Trenchless sewer repair is a common maintenance practice for both commercial and residential properties. Requiring little or no excavation to reach sewer access points, it’s also a cost-effective practice involving minimal disruption to business or home activity. However, there are a few distinctive ways that trenchless sewer repair differs for commercial or industrial sites. Here, Arrow Sewer & Drain explores the forms of trenchless sewer repair, as well as how they may be used for sewer issues at a place of business.
The Different Types of Trenchless Sewer Repair
Trenchless sewer repair is recommended when any sewer shows signs of damage. First, workers use cameras and equipment to observe damaged pipes and record measurements. They also use a machine called an inversion drum, which allows them to run liners to a damaged pipe.
Depending on the method, part of a sewer line is fixed, or an entire sewer line is replaced. The different trenchless sewer repair techniques are:
- Cured-in-place pipelining (CIPP): A resin-coated, flexible liner structure enters a damaged pipe. Workers inflate the liner, which applies heat and creates a new smooth surface within the pipe.
- Grout-in-place pipe: Crews run a fabric liner across a damaged pipe. There, it releases a paste to form a seal over cracks and other impacted areas.
- Pipe bursting: A bursting head connected to a cable runs through a damaged pipe. This breaks the damaged pipe and installs the new pipe simultaneously as it’s pulled through.
- Shotcrete: Crews run wet concrete using a high-pressure nozzle to reinforce a damaged pipe with a new lining.
- Slip lining: This method typically is done to a damaged pipe, which is surrounded by an area in good condition. Crews place a new, smaller pipe into a damaged large pipe, filling the space between the pipes with paste.
- Thermoformed pipe: Crews heat a liner inserted in a pipe using steam. It grows until it fits over an installed pipe’s shape.
- Mechanical spot repair: A sleeve runs through a pipe and forms a watertight seal as it expands over a damaged area.
Trenchless Sewer Repair in Commercial and Residential Property
While trenchless sewer repair benefits both commercial and residential properties, there are several factors to consider for repairs in a business setting compared to a home. This is because homes usually have fewer people to account for, compared to the flow of employees and customers at a business. Home sewer systems also tend to be smaller and less complex than ones that serve commercial or industrial applications.
Starting Points for Business Owners
Any business owner must think about how a repair will impact the company’s daily operations, budget, and long-term outlook. When evaluating sewer repair options, decision-makers should:
- Calculate how a repair project would impact the business’ financial balance sheet
- Evaluate if conditions around a business are causing the need for a repair or if they could lead to necessary future repairs
- Learn about the sewer system that serves the business
- Review records of past repairs to sewer lines at the business
- Figure out a time for a repair that best fits within or around business hours and a crew’s schedule
- Ask about any local rules and regulations on the books concerning sewer maintenance and repair
Questions to Ask About Commercial Trenchless Sewer Repair
A business owner should ask the following questions while considering a trenchless sewer repair:
- Even though the process is minimally invasive, will part or a whole building or property need to be closed during a repair project?
- Is it possible for a repair to take place during off business hours?
- How much will a project disrupt customers and employees?
- How extensive is the damage in the sewer line?
- What will the repair cost be?
- Where are the access points crews will need to get to?
- Are other repair or treatment options more appropriate for the situation?
- Are some sewer repair services better suited for commercial properties than others?
When Trenchless Sewer Repair Isn’t Recommended
Despite its benefits, there are certain situations when trenchless sewer repair isn’t the best treatment option. Some sewer line problems that trenchless repair might not be able to address include:
- Extensive pipe damage: Examples of this condition include pipes completely broken, having many cracks or a large crack, or being severely corroded.
- Incorrect pipe installation: If a crew notices a pipe that’s sloping or has an improper pitch, it’s a sign that it wasn’t installed properly.
- Limited access: Buildings or landscaping features can block an access point used in trenchless sewer repair.
- Other utility concerns: Trenchless repair could be riskier if a sewer line is close to electrical or water lines.
- Pipe misalignment: If wastewater leaks from an offset pipe, it can further weaken pipe structures and lead to an eventual collapse.
- Unstable soil: Loose or shifting soil could disrupt any trenchless sewer repair process.
Trust Arrow Sewer & Drain With Your Trenchless Sewer Repair Needs
When it comes to handling trenchless sewer repairs, turn to Arrow Sewer & Drain in Middlesex, New Jersey. Serving Northern and Central New Jersey, we provide free estimates for major projects such as sewer repair. We also offer water line repair for commercial and residential buildings, have a 24-hour emergency service, and offer financing for those who qualify. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
