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A smart and sustainable drainage system is strongly dependent on appropriate functioning of sewer pipelines existing within the infrastructure of cities' networks. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the sewer networks, the existing body of literature lacks a comprehensive review paper that contains scientometric analysis, critical review, and meta-analysis in one holistic frame. To fill this gap, this paper provides a review of sewer deterioration models and factors causing sewer pipeline deterioration through a hybrid review approach. Having meticulously reviewed the studies undertaken hitherto using the adopted hybrid review approach, the following conclusions are noted: (1) The meta-analysis results indicate that the most important factors impacting sewer pipeline deterioration include operational defect, pipe shape, pipe material, waste type, structural defect, and hydraulic conditions, (2) Factors and defects that cause sewer deterioration have a varying degree of impact on the deterioration process; a good understanding of their individual impact will improve the sewer infrastructure performance and save cost, and (3) Countries from Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Asia are lagging in this research area, although there might be some justification for this, such as availability of funds and research priority. Sewer infrastructure is an important part of the environment, and keen attention needs to be given to it; therefore, there is a need for more international research collaborations. The findings obtained from this review paper are expected to facilitate the adoption of sagacious policies by the concerned decision-makers, paving the way for realizing smarter and more sustainable cities. • An inclusive scientometric analysis on the papers published on sewer pipeline deterioration is undertaken. • An in-depth discussion on the methods used in modeling sewer pipeline deterioration is provided. • Critical factors playing role in the deterioration of sewers networks are identified. • The significance levels of identified critical factors are unraveled using meta-analysis approach. • Current research gaps together with the potential research streams to be undertaken are put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]