99 Google reviews
When aging cast iron sewer pipes threaten your finished basement, the traditional solution sounds like a nightmare: jackhammering through your foundation, tearing out flooring, and weeks of reconstruction. For one Metro Atlanta homeowner, that nightmare was about to become reality—until NGI Trenchless offered a better way.
This case study details how our team used Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining technology to restore failing sewer pipes without removing a single tile from a beautifully finished basement.
Project Overview
| Project Type: | Residential Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation |
| Location: | Metro Atlanta, Georgia |
| Problem: | Deteriorating cast iron sewer pipes beneath finished basement |
| Solution: | CIPP trenchless pipe lining |
| Outcome: | Complete pipe restoration with zero basement demolition |
The Challenge: Failing Cast Iron Pipes Threatening a Finished Basement
Aging Cast Iron Infrastructure
The homeowner's property featured original cast iron sewer pipes—a common fixture in older Metro Atlanta homes. While cast iron was once the gold standard for plumbing, these pipes have a typical lifespan of 50 to 75 years. After decades of service, corrosion, rust buildup, and structural weakening had taken their toll.
A sewer camera inspection revealed significant deterioration throughout the pipe system, including scaling, cracks, and areas where the pipe walls had thinned dangerously. Left unaddressed, complete pipe failure was inevitable—along with sewage backups, foundation damage, and potential health hazards.
The Homeowner's Dilemma
Multiple plumbing companies delivered the same verdict: the pipes needed replacement. The catch? The sewer lines ran directly beneath a fully finished basement—complete with flooring, drywall, built-in cabinetry, and years of investment in creating a comfortable living space.
Traditional repair would require:
- Jackhammering through the concrete foundation
- Removing flooring, walls, and fixtures in the affected areas
- Excavating and replacing the damaged pipe sections
- Weeks of reconstruction to restore the basement
- Significant additional costs for finishing work
The homeowner faced an impossible choice: endure massive disruption and expense, or risk catastrophic pipe failure.
What Was at Stake
Beyond the financial investment in the finished basement, the homeowner valued their living space and daily routine. A traditional repair project would have meant:
- Loss of usable basement space for weeks or months
- Dust, debris, and construction disruption throughout the home
- Tens of thousands of dollars in demolition and reconstruction costs
- No guarantee that additional pipe sections wouldn't fail later
Our Solution: CIPP Trenchless Pipe Lining
Initial Assessment and Camera Inspection
When the homeowner contacted NGI Trenchless, our team began with what we always recommend: a comprehensive camera inspection to assess the full scope of the problem. Using high-resolution sewer cameras, we documented every inch of the affected pipe system.
The inspection confirmed extensive cast iron pipe deterioration—but it also revealed good news. The pipe's structural integrity, while compromised, remained sufficient for trenchless rehabilitation. The homeowner wouldn't need traditional excavation after all.
Why Trenchless Was the Right Choice
Trenchless pipe lining offered the ideal solution for this situation because:
- No excavation required: We access pipes through existing cleanouts or minimal entry points
- Finished spaces stay intact: Flooring, walls, and fixtures remain untouched
- Faster completion: Most residential lining projects finish in one to two days
- Comprehensive restoration: The new liner seals the entire pipe interior, addressing all deterioration at once
- Long-term durability: CIPP liners are rated to last 50+ years
Technology and Materials Used
For this project, we utilized Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology—a proven rehabilitation method that creates a new pipe within the existing damaged pipe. The process uses a flexible liner saturated with specialized epoxy resin, which is inserted into the pipe and then cured to form a seamless, jointless new pipe interior.
The result is essentially a brand-new pipe without removing the old one—and without disturbing anything above it.
Step-by-Step Restoration Process
Step 1: Comprehensive Sewer Camera Inspection
Our technicians performed a detailed camera inspection to map the pipe system, identify all damage points, measure pipe dimensions, and plan access points. This diagnostic step ensures we understand exactly what we're working with before any repair begins.
The homeowner was able to see the camera footage in real time—a level of transparency that other companies often don't provide. As they noted, "You can actually tell what you are seeing when they run their cameras through the pipes."
