What to Expect on Your First Trenchless Repair Appointment

Before the Crew Arrives

Most trenchless appointments start with a phone call to (706) 535-5757. It helps to have a few details ready before we arrive — what symptoms you’re seeing (slow drains, backups, wet spots in the yard), how long it’s been going on, and where your cleanouts or main access points are if you know them. That gives our crew a head start on diagnosing the problem once we’re on site.

Step by Step: A Typical Trenchless Appointment

1. Step 1 — A camera inspection of the line to see exactly what’s happening inside the pipe
2. Step 2 — A diagnosis and a recommendation for the right method — CIPP lining, epoxy coating, descaling, or excavation — depending on what the camera shows
3. Step 3 — A written quote before any work begins, based on the confirmed pricing for the method that fits
4. Step 4 — Hydro jetting and cleaning to prep the pipe for repair
5. Step 5 — Installation of the trenchless repair itself
6. Step 6 — A final camera inspection to confirm the fix and clean up the work area

Who Will Be On-Site

TDS Trenchless runs a 6-person field crew, and our trenchless work is performed under Kevin Coleman’s Georgia Master Plumber license (Cert. #MP209430) and his MaxLiner USA CIPP installation certification. We’re also insured for general liability and workers’ compensation through Nationwide, with commercial auto coverage through Geico, and bonded through Auto-Owners Insurance Company for work in the City of Augusta and Richmond County.

What Access Points Actually Look Like

One of the biggest differences between trenchless repair and traditional pipe replacement is how little digging is involved. Rather than trenching the full length of the damaged pipe, trenchless methods like CIPP lining and epoxy coating typically work through existing cleanouts or small, targeted access points. That means less disruption to your landscaping, driveway, or foundation than a full excavation — though for pipes that are collapsed or severely damaged, excavation repair is still sometimes the right call, and we’ll tell you plainly if that’s the case.

How Pricing, Permits, and Financing Work

Every job starts with a free estimate, and we give you a written quote before any work begins — no work starts on a guess. If a permit is required for your repair, that’s a $150 fee per permit pulled. If you need us outside standard scheduling hours, an after-hours appointment carries a flat $125 surcharge. For larger repairs, we offer financing through Regions Bank: 12 months, same-as-cash, with no monthly payments and no interest.

What Happens After the Repair

Once the repair is complete and we’ve confirmed it with a final camera pass, your warranty depends on which method was used: 10 years on trenchless CIPP pipe repairs, 10 years on epoxy pipe coating, and 1 year on traditional excavation repairs. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s covered before we leave.

Where We Work

TDS Trenchless serves Augusta, GA and the surrounding area, including North Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, and Aiken — with a 60-mile radius for trenchless work and a 45-mile radius for basic drain cleaning, both measured from our Augusta base.