Sewer
issues can wreak havoc on households and commercial properties. On top of interrupting daily tasks and impacting basic functions, repairing these issues can come with the added inconvenience of digging up parts of the property.
Trenchless sewer repair fixes damaged sewer pipes without needing to dig large trenches across your property. Arrow Sewer & Drain, serving North and Central New Jersey, performs trenchless sewer repair with as little interruption to your routine and property as possible. Here, we explore trenchless sewer line repair vs. traditional repair methods and explore the pros and cons of various trenchless approaches.
Trenchless Sewer Repair Explained
Traditional methods of repairing sewer lines entail digging trenches to access, remove, and replace damaged underground pipes. This type of job is associated with lengthy repair times, a high potential for damage to surrounding areas, and extensive clean-up requirements.
Newer trenchless methods eliminate these concerns by repairing the faulty pipe without the significant excavating process. Instead, trenchless sewer repair fixes the pipe from the inside by inserting a flexible liner that is inflated and cured in place, creating a new pipe within the old one. With only a few small access holes, a trenchless approach is considered a less invasive and often more cost-effective alternative to traditional sewer line replacement.
How It Works
Trenchless sewer repairs begin with a thorough examination of the property’s waste removal system. A sewer scope is used to visually assess the sewer line’s condition, identify the location of the problem, and determine the extent of damage. If technicians notice blockages while using the specialized camera, drain cleaning services are performed using a hydrojetting process to remove debris.
From there, small access holes are dug at strategic points along the sewer line. These points enable technicians to easily reach the problem area of the sewer line without the need for large property damage. A flexible liner is then prepared by soaking it in a resin-epoxy mixture.
With access to the damaged area of the sewer line, the technician carefully inserts the resin-coated liner into the existing pipe. Once the liner is in the correct position, it is inflated using air or water pressure, allowing it to press against the pipe walls. It is left to cure, hardening the epoxy. A camera is again used to verify the repair’s integrity and ensure a smooth, sealed new pipe lining.
Trenchless Sewer Repair Pros and Cons
While the basic principle remains the same, there are different types of trenchless sewer repair, such as:
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting trenchless sewer repair entails technicians using a specialized tool known as a bursting head to fracture the existing pipe. Simultaneously, a new pipe is pushed into place. Essentially, it bursts the old pipe to make room for a new one, all done through small access holes.
An advantage of this trenchless sewer repair method is it’s often quicker than other repair methods. This approach is particularly effective for replacing long sections of underground pipes. Additionally, pipe bursting allows for the installation of a new pipe with a larger diameter than the existing one, improving flow capacity.
Although considered effective, pipe bursting does have drawbacks. It isn’t suitable for all pipe conditions, especially if the existing pipe has significant sagging, bending, or is in poor condition. This method requires thorough attention to detail to avoid damaging other underground utilities during the bursting process.
Trenchless Pipe Repair
Another trenchless sewer repair offered is trenchless pipe repair. This method uses robotic technology that is launched through an existing pipe opening. The robotic tools pull the pipe liner into place and apply a hardening agent to cure the resin in the liner. It is ideal for fixing corroded and weak pipes with small dents, holes, or abrasions. It helps stop leaks and fill cracks.
A benefit of trenchless pipe repair is that it doesn’t require any excavation of your property, preserving your landscaping and access to your home. This method has a shorter completion time of one day, reducing costs and getting your pipes fixed quickly.
The main disadvantage of trenchless pipe repair is that it has some limitations on when and where it can be used. For severe pipe damage, collapses, or misalignments, trenchless pipe repair may not be suitable.
Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining
This trenchless method involves pulling a flexible liner through the existing pipe with advanced equipment and hardening it to create a new pipe. It is a common repair method for addressing a wide range of plumbing concerns, such as sewage backups, slow drains, foul drain odors, and more.
A big pro of cured-in-place pipe lining is job time is relatively quick. Arrow Sewer & Drain completes nearly all CIPP repairs in one day. Another advantage of CIPP is it can be used on various pipe materials and with different pipe sizes, provided the pipe is at least 80% intact and hasn’t collapsed. When properly installed, its 50-year lifespan means CIPP lining can last several decades.
A con of CIPP is it’s not suitable for all sewer repairs. Severely damaged pipes with large cracks, significant corrosion, or major structural issues do not qualify for CIPP. Moreover, extensive cleaning of the existing pipe is crucial for proper adhesion of the lining.
Discover More at Arrow Sewer & Drain
Trenchless sewer repair is an excellent solution for addressing sewer issues without the inconveniences typically associated with traditional methods. The experts at Arrow Sewer & Drain perform trenchless sewer repair services for residential and commercial property owners throughout North and Central NJ. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
