Trenchless Pipe Repair
The plumbing systems are one of the most important components of todays life. Nothing lasts forever and over time all systems fail and need to be repaired or completely replaced. The drain and water services are not exceptions. The pipe replacement technology has become much faster and easier in resent years. The trenchless sewer repair or torpedo method is becoming more and more popular.
What is the Trenchless Pipe Repair?
Trenchless sewer repair is a way of repairing sewer pipes without destructively digging and removing large portion of flooring, foundation, and landscaping to expose the building pipes. Trenchless pipe repair restores an existing pipe internally by using the failed or deteriorated pipe as a host, rather than by disruptive, costly trench digging followed by conventional pipe repair and subsequent restoration of impacted surface.
Methods of Trenchless Pipe Repair
There are several methods of trenchless pipe repair. Each method or combination of them are used to different types of damaged pipes.
Pipe relining – involves inserting a liner coated with a special resin into the damaged pipe. The liner is inflated and cured by steam to adhere to the existing pipe from inside, creating a new, durable inner layer. This method is used for repairing pipes affected by cracks, corrosion, or leaks.
Pipe bursting– replaces existing pipes with new ones without the deep trench digging. In average it includes 2 two small excavations at each end. A bursting head is inserted into the damaged pipe and guided through, breaking the old pipe apart while simultaneously pulling the new pipe into place.
Directional drilling, HDD – installs new pipes, conduits by drilling horizontally underground. A drilling machine creates a pilot hole, which is then enlarged to accommodate the new pipe. HDD allows you to provide controlled drilling including turns as well as slope.
Hydraulic jacking – method used to install new pipes alongside the existing damaged pipes. The new pipe is pushed or pulled into place using hydraulic jacks, thereby replacing the damaged pipe without extensive excavation.
Slip lining involves inserting a smaller diameter pipe into the existing damaged pipe, creating a seamless and structurally sound pipeline. The new pipe acts as a protective liner, enhancing the integrity and performance of the original pipe without the need for excavation. The pipe downsizing is performed only when it is not limiting functionality of the pipe.
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Advantages of Trenchless Pipe Repair
-Easy to repaire all pipe damages.
– No need to spend hours to dig heavy landscape and hardscape to get to a pipe, less time consumption.
-Minimal Disruption. Trenchless pipe repair can be done without tearing up your property, especially in the hard accessible areas.
-Cost-Effective. As the trenchless technology only requires maximum couple of holes, instead of a massive trench, you don’t have to pay again to replace a large portion of landscaping that was destroyed once the job is done.
-Increase Pipe Size. When pipes are replaced by trenchless pipe bursting, you have a chance to install a larger pipe that allows better flow capacity, DFU. Therefore, with trenchless pipe bursting, your new pipes will have greater water-carrying capacity.
-Longer Life Expectancy. The new pipes that replaced your old ones with trenchless pipe bursting service are more resistant to shifting soil, root intrusion, or corrosion.
How the work will be done.
The first step in trenchless pipe repair is the inspection of the damaged pipe. This is usually done using advanced video camera technology to assess the condition and extent of the damage. The inspection helps determine the most suitable method for repair.
After the inspection is complete, the next step is to prepare the worksite for repair. This may include cleaning the pipes to remove debris, obstructions, or tree roots that may hinder the repair process.
After the preparation is complete, the chosen method of trenchless pipe repair is implemented. Whether it is relining, bursting, slip lining, hydraulic jacking, or directional drilling, the appropriate equipment and materials are used to carry out the repair. The damaged pipe is either rehabilitated or replaced, depending on the specific method chosen.
Once the repair is completed, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that the repaired pipe meets the required standards and functions effectively. This typically involves another camera inspection to verify the quality of the repair and to confirm that the pipe is restored to its optimal condition.
The cost of Trenchless Pipe Repair.
The cost of a trenchless pipe bursting can depend on various factors, like the location of the damaged line, length, depth and the extent of the pipe repair or replacement needs. Also, electrical, gas or other underground utilities around the repair may impact costs. The smooth surface of your new pipes also resists blockages, with a projected lifespan of over 50 years.
Trenchless Pipe Repair VS Traditional Dig-and-Replace Method
Traditional dig-and-replace methods involve extensive excavation, removal of the damaged pipe, and installation of a new pipe. This process is time-consuming, disruptive, and requires extensive restoration work. Rehabilitation or repair involves minimal excavation and focused on fixing the damaged pipe from inside, leading to a faster and less disruptive repair process.
Traditional dig-and-replace methods can cause significant disruptions to the surrounding environment. Excavation and restoration work can result in the closure of roads, damage to landscapes, and inconveniences to residents and businesses. Trenchless pipe repair methods minimize such disruptions, preserving the integrity of the property and infrastructure.
Trenchless pipe repair is generally faster than traditional methods. Without the need for extensive excavation, the repair process can be completed in less time, minimizing inconvenience for property owners and reducing the impact on nearby businesses and residents.
Trenchless pipe repair methods can often be more cost-effective compared to traditional methods. With reduced labor, minimal excavation, and less need for landscape restoration, property owners can expect significant cost savings. However, it is important to note that the cost effectiveness may vary depending on the specific project requirements and conditions.
Despite the fact that both methods have their pros and con, trenchless pipe repair offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and minimally disruptive solution for repairing damaged pipes.
