What is trenchless sewer repair and how does it work?

Trenchless sewer repair uses advanced technology to fix or replace damaged sewer lines without digging up your yard, driveway, or landscaping. Spencer Home Services offers two primary methods: CIPP lining (inserting a resin-coated liner that cures inside your existing pipe) and pipe bursting (breaking the old pipe while pulling a new one through). Both methods require only 1-2 small access points instead of a full trench. Most repairs are completed in a single day.

How much does trenchless sewer repair cost in Cambridge?

While trenchless repair itself may cost a similar amount to traditional excavation, you save significantly on landscape restoration, driveway repair, and lost time. You receive options and pricing before work begins, and you choose which work to approve. Estimates for installations and replacements are free.

How long does trenchless pipe repair take?

Most trenchless sewer repairs are completed in a single day. CIPP lining typically takes 4–6 hours to install and cure. Pipe bursting can be completed in 1–2 days depending on pipe length and access. Compare that to traditional excavation which can take 3–5 days of digging plus weeks of landscape restoration.

What does a sewer camera inspection show?

The camera shows you exactly what’s wrong — cracks, root intrusion, bellied pipe, offsets — so we can recommend the right repair method. You see the footage on-screen before any work begins.

How quickly can you get to Cambridge for a sewer emergency?

Same-day sewer service is available throughout Cambridge and the surrounding communities. For sewer emergencies — backups, collapses, or sewage in your yard — call (978) 293-5770.

How quickly can a drain & sewer technician get to Cambridge?

Same-day drain & sewer service is available throughout Cambridge and the surrounding communities.

Is there a fee for a drain call in Cambridge?

There is no dispatch fee on a drain, clog or backup call, and the repair is priced on the spot before work starts. After hours, a drain call carries the $389 after-hours fee ($194.50 for Service Partner Plan members), waived when the repair is done. Estimates are free.

Middlesex County Drain & Sewer Specialists

Drain & Sewer Services in Cambridge, MA

Name: Spencer Home Services
Price range: $$

Spencer provides trenchless sewer line repair for homeowners in Cambridge and across Middlesex County.

Call 978-293-5770 Book online

4.9 Google ratingPhones answered live 24/7

Two Spencer crew members breaking ledge with a jackhammer and bar at a dig site.

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Schedule Drain & Sewer Service

978-293-5770

Phones answered live 24/7
Office Mon-Fri 7am-4pm

Licensed & insured · MA #11868 · #4610PLC
4.9 Google rating
Family-owned in Peabody since 1982
Same-day service available. Ask when you call.

“Excellent service from technician Anthony. What I like about Spencer services is that they come when they say they will and the work is very dependable.”

William S., Google review, August 2026

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Serving Cambridge

Google reviews from Spencer customers

4.9 Google rating

Read our Google reviews →

       
 Excellent4.91184 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent1184 reviews
  Write a review 
 
 
 
       Posted on Google  
  
 
   William Lepene 
 27 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +0
The whole team spencer, nick, made sure everything was good with my new furnace.  They replaced a 65yr old gas furnace with no issues
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Adelaide Rhodes (AddeyR) 
 28 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +2
Thank you Stephen and Brian and team for helping me get my driveway paved. I appreciate your help with permitting and scheduling.

Adding an update now that I see how badly the light poles are damaged. I specifically told the people who came out to put forms around these lights and they didn’t do so and now look what has happened - more work. Companies should respect the homeowners when they make a specific request like this because there’s a good reason for it because in order to locate the electric electrical, I’m going to have to dig up the new asphalt. This is a real problem and the drainage is a little messed up as well.  Not so happy now.

