Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement: How it Works
If you’re like most homeowners, the mere mention of sewer line repairs conjures images of dug-up pavement and destroyed landscaping. However, while it’s true that traditional sewer line replacement services often create additional headaches to navigate during and after the repair process, modern trenchless repair strategies now make these unpleasant issues a thing of the past.
Trenchless sewer line replacement methods provide cutting-edge solutions to frequent sewer backups and related issues. The highly skilled personnel here at Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are equipped to utilize these minimally invasive repair methods to address sewer deterioration, restore cracked piping and even completely replace lines that have sustained serious damage.
It’s critical to seek professional help from the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing at the first sign of a sewer line backup, leak or similar issue at your Melbourne-area property. When you do, our trusted sewer line experts will go to work quickly diagnosing and repairing the problem to avert even bigger troubles later on.
What is Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement?
As the names imply, trenchless sewer repair and trenchless sewer line replacement are performed without the need for extensive excavation to reach the pipe from the ground surface level. Instead, all work takes place below the ground or inside the pipeline itself. This reduces the visual impact of the repair services and prevents the need for costly landscaping and pavement replacement to restore the property to pre-work condition.
These advantages make trenchless repair and trenchless sewer line replacement very popular with homeowners who want fast, high-quality sewer repairs without the hassles of old-fashioned excavation and replacement.
When Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement is an Option
Trenchless sewer restoration methods are useful for repairing pipes with cracking, minor offsets and localized crushing due to heavy overburden. The technology also effectively resolves tree root incursion and corrosion from internal and external sources. Trenchless replacement services can be employed to completely replace pipelines with extensive damage that affects large areas of the pipeline.
While trenchless sewer line replacement services are suitable for a wide array of issues, pipelines that are shallowly buried or located near other subsurface structures are sometimes poor candidates for trenchless repair or replacement. Problems with these types of sewer lines often necessitate traditional excavation and replacement services.
Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Methods
Trenchless sewer line techniques can be broken down into the following categories.
Pipe Lining (Cured-In-Place Pipe)
Pipelines with cracks, corrosion, tree damage and other minor problems can usually be repaired with modern cured-in-place pipe lining technology. The process is performed using an existing drain or valve to insert a new epoxy-infused liner inside the damaged pipe. The new liner is then inflated with water or air and cured by applying heat or steam to harden the interior surface.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is performed with a special drill bit that breaks up an existing pipe and pulls a new pipeline into place at the same time. The process results in an entirely new pipeline without the downside of excavation and replacement. Pipe bursting can be used to replace entire pipelines that have sustained severe damage, settled extensively or become undersized due to increased loading over time.
Step-by-step: How the Trenchless Process Works
The first step of any sewer repair or replacement job is conducting a camera inspection to determine the nature and extent of any issues. This important diagnostic tool permits the technician to give the homeowner options and provide detailed estimates so that he or she can make informed decisions on how to proceed.
Selecting an appropriate location for inserting a new liner or operating the pipe bursting equipment is the next step in the process. Whenever possible, our team utilizes existing drains and clean-outs for pipe relining. We also choose areas with the least possible impact on the client’s property when setting up horizontal drilling equipment for pipe bursting.
Installing the new liner or replacing the pipe via pipe bursting comprises the next phase of the repair or replacement project. Our crew takes advantage of quality materials and up-to-date techniques to carry out these important tasks. We then wrap up by testing and performing a second sewer camera inspection to ensure the results of our work meet quality and reliability standards.
Materials Used in Trenchless Sewer Line Restoration
Epoxy-coated fabric is used to perform trenchless pipe relining. The fabric hardens into a strong, durable material that resists damage from wastewater, soil corrosion, tree roots and other causes. High-density polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride piping is generally employed for pipe bursting although other types of piping material may be used for specialty projects.
The materials used for repairing and replacing damaged pipelines have improved considerably in recent years. After repair or replacement, a newly restored pipe will function as well as or even better than the original pipeline and can be expected to last up to 50 years or even longer with little maintenance required.
Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement
The main advantages associated with trenchless repair and trenchless sewer line replacement services include:
- Minimal disruption to landscaping and hardscaping
- Shorter repair duration
- Reduced sewer system downtime
- Improved long-term performance
- Lower likelihood of future sewer line problems
How Long Does Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Take?
The length of time required to perform trenchless pipe relining or replacement depends on the size of the area to be repaired, the length of the pipeline, ease of access to the site and availability of repair materials.
Trenchless relining can usually be carried out in just a few hours with extra time needed for the curing and final inspection processes. Homeowners can expect limited system downtime with just a few personnel on-site and no heavy equipment needed.
Pipe bursting jobs can take anywhere from a few days to more than a week to complete. A horizontal drilling rig will be used, and an excavator may be needed to dig test pits to gauge the accuracy of the installation pathway.
Cost Factors of Sewer Line Replacement
In general, the expense of a trenchless repair job is far less than that of a traditional sewer replacement project of similar size and scale. The length and material of the pipeline, the extent of the damage and the size and configuration of the property are the top considerations that go into the cost of a trenchless restoration project.
Coming up with an accurate project estimate to present to the property owner is critical, and that’s why our personnel never skimp on the initial assessment phase. Performing a thorough inspection allows us to cover all the bases and offer detailed information on what to expect regarding costs and timeline so that there are no unpleasant surprises as the job unfolds.
Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Versus Traditional Sewer Line Replacement
Although both traditional sewer line replacement and trenchless sewer services result in durable, newly restored sewer lines, the processes to reach this result vary considerably. Traditional repairs rely on excavation to uncover the line so that it can be fixed while trenchless repairs are handled below the ground surface with little to no soil disturbance. The time and cost required to complete a trenchless repair job are usually much lower than for traditional repair work.
Sewer line professionals consider numerous factors when recommending sewer repair and sewer replacement options. These factors include the size and condition of the line and the logistics of the property as well as the homeowner’s budget and preferences.
Permits and Inspections
Most municipalities require a permit for sewer line installation as well as for trenchless repair and replacement. Our personnel will gladly walk the homeowner through the process of obtaining any necessary permits as part of our comprehensive approach to our work.
The trenchless repair and replacement services we provide include complete post-job inspections using visual techniques, sewer line cameras and proven testing strategies to make certain that our work complies with all local codes and industry standards.
How Professional Plumbing Services Make a Difference
Tackling even a seemingly minor sewer line repair job is no time to go it alone. Hiring a professional with the right diagnostic equipment and industry experience is key to the success of any project.
The crew here at Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is armed with all the tools and expertise needed to make short work of even complex sewer line repair and replacement projects. We stand behind every job to ensure safe, long-lasting results, and if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay.
Call Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Trenchless repair and replacement techniques were developed to deliver the reliable sewer line repairs that homeowners want without the need for extensive property destruction. These strategies can be used to address myriad sewer line problems quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.
If your residence is plagued by frequent sewer backups or you suspect there’s a hidden leak somewhere on your property, don’t hesitate to give Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call. We’ll schedule an appointment to evaluate the matter and propose sewer line repair or replacement services as needed.