Trenchless Sewer Repair
Improper disposal of food, grease, and other substances can cause serious plumbing problems. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a clogged drain. But sometimes, the problem is too big for you to fix on your own. Are you experiencing recurrent sewer line repairs? Has a professional rooter informed you that your sewer lines have partially collapsed or have become permeated by tree roots? If so, they likely recommended two repair options: traditional sewer line replacement and trenchless sewer repair.
Here, our rooter service pros go over some things to know about trenchless sewer repair and why you might want to consider it instead of the traditional, trenched sewer line repair.
What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?
Trenchless sewer repair, also called ‘pipe bursting,’ or ‘pipe lining,’ is a modern method of internally repairing or replacing sewer pipes. After a thorough inspection by camera, a pressurized stream of water called ‘hydro-jetting’ is used to mechanically clear debris. Next, your rooter technician inserts a flexible, epoxy-saturated liner directly into your existing sewer pipes. Once the epoxy resin hardens inside the pipe, it forms a new line that creates a new pipe within the damaged old one. The newly lined pipe is sealed, and all previous pipe damage is nonexistent.
Ultimately, the process is easier to perform, and it saves time and money, making it one of the most popular methods of repairing sewer lines today.
What’s the Difference Between Trenched and Trenchless?
Traditional, trenched sewer line replacement is certainly much more invasive and costly than trenchless because it involves excavating large portions of the property or lawn by digging long, deep trenches to expose the damaged pipes. Not only is it an eyesore that can jeopardize the home’s slab, but after the replacement is finished, you’ll need to have extensive follow-up repairs done.
Types of Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs
There are three main types of trenchless sewer repair methods, namely:
- Pipe bursting
- Directional drilling
- Trenchless pipe lining
The method you choose will likely depend on the age and condition of your sewer pipes, your rooter or plumber’s recommendation, and of course, your budget.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is a technique that involves bursting, or breaking and expanding the existing damaged pipe, while replacing it with new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sewer pipe. For this method of trenchless sewer repair, rooters use what’s called a ‘bursting head,’ or ‘bullet,’ that enables them to easily pull the new sewer line into place.
Directional Drilling
With this trenchless repair method, a professional rooter or plumber digs a new tunnel for the sewer pipe, typically a few feet under the existing damaged line. Using a horizontal drilling machine that’s about the size of a golf cart, the drill bores into the ground until it reaches a certain depth. It then drills horizontally for the entire length of the damaged sewer pipe. Debris is removed from the tunnel and a new pipe is then connected to the existing sewer system.
Trenchless Pipe Lining
This is one of the most innovative ways for plumbers and rooters to restore underground sewer lines to their former glory. This method essentially just creates a new pipe within the old pipe. The biggest and most notable benefit of this trenchless sewer repair method is that it’s often performed with little to no digging. When utilizing the pipe lining repair method, a felt or fiberglass pipe liner is soaked in an epoxy resin and threaded through the damaged pipe. It then gets inflated inside the original pipe and is left to ‘cure’ or harden for up to 24 hours using a technique referred to as Cured-In-Place-Pipe or CIPP.
Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Repair
Trenchless sewer repair doesn’t require digging holes or making trenches. It also minimizes the risk of cave-ins and other potential problems. In fact, it can be used as a preventative maintenance measure to ensure your pipes are functioning properly. This means you can save money by repairing or replacing them ─ without having to break out the shovels and backhoes.
Another benefit is that it helps the environment. Digging up the Earth can cause a lot of unnecessary damage to the soil and surrounding flora and fauna. With trenchless sewer repair, you won’t have to worry about any of that.
This is a great option for people with busy schedules, as well. Trenchless sewer repairs often take less time than traditional sewer repair methods. Plus, no backhoes or massive machines are required when using this method ─ just a few workers and tools.
Cost Differences Between Trenchless vs. Traditional Sewer Repair Methods
Since trenchless sewer repair does not require you to dig long trenches, it’s much cheaper than traditional sewer repair and replacement methods. In fact, the process usually only takes a few hours ─ so you can have your pipes working properly very quickly.
In most cases, trenchless sewer repair is done by a licensed rooter or plumber specializing in sewer repair. In other cases, it is done by a contractor with experience using this method of pipe cleaning. Before you know it, your pipes will be repaired or replaced, and you can move on to more important things like your next vacation or getting the house ready for the holidays.
Schedule Trenchless Sewer Repair in Coral Springs
Trenchless repairs have been used successfully for more than 20 years. In fact, many people have been able to save thousands of dollars by not having to dig long trenches and making their homes safer from cave-ins and structural damage.
If you want a way to repair or replace a clogged drain or a broken pipe without having to dig up the lawn, trenchless sewer repairs may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Want to find out more? To schedule a consultation with a rooter from Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning, call 1-888-773-1524, today!