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What Is Trenchless Pipe Repair?

Posted on July 12, 2022 by

FAQs About Trenchless Sewer Line Repair

Sewer line problems are one of the most serious plumbing problems that can plague a home. When the sewer line is having problems, toilets don't flush, and sewage can back up into the home. Once the immediate problem is solved, the root cause of the problem needs to be found and repaired. They can be a real hassle when it comes to sewer line repairs. 

One of the things that homeowners dread the most when they are told they need sewer repairs is the cost. Digging up old lines and laying new ones can take days' worth of labor plus the cost of the rental of excavators that gets passed on to the customer. What if there was a better way to do sewer line repairs that cost less and didn't ruin the entire property of a home?

Trenchless sewer line repair is a process developed to lower the cost and hassle of sewer line repairs. Here is a quick guide to trenchless repairs and how they can help in every home. 

pipeHow Are Trenchless Pipe Repairs Performed?

Three methods are used to repair underground plumbing without digging up existing pipes. In every method, two access holes are dug to locate an underground pipe's beginning and end. Once the pipe is located, it is opened up and a heavy steel cable is fed into the pipe from one end to the other. At this point, the three methods are slightly different. 

In the "pipe bursting" method, a strong pipe-breaking head is attached to the cable inside the pipe. A hydraulic winch pulls this head back through the piping, shattering the old pipe. On the tail end of the head is a new flexible sewer line. Once the whole cable is run through, a new pipe gets laid in the same path as the old one. 

If "slip lining" is selected to fix sewer problems, the repairs are similar to the pipe bursting method, except that the old pipe isn't destroyed. A new pipe of a slightly smaller diameter is pulled into the old pipe resulting in a new smooth lining to that old pipe. 

For longer runs, "cured-in-place piping" (CIPP) is used. This method pulls a flexible fiberglass sleeve through the old pipe. Once in place, the sleeve is exposed to a curing agent that cures the new pipe to the inside walls of the old pipe, sealing any leaks or root invasion. 

Common Situations Where Trenchless Repairs are Helpful

Regardless of the method of repairs chosen, the causes of sewer line problems are universal. The common causes that require trenchless pipe repairs are: 

  • Constant backups
  • Poor installation
  • Misalignment of existing pipes
  • Cracks
  • Outdated materials like clay or cast iron

Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Replacementsave

The benefit of trenchless sewer line repairs is that they reduce the hassle of repairs. Trenchless methods are faster, which means they are also cheaper due to reduced labor costs. In addition to saving time and money, trenchless sewer line repair prevents the need to remove:
  • Established landscaping
  • Driveways
  • Sidewalks
  • Sentimental trees
  • Basement floors
  • Walls

This allows the property to recover quicker from sewer line work. 

About Capital Plumbing Contractors

Every homeowner needs a trusted plumber to give honest recommendations for their repairs. Capital Plumbing Contractors has built its reputation for customer service on its honesty. Call today for competitive pricing on plumbing repair, even on weekends, in Tallahassee, FL.  

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