What Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement?

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Have you ever removed the plug, but the bathwater won’t drain? Or flushed the toilet and realized instead of going down the water is coming up! If this brings a shiver down your spine then you’re not alone. The next step is probably to call a plumber to clear the blockage. But, oh no, you were just told that the pipes are cracked and need a replacement! If this scenario is bringing back some bad memories, then you’ll want to learn more about trenchless sewer replacement and how it can benefit you.

What Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement?

The clue is in the name. Repairing your sewer pipes is done without needing to dig a trench. There are a few solutions that can repair your pipes without having to dig a new trench, excavate an old one, or open an access pit. There are a few different approaches that can be used.

Slip Lining – An Oldie But A Goodie

Slip lining involves laying a pipe with a smaller diameter within the damaged pipe section. The air gap between the smaller, newer pipe and the older, larger pipe is then filled with grout. This grout binds the two pipes together forming a stronger pipe structure. The new pipe now contains the original pipe wall, the new pipe wall, and the grout that glues them together. It is one of the older techniques for trenchless repair and reportedly dates back to the 1940s.

Cured In Place Pipe Lining – Repair By Expansion

CIPP for short involves inserting a raw, uncured sleeve into the larger damaged pipe. Once the new lining is in place and covers the damaged section, the lining is inflated. This inflation process caused the lining to expand and fill the cavity. Even the smallest of holes are covered as the lining is continuous and unbroken. Once fully expanded, the lining is left to cure and harden. This method is also referred to as structural pipelining as it improves the structural integrity of the original pipe.

Spray Lining – Spraying On A New Pipe From The Inside

Spray lining is quite fun to watch if you ever get the chance to see a demonstration. The first step is to inspect the original broken pipe with a pipe camera. Once the damaged sections are identified, the inner diameter of the pipe is thoroughly cleaned to remove rust, limescale, and other forms of corrosion. With cleaning taken care of, the pipe is relined with a special resin that dries to form a new internal pipe wall. This new liner is sprayed on with a pressurized pump that spreads the resin evenly on the pipe wall. The spray nozzle is then slowly retracted until the entire section has been relined.

Pipe Bursting – Repair By Destruction

Pipe bursting is exactly what it sounds like. The pipes are burst from the inside to make way for the new pipe that is laid. The process uses a new pipe that is of a similar diameter to the original.

A special bursting head, which has a conical shape, breaks the original pipe forcing the fragments into the surrounding earth. As it does this, the new pipe is pulled along and laid inside the cavity. Pipe bursting is usually reserved for larger pipes as it requires special machinery. An access pit will need to be excavated to allow the machinery to be put into place.

Trenchless Replacement vs. Traditional Methods

One of the main advantages of trenchless sewer repair is that it causes less devastation. There is no need to excavate massive lengths of landscaping so your lawn stays intact. The overall cost-effectiveness is also worth mentioning. Replacement involves a lot less labor than would ordinarily be the case. Typically, far less time is needed to complete the repair work. Trenchless repair is also not a stop-gap option. The replacement could function for decades to come if handled by an experienced contractor.

Experienced Contractors In Trenchless Sewer Replacement

Here at Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we pride ourselves on the satisfaction of our customers. Since 1983, we have been helping South Floridians get their plumbing repaired and installed with great efficiency and care. If you’ve been sold on trenchless sewer replacement you can give us a call at 1-888-773-1524.