Long before discovering the trenchless sewer line replacement system, correcting or changing sewer pipes was one heck of a job. Contractors would have to excavate trenches and tear up beautifully planted yards. However, thanks to expert innovations, businesses and homeowners don’t have to endure the ugly site.
Here at Dr. Pipe, we use the trenchless sewer line replacement system. It is a brilliant solution for the messy problem.
What Is It?
Trenchless sewer replacement replaces a sewer line that is beyond repair without shoveling up a trench. Both contractors and homeowners commonly choose this method. That’s because it offers a quicker turnaround compared to the traditional way.
The other advantages that trenchless sewer replacement offers are that it is;
Cheaper. You do not have to pay for the workforce involved traditionally. You also save on your yard repairs since the workers damage nothing in the process of digging. The average cost for a trenchless sewer line replacement ranges between $6,000 to $12,000, depending on the job difficulty. The traditional way costs an average of $7,500 and more.
Less intrusive. The contractors do not take much space when working. At the same time, you do not have to experience interruptions while going about your duties at work or home.
When You Need a Sewer Line Replacement
When should you consider looking for experts to do sewer line replacement? While it may seem difficult at first, it’s quite easy to know on the flip side. Below are some signs that your sewer line calls for a replacement;
- Leaking pipes.
- Presence of stagnant and bad-smelling water in your yard.
- Mold appearing on your walls and ceilings
- Reduced water pressure and varying toilet bowl water level.
- Recurring blockages and backups.
- A spike in the water bill.
- Gurgling noise from the pipes.
- Rise in insects and rodents on your property
- An indentation along the line where the sewer line runs.
- Flood in your basement with a foul smell.
If you see any of the signs above, be sure to give us a call.
How Looks the Process
The trenchless sewer line replacement process consists of changing a damaged sewer line with a new one without digging a pit. Using trenchless sewer equipment, contractors either break out the old pipe or use the pipe lining method. Afterward, they lay a new line behind the tube.
Two Types of Trenchless
Contractors use two types of trenchless sewer line replacement. These are;
- Pipe Bursting
The pipe bursting technique is also called “torpedoing”. The technique works for pipes made from all kinds of substances. It also works for lines carrying water, gas, chemicals, and sewage.
The torpedoing method is not only used for replacement. It is also used for upsizing pipes. Suppose there is a need to raise the size and outflow of an underground line. This mechanism is efficient in changing the smaller line with something wider.
While pipe bursting does not require excavation, it does, however, involve some little digging. The digging takes place at both sides of the pipe for insertion and drawing.
How Does Pipe Bursting Work?
The process initiates with the plumber digging pits at the sides of the pipe needing replacement. On one end, the plumber has the insertion pit, while on the other hand, there is the drawing pit.
At the insertion pit, the plumber fits in a bursting head in the shape of a bullet. The form allows it to break the old pipe with its fins when traveling through the tube. The small bursting tip’s lead end moves the pipe through the old line, while its wider side and fins burst the line while it moves.
In the receiving pit, the contractor uses a winch to pull the bursting head. During the pulling process, the old pipe fragments and forms a cavity for a new tube. The replacement quickly follows the bursting head to ensure that it follows the right path.
- Pipelining
The pipe lining is everyone’s favorite because it is less destructive when disturbing a property’s ground. It is suitable for repairs involving cracks and punctures. The method works for pipes of different materials, carrying chemicals, water, gas, and sewage.
How Does Pipelining Work?
The whole process begins with an inspection. The contractor runs a camera down the pipe to check out the damages and any obstructions that may interfere with the lining process.
The contractor draws a felt tube with a PVC liner after clearing the damaged pipe. The resin will form a bond to the old pipe in about 3 to 4 hours under air pressure. The contractor accomplishes this with the help of camera equipment.
Once the pipe has cured, the contractor releases the air pressure, removing the inflation bladder. Then follows the last inspection of the liner and line to ensure success.