How Trenchless Sewer Replacement Works

Sewer lines are buried underground and are considered part of a home’s plumbing system. Clogs or breaks in sewer lines used to require extensive digging to locate and repair. This process could take days to complete and often left yards and driveways destroyed. Technological advances have made trenchless sewer line repairs an option for residential and commercial property owners. Both traditional excavation and trenchless repair methods have pros and cons to consider.

Like any other part of a residential plumbing system, homeowners are usually responsible for sewer line maintenance and repairs. Luckily most sewer lines are designed to last for a long time, but corrosion, tree roots, changes in the soil, or poor maintenance can cause serious clogs and even ruptures. With trenchless technology, repairing or replacing sewer lines is easier than ever. 

6 Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement

1. Fast and Efficient

Modern technology reduces labor and costs, which means pipes can usually be repaired or replaced in one day. Traditional excavation repairs often take several days or longer to complete.

2. Less Damage to Property

The days of digging up driveways and yards to reach underground pipes are gone. Only two small access points are needed to access sewer lines with trenchless sewer line repairs.

3. Eco-Friendly

Digging up sewer lines can destroy native plants and habitats for wildlife and cause soil erosion. Trenchless pipe repairs rely on the old pipe to complete the job, so hauling away and discarding large pieces of pipe is not required.

4. Safer

Underground plumbing is a network of water, sewage, and gas lines. Trenchless pipe repairs allow technicians to complete the job in a streamlined approach with virtually no risk of hitting a pipe and releasing contaminants into the environment.

5. Permanent

Repairs are permanent and meet industry standards. With trenchless technology, only seamless pipes are used, which prevents water, tree roots, and other sources of damage from infiltrating them. The materials used improve sewer functionality and can significantly reduce future maintenance costs.

6. Less Expensive

Trenchless repairs require fewer people, less time, and only minor repairs to yards, offering significant savings to homeowners.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Explained

As the name suggests, trenchless plumbing or trenchless sewer repair circumvents the need for excavation. Instead of bringing in heavy equipment to dig invasive trenches and physically remove the pipe from the ground, trenchless repair methods usually only require two small access holes. Trenchless pipe repair options include:

  • Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining. A plumber inserts an inflatable tube covered in epoxy into a sewer line with this type of repair. From there, the tube is inflated, pressing against the existing sewer line. While it’s up against the existing pipe, the epoxy cures and hardens, repairing the leak. After the epoxy has cured, the technician removes the tube.
  • Pipe Bursting. Pipe bursting replaces a damaged sewer line without the need for invasive trenching. Technicians feed a cone-shaped bit through the existing pipe and destroy it while immediately replacing it with a new one. 
  • Pipe Coating. This process involves applying epoxy to the inside of a drain to repair small cracks and holes and protect the pipe from further corrosion. Pipe coatings use a pump and flexible tube. A pipe coating machine pushes epoxy through the tube into a drain while rotating brushes apply the resin. The epoxy is durable and designed to last for more than 50 years.

Regardless of the repair method, the basic steps include:

  1. A sewer video camera inspection to locate the problem and assess the damage.
  2. Access holes dug at both ends of the pipe.
  3. Debris and other blockages are removed from the existing pipe.
  4. Repair or replacement is made.
  5. The line is re-inspected with a sewer camera to ensure a complete repair.
  6. The sewer flow is reconnected to the new pipe. 

Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement the Right Solution?

The only way to know if trenchless replacement or repair is the right solution for your property is by having a qualified plumber conduct an inspection. The extent of the sewer line damage determines whether a trenchless repair is viable. Some sewer line problems still need to be repaired using conventional excavation methods. Pipes with catastrophic damage are rarely good candidates for trenchless repair methods. 

Trust a Professional Plumber for All Sewer Line Repairs

The professionals at Simply Green Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter have the training and experience to handle all of your plumbing needs. If you’re experiencing sewer line problems, we are pleased to offer trenchless technology repair to eliminate property damage and reduce the time associated with sewer line replacement. Call us at (408) 716-1686 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Our technicians have over 30 years of plumbing experience. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time - that’s why we offer emergency plumbing services at no extra cost. 

0/5 (0 Reviews)

Loved this? Spread the word


Related posts

How to Solve 9 Common Toilet Problems

Read More

7 Benefits of High-Pressure Drain Cleaning

Read More

Water Heater Basics: What Homeowners Need to Know

Read More

Sewer Line Clogs: Causes and Repair Options

Read More