When you discover you have a problem with your pipes, the first though that usually comes to mind is, “how much is this gonna cost me?” Fortunately for many, it may not be as expensive as they assume.
Considering the costs of excavation and restoration that comes along with the large trenches necessary to reach pipes, there are plenty of factors that could potentially hike up expenses. Even so, according to an Angie’s list poll, about 73% of respondents reported they would pay higher sewer line replacement costs if it could preserve their landscaping, patios, decks, and a number of other outdoor features.
Funny enough, 78% of those in the poll had never heard of “no dig” sewer technology. But there are now trenchless pipe replacement methods that can grant that wish, while simultaneously keeping costs relatively the same. One such method is trenchless pipe bursting.
This process requires five key pieces of pipe bursting equipment: the expander head, pulling rods, pulling machine, retaining device, and a hydraulic power pack.
Here is a rundown of the steps of trenchless pipe bursting and how it utilizes this equipment:
Insertion and receiving openings: As compared to regular pipe repair, the insertions and reception pits used in trenchless pipe bursting are minor in comparison to full excavation. They only need be big enough to fit the new pipe through on one end, and the pulling rods through the other end.
Expander head: The back end of the expander head is attached to the new pipe, while the front is attached to the pulling rods. The front end of the expander head is smaller in diameter than the existing pipe so as to properly direct the pipe into place, while the back end is larger in diameter to break the existing pipe as it’s pulled through.
Pulling machine: The pulling machine is connected to the opposite end of the rod as the new pipe. Once securely attached, the machine will use a hydraulic power pack to pull the expander head through, effectively bursting the old pipe out of the way, and directing the new pipe right in its place.
Sewer line repair and replacement does not have to be as daunting a task as it once was. Pipe bursting could be the answer to your plumbing nightmares.
