Sewer Repair near Holland, MI: What’s the Best Option for Your Budget and Property?

1. Why You’re Probably Reading This (And What’s Really Going On With Your Sewer)

Let’s be real—you didn’t wake up this morning excited to read about sewer repairs.
You’re likely here because something feels off.
Maybe your drains are slower than they used to be. Maybe you’ve noticed a weird smell out back. Maybe your lawn has a soggy patch that doesn’t make sense.

And now, you’re wondering:
“Is this going to be a $200 fix or a $12,000 disaster?”

We get it. At Chris Dirt Excavating, we talk with homeowners across Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, and Muskegon Counties all the time who are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or just flat-out worried.

You’re not alone—and this doesn’t have to turn into a horror story.
Let’s walk through what might be happening, what your real options are, and how to make the smartest move for your property and your wallet.

2. Understanding the Common Sewer Problems in West Michigan

Around Holland, we see a lot of the same issues come up over and over. Blame the tree roots. Blame older homes. Blame heavy clay soil and freeze-thaw cycles. Either way, the most common culprits include:

• Root Intrusion: Tree roots sneak into small pipe cracks looking for moisture. Once inside, they expand, clog, and break the pipe.
  

• Collapsed or Cracked Pipes: Especially common in older neighborhoods with cast iron or clay pipes.
  

• Soil Shifting: Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles can cause ground movement, which stresses pipes until they crack or disconnect.
  

• Grease and Waste Buildup: Happens gradually but clogs up entire systems.
  

• Poor Initial Installation: Sadly, we still see this—bad slope, cheap materials, or rushed work.
  

3. Signs Your Sewer Might Be in Trouble (Even If Nothing Smells Yet)

You don’t have to wait for a full-blown backup to know something’s wrong. Here are the early red flags that many homeowners ignore—until they can’t:

• Slow drains in multiple fixtures
  

• Gurgling toilets or tubs
  

• Sewage smell inside or outside
  

• Lush, bright-green patches in your lawn (yes, it’s a thing)
  

• Standing water near your foundation or yard
  

If you're noticing one or more of these, it's worth having a professional take a look—before small problems become expensive ones.

4. The Main Sewer Repair Methods Explained: Pros, Cons, and Costs

When it comes to fixing the problem, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Different homes and properties need different solutions. Here are the most common repair methods:

Traditional Dig-and-Replace

What it is:
Dig up the affected sewer line and replace it entirely.

Pros:

• Best for badly damaged or collapsed pipes
  

• Long-lasting
  

• Easier to inspect after install
  

Cons:

• Most disruptive to landscaping
  

• Driveways, patios, or trees may need to be removed
  

• Longer timeline
  

Cost in West Michigan:
Typically $3,000–$15,000 depending on length, depth, and access.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

What it is:
Uses advanced tools to repair or replace the line from the inside—without digging up your yard.

Pros:

• Less invasive
  

• Faster
  

• Great for minimal surface disruption
  

Cons:

• Not always suitable for totally collapsed pipes
  

• Equipment setup cost can be higher for short repairs
  

Cost in West Michigan:
Roughly $4,000–$12,000 depending on length and method (pipe bursting or lining).

Spot Repairs & Pipe Relining

What it is:
Only repair the damaged section or reline the inside of the pipe with a durable resin sleeve.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly for minor damage
  

• Quick turnarounds
  

• Extends life of existing pipe
  

Cons:

• Not a permanent fix if the rest of the line is deteriorating
  

• Doesn’t address bad slope or poor design
  

Cost in West Michigan:
$1,000–$5,000 depending on damage scope.

5. How to Choose the Right Sewer Repair for Your Budget

Let’s say you’ve been quoted two wildly different prices. One’s $2,800, and one’s $9,500.
What’s the catch?

Well, it depends on the condition of your line, where it runs, how deep it is, and what’s on top of it (concrete? flower beds? a 100-year-old oak tree?).

