansive front porch.

The Challenge: Over a month, the collapse allowed over 20 gallons of stone and heavy debris to wash into the sewer line, creating a solid blockage. Traditional repair methods would have required tearing down the entire front porch to reach the pipe—a destructive and incredibly expensive option that would have ruined the home's curb appeal.

The Diagnosis: A Complete Collapse

Our team mobilized to the site and deployed our sewer cameras. The footage revealed a critical situation:

• Total Failure: The 6-inch clay pipe hadn't just cracked; a section had completely fallen in.
• Debris Impact: The line was packed solid with rocks and soil that had to be removed before any repair could be attempted.

The Solution: A Strategic "Hybrid" Repair

Trenchless Innovations developed a plan to save the porch by combining surgical excavation with trenchless lining.

Step 1: Intensive Debris Removal (Multiple Days)

Before we could touch the pipe, we had to clear the blockage. Our crew spent multiple days meticulously removing the 20 gallons of stone and debris from the line using specialized heavy-duty milling tools.

Step 2: Surgical Basement Excavation

Because the pipe had completely collapsed, a liner alone wouldn't work—we needed to physically rebuild that specific spot. Instead of destroying the front porch, we performed a minor, targeted excavation in the basement.

• This allowed us to reach the collapsed section from below and repair the structure of the pipe.
• While this required opening a small section of the floor, it was a minor inconvenience compared to the alternative of demolishing the front of the house.

Step 3: UV Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining

Once the collapse was repaired and the line was clear, we installed a structural UV-Cured Liner through the entire system. This created a perfect, smooth, and seamless new pipe inside the old clay line, permanently sealing it against future collapses or root intrusion.

The Result: Porch Saved, Flow Restored

This project was a testament to patience and precision.

• Front Porch Saved: The beautiful front porch remained 100% intact.
• Structural Integrity: The collapsed section was rebuilt, and the entire line was reinforced with a liner stronger than PVC.
• Perfect Finish: The final video shows a pristine, smooth pipe that will flow freely for decades.

Facing a Difficult Sewer Repair?

Sometimes "No-Dig" isn't an option, but "Smart Digging" is. We know how to combine excavation and lining to save you money and protect your home. Contact Trenchless Innovations in Riverside, IL for a custom solution.