What People Ask About Trenchless Sewer Repair
Fixing major plumbing problems in the underground piping used to mean tearing up the entire yard or landscape, creating a hassle for homeowners who want their property to stay pristine. Trenchless pipe repairs take a new approach to fixing old pipes by fixing the pipe internally using newer technology to create long-lasting, less intrusive fixes without excavation.
Trenchless pipe repairs are a fast-growing sector of the plumbing industry, and as such, many people don’t understand what they are. Here is a quick guide from local plumbing and sewer line repair experts to help home and business owners better understand this exciting new process.
How Do Trenchless Pipe Repairs Work?
Trenchless sewer line repair methods use existing access points or two holes to access the sewer line. This omits the need to dig up the entire sewer line or open up a new trench for a new pipe. Instead, the two access holes or sewer access points allow plumbers the only access they need to make non-invasive repairs. There are a few different trenchless pipe repair methods plumbers may use to fix damaged lines, including:
- Slip lining: This process is done by sliding a smaller diameter pipe within a larger pipe. Slip lining uses a powerful hydraulic ram to pull a flexible sewer line into the old line, creating a new leak-free line.
- Cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP: This pipe lining method involves inserting what starts as a soft and flexible liner into a broken line. Once the liner is in place, it stretches and hardens, ultimately fastening to the old pipe and preventing further water leaks. CIPP is considered a long-term fix and won’t require a new line.
- Pipe bursting: Plumbers use this method to replace an old pipe with a new one by breaking up the old line from the inside and leaving the remnants in the ground. The new pipe is pulled into place using the space created when bursting the old pipe.
What Problems Can Trenchless Pipe Repairs Fix?
The answer is many pipe-related issues. Trenchless pipe repairs can fix many old, rusted, or cracked pipes leaking water or sewage. They can also be used to fix the damage caused by tree roots that have made their way into the underground piping in search of nutrients.
The biggest limit to trenchless pipe repairs is that this method doesn’t work for every situation, including completely collapsed pipes, because the machines and metal cables have to be able to get through the existing line. These kinds of pipes with excessive damage will likely need removal and replacement, which requires excavating the line.
What Are the Advantages of Trenchless Pipe Repairs?
One of the most significant advantages of trenchless pipe repairs is less mess and property damage. Trenchless pipe repairs don’t require excessive digging and excavation to access the pipe. Trenchless sewer pipe repairs also take far less time to complete because they involve fewer hours of digging and fixing the landscaping to repair the damage.
Another advantage of trenchless pipe repairs is that they are usually cheaper. Plumbing excavation can be a costly and time-consuming process, so without the added time and costs associated with digging, trenchless pipe repairs tend to cost less. With all its advantages, making trenchless repairs is a great option when applicable.
About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.
VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has more than 30 years of expertise serving Chicago and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, honest pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for trenchless sewer repairs in Chicago, IL.
