Frequently Asked Questions About Trenchless Pipe Repair

What Exactly Is a Trenchless Repair?

One of the most dreaded plumbing problems homeowners can face is an issue with the underground pipes, whether a sewer line or a buried water supply pipe. In many cases, repairing underground plumbing requires digging up the pipe in question, which can be an extremely messy and expensive process. That’s where trenchless repair comes in.

Trenchless pipe repair, as the name suggests, is a way of repairing - or even replacing - underground pipes without digging a trench in the yard or breaking through the home’s foundation. This article will explore the different trenchless repair methods, how they work, what they can achieve, and the benefits of trenchless repairs.

How Does Trenchless Pipe Repair Work?

Trenchless repair typically begins with an inspection of the underground pipe to find the problem - this is usually achieved by feeding a small video camera into the pipe itself. Once the problem has been identified, professionals can use three main trenchless repair methods: slip lining, Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP), and pipe bursting.

Slip lining and CIPP are similar in that they involve inserting an epoxy-coated flexible tube into the existing pipe. This inner pipe liner is expanded and heated, causing the epoxy to cure and harden. The liner then becomes a pipe within a pipe, sealing cracks and effectively replacing the old pipe without digging it up. These are both effective methods, but they can somewhat reduce the diameter of the pipe, which can be a drawback.

Pipe bursting involves pulling a conical “bursting head” through the existing pipe, which breaks it apart and pushes the pieces outward. A new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe is dragged behind the bursting head, taking the place of the old pipe as it is broken up and pushed away. Unlike the other two methods, this does not result in a narrower pipe diameter. All of these methods typically involve digging small holes at each end of the pipe being repaired or replaced, but this is much less invasive than excavating the entire pipe.

What Issues Can Be Fixed Using Trenchless Repair?

Trenchless pipe repair can solve many issues that would otherwise require massive excavation. It can be used to correct pipe misalignment caused by erosion or soil shifting. Trenchless repairs are often used to remove invading tree roots from sewer lines and repair the damage to the pipe (although additional measures will likely need to be taken to prevent future root invasions). 

Trenchless methods can also resolve sewage backups and repair cracks in older pipes made of PVC plastic, clay, cast iron, or lead. Or homeowners can simply opt for a trenchless pipe replacement to eliminate outdated underground pipes.

What are the Advantages of Trenchless Repairs?

Trenchless repairs have several advantages over a traditional pipe excavation. They tend to take much less time. Digging a trench can be very time-consuming, especially if it involves breaking through a sidewalk or driveway. Putting the yard back together after the repairs are done can add several days and more expenses to the process. 

Another benefit is that trenchless repairs are much less invasive and destructive. Having the yard look like a construction zone for days on end isn’t exactly appealing to most homeowners. The relatively small holes required for trenchless repair are discreet and modest by comparison. 

And, of course, with less heavy-duty equipment, less labor, less time, and less reconstruction, trenchless repairs are generally much less expensive. So if homeowners have issues with their underground plumbing, they would do well to ask their local plumber about trenchless repairs. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a locally owned and operated company with over three decades of experience serving Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide superior customer service, fast response, and tailored solutions. Call them today for plumbing services in Lansing, MI.

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