Sewer Line Replacement in Shreveport, LA

Full Sewer Line Replacement — Trenchless Pipe Bursting and Traditional Excavation

When a sewer line is too deteriorated for repair, complete replacement is the only path to a permanent fix. Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing performs full sewer line replacements for Shreveport properties using both trenchless pipe bursting and conventional excavation, tailored to your property’s conditions and the specific challenges of Northern Louisiana’s soil and landscape. As part of our comprehensive sewer & drain services in Shreveport, we deliver professional results backed by decades of experience.

Why Sewer Line Replacement Becomes Necessary

Sewer pipes have a finite lifespan. Clay tile lines — the standard in Shreveport homes built through the 1960s — deteriorate over 50 to 70 years as joints separate and the brittle material cracks under soil pressure. Cast iron pipes corrode internally, losing wall thickness until they eventually perforate or collapse. Orangeburg pipes, made from layers of compressed wood pulp and tar, were never intended to last more than 50 years and many have already exceeded that mark in older Shreveport neighborhoods.

Northern Louisiana’s heavy clay soils make replacement even more critical when it’s needed. These soils expand dramatically when saturated by seasonal rains and contract during summer dry spells. A pipe that’s already compromised by age cannot withstand this constant ground movement. Sections shift, bellies form where the pipe sags and collects waste, and joints open wide enough for aggressive root systems to invade.

Once a camera inspection reveals multiple points of failure, widespread root colonization, or sections where the pipe has lost its round shape entirely, spot repairs become impractical. Full replacement with modern PVC or HDPE pipe eliminates every weak point at once and gives you a sewer line built to last 75 to 100 years with essentially zero maintenance.

Our Sewer Line Replacement Services

Trenchless Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting replaces your entire sewer line without digging a continuous trench. We pull a new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe through the existing line using a bursting head that breaks the old pipe outward into the surrounding soil as the new pipe follows directly behind. This method requires only small access pits at each end of the line, preserving your driveway, sidewalks, landscaping, and mature trees.

Traditional Open-Trench Replacement

Some conditions require conventional excavation — extremely deep lines, pipes running beneath structures, severe collapses where bursting equipment can’t pass, or situations where the existing pipe path needs to be rerouted. We excavate with precision, install new PVC pipe with properly bedded connections, compact backfill in layers to prevent settling, and restore the surface to its original condition.

Partial Line Replacement

When camera inspection shows that damage is concentrated in one section while the rest of the line remains sound, we replace only the compromised portion. This reduces cost and disruption while still providing a permanent fix for the damaged area. New pipe is connected to the existing sound sections with code-approved transition fittings.

Under-Slab Replacement

Sewer lines that run beneath your home’s concrete slab require specialized handling. We locate the pipe precisely using camera and locator equipment, cut only the necessary section of slab, replace the damaged pipe, pour new concrete, and ensure the repair blends with the existing floor. For homes where under-slab work is extensive, we may recommend rerouting the line through an exterior path.

Cleanout Installation

Many older Shreveport homes lack proper sewer cleanout access. During replacement, we install exterior cleanouts at code-required intervals. These access points make future maintenance and inspection dramatically easier and less expensive.

Call us at 318-319-0220 today or click below to schedule service.

When to Call for Sewer Line Replacement

• Camera inspection reveals multiple points of failure along the line
• Your sewer line is made of Orangeburg, clay tile, or badly corroded cast iron
• Repeated repairs have failed to resolve chronic backup problems
• The pipe has collapsed or lost its round shape in one or more sections
• Bellied sections are trapping waste and causing persistent blockages
• Root intrusion is widespread throughout the line, not just at one entry point
• Ground above the sewer line is sinking or shows signs of void formation
• You’re planning a major renovation and want to upgrade aging infrastructure proactively

Why Choose Mark Johnson & Sons in Shreveport

• Trenchless pipe bursting capability — we replace your entire sewer line with minimal disruption to your property
• Thorough camera documentation — you see exactly what we see before, during, and after the replacement
• Proper backfill and compaction — we prevent settling and sinkholes by compacting in engineered layers, critical in Shreveport’s clay soils
• Full surface restoration — landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, and slabs are restored as part of every project
• Flat-rate pricing with no change orders — the price we quote is the price you pay, even if we encounter unexpected conditions
• Veteran-owned, family integrity since 1997 — Michael and John Johnson oversee every major replacement personally

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does sewer line replacement cost in Shreveport?

Full sewer line replacement typically ranges from $4,000 to $15,000 depending on the length of the line, depth, method used, and surface restoration required. Trenchless pipe bursting often falls in the middle of that range while offering faster completion and less property disruption. We provide a fixed quote after camera inspection.

How long does sewer line replacement take?

Trenchless pipe bursting can often be completed in one to two days. Traditional excavation typically takes two to four days depending on line length, depth, and the extent of surface restoration needed. We provide a specific timeline with your quote.

What type of pipe do you use for replacement?

We install schedule 40 PVC for conventional excavation replacements and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) for trenchless pipe bursting. Both materials resist root intrusion, corrosion, and ground movement far better than the clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg they replace. These modern materials carry expected service lives of 75 to 100 years.

Will pipe bursting work for my property?

Pipe bursting works for most residential sewer line replacements. It’s ideal when the existing pipe runs in a relatively straight path without sharp bends. Lines that pass directly under structures, have severe offsets at connections, or include major direction changes may require conventional excavation for portions of the run. We determine the best approach during the camera inspection.

Do I need a permit for sewer line replacement in Shreveport?

Yes. The City of Shreveport requires permits for sewer line replacement, and the work must pass inspection before the trench is backfilled or the project is considered complete. We handle all permit applications, fee payments, and inspection scheduling as part of the project.

What happens to my landscaping during replacement?

With trenchless pipe bursting, disruption is limited to two small access pits — usually one near the house and one near the city connection. Traditional excavation requires a trench along the full pipe path. In both cases, we restore the affected area including topsoil, grading, and seeding or sod replacement. Existing hardscaping like driveways and sidewalks is saw-cut cleanly and repoured.

How does Shreveport’s soil affect sewer line replacement?

The heavy clay soils throughout the Shreveport area require careful attention during backfill and compaction. Improperly compacted clay backfill settles unevenly, creating voids that lead to sinkholes and pipe stress. We compact in controlled layers using appropriate moisture content to match the surrounding soil density — a critical step that prevents future problems.

Can you replace a sewer line under a concrete driveway?

Yes. Trenchless pipe bursting passes beneath driveways, walkways, and other hardscape without disturbing them. If conventional excavation is required under a concrete surface, we saw-cut only the necessary section and repour matching concrete after the pipe is installed.

Should I replace my sewer line before selling my home?

If a camera inspection reveals significant damage, proactive replacement can eliminate a major negotiation point and prevent the sale from falling through during the inspection period. A new sewer line with camera documentation is a strong selling point for any Shreveport property.

What warranty do you provide on sewer line replacement?

We warranty our workmanship and materials beyond the manufacturer’s pipe warranty. The specific terms depend on the scope of the project and materials used. We provide written warranty documentation at project completion and stand behind our work long after the job is finished.

Related Shreveport Services

• Drain Cleaning in Shreveport
• Sewer Line Repair in Shreveport
• Hydro Jetting in Shreveport

View all sewer & drain services in Shreveport or explore our full Shreveport service area.

Contact Us Today

A failing sewer line is a problem that escalates with every passing month. Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing replaces sewer lines throughout Shreveport with modern materials and methods that deliver decades of trouble-free service. Call 318-319-0220 to schedule a camera inspection and get a permanent solution for your property. Old-fashioned service with modern technology.