The best sewer repair for your budget is the one that:

• Actually fixes the root problem
  

• Won’t create new issues later
  

• Respects your property layout
  

• Doesn’t force you to replace what you can still safely use
  

We always say: Don't overspend, but don’t cut corners either. The right fix is about fit, not flash.

6. How Property Type and Layout Affect the Best Repair Option

Here’s where it gets personal. Two identical houses can need two very different repairs depending on:

• Yard slope and elevation
  

• Distance from the street or septic tank
  

• Type of foundation (crawlspace, slab, or basement)
  

• Driveway or tree coverage
  

We once worked on a farmhouse in Ionia County with a 200-foot run across a sloping back pasture. Traditional digging would’ve taken days—and wrecked their drainage field. Instead, we used trenchless and were in and out in less than two.

It’s all about understanding your site. And honestly? That’s where a custom plan makes all the difference.

7. What Holland, MI Homeowners Are Saying: Real Reviews and Results

We don’t believe in pushing sales—we believe in solving problems. And the feedback we’ve gotten from homeowners around Holland and other cities in Ottawa County tells us we’re doing something right:

“This team did an awesome job replacing all outside sewer drain lines, as well as replacing the old patio concrete with a new patio. All was done without tearing up my yard. They did a great job and cost me significantly less than others that quoted just the sewer lines. When I am ready to clear and build an extra garage, I will be calling them to do the work!” – Anthony K., Holland, MI

“Chris did the excavating for my entire house project, from putting in the culvert to the final grade and everything in between. He installed the drive, dug the footers, and backfilled. He has the skills to complete a variety of tasks! Easy and great to work with!” – Brandon V., Allegan, MI

8. Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Sewer Repair Company

Whether you call us or someone else, ask these questions before you sign anything:

• “Can I see a video inspection of the damage?”
  

• “What repair options do you recommend—and why?”
  

• “Are you licensed and insured in my county?”
  

• “What does the quote include—any hidden fees?”
  

• “Will my landscaping be protected or restored afterward?”
  

If someone gets annoyed at these questions, that’s your cue to walk away.

9. The Hidden Costs to Watch Out For (And How We Help You Avoid Them)

We’ve seen it all: Surprise permit fees, extra charges for "equipment transport," or vague “restoration” costs that aren’t itemized.

That’s why we price things clearly and customize based on your site, not some cookie-cutter estimate.

We also help you plan for:

• City permitting fees (especially in Ottawa and Kent County)
  

• Soil disposal, if contaminated
  

• Landscaping repair, if heavy equipment is needed
  

It’s not about being the cheapest. It’s about being fair and honest—from start to finish.

10. Why Customization Matters—and How We Handle It at Chris Dirt Excavating

You’re not just a “project.” You’re a person with a home, a yard you care about, and a budget that matters.

We don’t walk in with a clipboard and a script.
We start by asking what you need:

• Are you selling your home soon? Then short-term durability may be fine.
  

• Is this your forever home? Then we’ll talk long-term solutions.
  

• Got a small front yard in the city? Trenchless might save your landscaping.
  

• Live in the woods on a hill? A hybrid method might be best.
  

That’s how we work. We build the plan around you—not the other way around.

11. Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Worse (But Don’t Let Anyone Rush You Either)

Here’s the truth: most sewer problems get worse (and more expensive) the longer you wait. But that doesn’t mean you need to panic—or rush into a bad deal.

The best move you can make right now is to get a professional eye on it, understand your options, and choose a repair that fits both your property and your wallet.

If you’re in Holland or anywhere in Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, or the surrounding counties, we’re happy to talk it through. Whether you need a simple repair, a second opinion, or just some straight answers—we’re here for it.

Let’s Keep It Simple, Honest, and Custom to You

We’re Chris Dirt Excavating. We may not be the biggest firm out there—but we’re one of the most determined when it comes to doing right by our neighbors.

Need help with your sewer line? Let’s figure it out—together.