Update: They sent out an electrician first thing and are going to locate a similar lamp and do the repair. Thanks guys!!! I really appreciate a company that stands by its work!!!!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   L V 
 45 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +0
Spencer Home Services is great. From a very responsive customer call center to a timely technician visit, every step of this stressful process was made easy. Our water heater kicked out on us on a Friday afternoon heading into a Nor'easter weather weekend....ugh....we were up and running with a new system by 5pm. Cannot thank the technicians enough. Shane and Steve were competent, respectful, and efficient. Thank you. Highly, highly recommend Spencer Home Services!!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Ginny Colarusso 
 47 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +0
Pasquale was polite, personable & efficient. He did a great job with my service maintenance The old piping and hosing had deteriorated after five years. This will definitely last much longer.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Justin Repp 
 55 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +2
I needed a sewer line replaced on my property in Lowell. The issue was a complicated one but Will came out to assess the problem and gave me a fair price (much cheaper than another company!). Then the team of Oscar, Bryan, Paul, Julio, Cesar, and others came out and banged out the job in one (long) day. They crushed it. Highly recommend.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Patrick Proctor 
 60 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +0
We found a 75 year old sewer pipe starting to leak and crack at the joints. Spencer Home Services was extremely helpful in giving an estimate and getting it repaired quickly by a skilled plumber!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Courtney Landry 
 80 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +0
Thanks so much to Jesse & the entire Spencer team! From my first interaction, I was kept up to date and given the best advice on how to move forward with a water leak. The service was professional, efficient, and a pleasure. I am a repeat customer and would gladly recommend Spencer Home Services to anyone. Thank you!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Mason Gohl 
 83 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +1
Jesse was great.  He showed up and got the job done.  SPH was very communicative which meant no worries!  Very happy.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Ryan Penney 
 100 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +2
I Called Spencer yesterday with a sewer issue at my Clients home. They came out, assessed the job. Laid out all the options to the client. Had a price back in less than an hour. Client accepted the price, signed the contract, and the job was completed Today by 3:00. Professionals from the beginning and all the way through until the end.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Weihai Chen 
 117 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +1
I had an excellent experience with Spencer Home Services replacing my main water line — nearly 200 feet long! The crew worked efficiently and managed to finish everything within a single day, which was very impressive.

The pricing was great, and the team went above and beyond with the cleanup and grading afterward — the yard looked neat and well-restored when they were done.

Special thanks to Bryan Paul, Julio, Brian, Oscar, and Cesar for their professionalism, hard work, and attention to detail. I highly recommend Spencer Home Services for anyone looking for reliable and high-quality service!

---------------
7/16/26
Great company, actually stands by their warranty!

Spencer Home Services put in a new main sewer line for me last August. Over the winter, the street patch settled a bit and started turning into a pothole. I called them up to see if they’d fix it under their warranty, and they were awesome about it.

First, they sent someone out two weeks ago to run a camera down the whole pipe. They wanted to make sure the shifting dirt didn't cause any sagging or bellies underground, and they did the inspection with absolutely no pushback or extra fees.

Once we confirmed the pipe was in perfect shape, they scheduled a crew to come back today to fix the road. They cut a clean square and put down a really solid, hot asphalt patch that's completely level with the street.

It's rare to find a company that actually stands by their work and coordinates everything without a fight. Highly recommend them!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Steven Murphy 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +3
I had two projects done at my property. One was reline my sewer line and install a line for a basement half bathroom. The other was replacing my hot water storage tank. The worker quality was excellent, the only problem I had was finding the offices to pay off the work
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   karen mancuso 
 140 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  +0
I had 2 mini split systems installed in my townhome on the second and third floors. The work was done carefully and with good attention to details both outside and inside by Charles Barragan and John Sacharczyk.
They provided thorough instruction with demonstrations on how to operate the systems with a remote regarding all modes, options etc . I am extremely pleased with the service from Spencer Home Service from estimate to completion. Charles and John provided  high quality work and were in a pleasure to work with.
  
 
 
 
 
  Load more

Services We Offer in Cambridge

Cleaning & Clogs

Slow drains, backups and blocked main lines.

Inspection & Diagnostics

Finding the problem before anyone digs.

Sewer Camera Inspection

Trenchless & Replacement

Relining and replacing the line itself.