Step 2: Pipe Cleaning and Preparation
Before installing the liner, the existing pipe must be thoroughly cleaned. Our team used professional sewer cleaning equipment to remove rust scale, debris, and buildup from the cast iron pipes. This step is critical—the liner bonds directly to the pipe wall, so a clean surface ensures maximum adhesion and longevity.
Step 3: CIPP Liner Installation
With the pipe cleaned and prepped, we inserted the resin-saturated liner through an existing access point. The flexible liner was carefully positioned to cover the entire damaged section, then inflated to press firmly against the pipe walls.
This process required no jackhammering, no foundation cutting, and no disruption to the finished basement above.
Step 4: Curing and Final Inspection
Once positioned, the liner was cured using controlled heat or ambient curing methods, depending on the specific product used. The epoxy resin hardened to form a rigid, seamless new pipe interior.
After curing, we performed a final camera inspection to verify complete coverage, proper adhesion, and a smooth interior surface. The homeowner could see the dramatic before-and-after difference: where corroded, scaling cast iron once threatened their home, a smooth, clean pipe interior now promised decades of trouble-free service.
Results: Basement Saved, Pipes Restored, Homeowner Relieved
Project Timeline
Despite the scope of deterioration, our team completed this project quickly—far faster than traditional excavation would have allowed. The homeowner specifically noted that NGI "was able to come and do our rather large job very quickly."
Compare this to traditional repair, which would have required weeks of demolition, excavation, pipe replacement, concrete work, and basement reconstruction.
Structural Outcome
The finished basement remained completely untouched. No flooring was removed. No walls were cut. No cabinetry was disturbed. The homeowner's investment in their living space was fully preserved.
Meanwhile, the sewer system was completely rehabilitated. The new CIPP liner:
- Sealed all cracks and deteriorated areas
- Created a smooth, corrosion-resistant interior surface
- Restored full flow capacity
- Eliminated the risk of imminent pipe failure
Long-Term Benefits
The homeowner now has pipes they "will not have to worry about" for decades. CIPP liners typically last 50 years or more with proper maintenance, meaning this repair should outlast traditional pipe replacement while costing significantly less and causing zero disruption.
What the Homeowner Says
"North Georgia Inliners saved the day for us. We had old cast iron sewer pipes that would have required jack hammering out a huge portion of our foundation in our finished basement. Instead, we now have good as new lined sewer pipes that we will not have to worry about.
They were able to come and do our rather large job very quickly and we are thrilled that they saved us from having to demo our finished basement. Staff is very knowledgeable and their technology is top notch. You can actually tell what you are seeing when they run their cameras through the pipes.
Very grateful to have found this service."
— Metro Atlanta Homeowner
Why Trenchless Pipe Lining Made the Difference
Traditional Repair vs. Trenchless Comparison
| Factor | Traditional Excavation | NGI Trenchless CIPP Lining |
|---|---|---|
| Basement Impact | Major demolition required | Zero disruption |
| Timeline | Weeks to months | 1-2 days typical |
| Reconstruction Needed | Extensive (flooring, walls, fixtures) | None |
| Total Cost | Higher (repair + reconstruction) | Lower (repair only) |
| Home Usability | Severely limited during project | Normal throughout |
| Pipe Lifespan | 50+ years (new pipe) | 50+ years (CIPP liner) |
Benefits for Homeowners with Finished Basements
If you've invested in finishing your basement, trenchless pipe lining offers critical advantages:
- Protect your investment: Avoid destroying the finished space you've worked to create
- Minimize stress: No need to relocate belongings or live around a construction zone
- Save money: Eliminate reconstruction costs that often exceed the pipe repair itself
- Faster resolution: Return to normal life in days, not weeks or months
Complete solution: Address the entire pipe system, not just isolated problem spots
Frequently Asked Questions About Trenchless Basement Pipe Repair
Protect Your Finished Basement—Contact NGI Trenchless Today
Don't let aging pipes force you into demolishing your finished basement. NGI Trenchless specializes in no-dig solutions that restore your sewer system while preserving your home.
Schedule a sewer camera inspection to find out if trenchless pipe lining is right for your situation. Our team will provide an honest assessment—and if lining isn't the best solution, we'll tell you.
Or call us directly to speak with a trenchless specialist.