Having a sewage backup or pipe leak no longer means you need to tear up your yard. While older methods of sewer line repair and replacement required the excavation of large holes in order to inspect and reach the pipes, modern trenchless methods require little to no digging.
There are two main types of trenchless sewer repair and replacement techniques: [pipes bursting][1] and pipe lining. Experts say that both techniques are equally durable, and typically even come with warranties ranging anywhere from 10 to 50 years. Each utilizes specific equipment and operations. So what are the differences?
Pipes bursting: This method uses five key pieces of pipe bursting equipment: the expander head, pulling rods, a pulling machine, a retaining device, and finally a hydraulic power pack. The expander head has a small leading end that’s fed through the existing pipe. As the pulling cable guides the expander head and the attached new pipe, it bursts through the original pipe. this way the new line fills the same space, making it easier to attach to the adjacent sewers. The only excavating needed are two holes with a large enough diameter to feed the new pipe and pulling cable through, a much smaller digging operation than an entire trench.
Pipe lining: Also known as cured-in-place piping, pipe lining involves inserting a durable epoxy resin into the old lines. For this process, only a single opening must be made in the ground. After inserting the pipe liner, an air pressure inversion process is used to push the lining through the entirety of the damaged sewer line, and inflate it to make a tight seal with the existing walls. The epoxy liner then cures for a few hours and bonds with the pipe.
Even though trenchless repair methods came on the market for homes around 10 to 15 years ago, many consumers are still unaware it is an option. Whether you choose pipes bursting or lining, you can be sure you will be avoiding many expenses and a fair amount of hassle. You no longer have to deal with a massive eyesore just to fix your sewers. [1]: /product-category/bursting-heads/