Why homeowners choose Spencer

Family-owned, locally operated
A Peabody family business since 1982.
Phones answered live 24/7
Office Mon-Fri 7am-4pm.
Options and pricing first
You receive options and pricing before work begins, and you choose which work to approve.
30-year transferable warranty
On labor and installation defects. Manufacturer warranties cover products.
Licensed & insuredMA #11868 · #4610PLC
One local teamPlumbers, HVAC technicians and electricians
Free replacement estimatesFor installations and replacements

Call 978-293-5770 Book online

Cambridge systems & permits

Cambridge's Wastewater and Stormwater Drainage Use Regulations define: "Private sewer shall mean a sewer that is not owned by the City, DCR or the MWRA. Private sewers include, but are not limited to building Drains (Waste), building sewer laterals and manholes located on private property and not located within an easement held by the City or other public agencies. The owner of the private sewer is also responsible for the connection from a private sewer to the main of the public Wastewater system."
The same regulations state that "Building Sewer Laterals, Building Combined Sewer Laterals, Building Drains and Building Stormwater Drain Laterals shall be maintained, repaired, modified or replaced at the Owner's expense," and that the Owner must do so "whenever it is determined by the DPW" that the system may endanger public health, create a public nuisance, cause property damage, or "result in excessive infiltration, exfiltration or inflow."
Cambridge requires a bond in addition to the license: "Section 6 - Bonded Drain Layer. All building sewer lateral, building combined sewer lateral and building stormwater drain lateral installation, repair or maintenance work shall be performed by a bonded drain layer. A drain layer's bond, using the City's standard bond form as then in effect, must be submitted to and approved by the DPW in advance of installation, repair or maintenance."
Cambridge additionally requires that "Repairs to Private Sewers, Private Combined Sewers, Private Stormwater Drains and appurtenant structures in the City, including repairs required to comply with these Regulations, shall be made by a licensed drain layer," and that no person may enter or install equipment in the City's systems "without first obtaining DPW Approval for Collection System Access through an Excavation Permit (No Trench)."

Sources:

cambridgema.gov

Common questions

Drain & Sewer FAQs in Cambridge

What is trenchless sewer repair and how does it work?
Trenchless sewer repair uses advanced technology to fix or replace damaged sewer lines without digging up your yard, driveway, or landscaping. Spencer Home Services offers two primary methods: CIPP lining (inserting a resin-coated liner that cures inside your existing pipe) and pipe bursting (breaking the old pipe while pulling a new one through). Both methods require only 1-2 small access points instead of a full trench. Most repairs are completed in a single day.
How much does trenchless sewer repair cost in Cambridge?
While trenchless repair itself may cost a similar amount to traditional excavation, you save significantly on landscape restoration, driveway repair, and lost time. You receive options and pricing before work begins, and you choose which work to approve. Estimates for installations and replacements are free.
How long does trenchless pipe repair take?
Most trenchless sewer repairs are completed in a single day. CIPP lining typically takes 4–6 hours to install and cure. Pipe bursting can be completed in 1–2 days depending on pipe length and access. Compare that to traditional excavation which can take 3–5 days of digging plus weeks of landscape restoration.
What does a sewer camera inspection show?
The camera shows you exactly what’s wrong — cracks, root intrusion, bellied pipe, offsets — so we can recommend the right repair method. You see the footage on-screen before any work begins.
How quickly can you get to Cambridge for a sewer emergency?
Same-day sewer service is available throughout Cambridge and the surrounding communities. For sewer emergencies — backups, collapses, or sewage in your yard — call (978) 293-5770.
How quickly can a drain & sewer technician get to Cambridge?
Same-day drain & sewer service is available throughout Cambridge and the surrounding communities.
Is there a fee for a drain call in Cambridge?
There is no dispatch fee on a drain, clog or backup call, and the repair is priced on the spot before work starts. After hours, a drain call carries the $389 after-hours fee ($194.50 for Service Partner Plan members), waived when the repair is done. Estimates are free.

Drain & Sewer service in Cambridge and nearby towns

We serve Middlesex County, the Merrimack Valley and nearby towns.

See the full service area →

Other Spencer Services in Cambridge

One company for the whole house.

Plumbing Services in CambridgeLeaks, water heaters, fixtures and repiping.Heating Services in CambridgeFurnaces, boilers and heat pumps.Cooling Services in CambridgeCentral AC, mini splits and heat pumps.Electrical Services in CambridgePanels, wiring, EV chargers and generators.