Over time, your buried sewer lines can experience all sorts of issues from clogs to structural damage to complete line failure. Traditional repair or replacement methods involve digging large trenches to access and work on your sewer line. Contact Aurora CO Trenchless Sewer Repair now!
However, there are less invasive options like trenchless sewer repair that can save you time and money. Learn more about these methods in this blog post:
Pipe lining is a highly effective, affordable, and minimally-invasive solution for resolving issues caused by cracked pipes, root intrusion, age-related damage, or other problems. In this method, an epoxy-saturated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and then inflated until it covers the entire inside of the existing pipe. Once dry, the liner acts as a new structural pipe within your existing pipeline.
A qualified technician should be able to tell you if pipe lining is an option for your home. Your sewer solution specialist should also be able to determine whether or not your pipe system is a good candidate for trenchless repair. It is important to remember that this technology is not a quick fix, and it may take some time for the liner to fully cure.
After your sewer lines have been camera inspected and hydro and/or mechanically cleaned, technicians will begin the process of lining the pipes. The lining process begins by feeding a soft, flexible liner through the damaged portion of your pipeline with the help of a state-of-the-art winch tool. Once the liner is fed through, it will be inflated and pressed against the existing pipe walls until it forms a solid, watertight seal.
There are a few different types of pipe lining techniques that can be utilized during the trenchless repair process. One of the most popular methods is known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining. After the interior of your pipe is completely cleaned, a rubber bladder is inflated to press the liner against the host pipe wall and allow it to cure. The resulting liners are strong and durable enough to last for decades, and they prevent future problems with cracks, holes, and clogs.
Another method of trenchless sewer repair is called sliplining. This involves using a series of smaller carrier pipes that are pulled through the existing pipe, effectively replacing it with a new line. However, this process is more labor-intensive and costly than other trenchless options. In addition, it is important to note that sliplining can only be used in cases where the original pipe is still structurally sound. If the pipe has been significantly damaged by cracks, deterioration, or corrosion, it will likely need to be replaced entirely with a new sewer line.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is one of the most popular trenchless methods for sewer line replacement. The process involves a hydraulic machine that breaks apart your old pipe while pulling in new pipes to replace them. This method is especially effective in cases where your old lines have become clogged and are causing problems with backups and other symptoms. It’s also a great choice for replacing pipes that are in poor condition, as it is less expensive than traditional excavation methods.
If you have noticed signs that your sewer line needs to be replaced, such as gurgling sounds from your drains, slow-draining sinks and toilets, or foul odors coming from your home, contact us immediately. We can perform a video inspection and recommend the appropriate repair solution. We may suggest a sewer pipe lining or pipe bursting service.
Both of these processes involve less digging than traditional sewer pipe repair methods, and they can be completed in a single day. Sewer pipe lining uses an epoxy liner that seals the inside of your existing pipe, while pipe bursting uses a hydraulic machine to break apart your old sewer pipes and pull in new ones at the same time.
While both of these options are effective in repairing your damaged sewer pipes, they differ in how they do so. Pipe lining is a minimally-invasive method that requires only that we clean the surface of your sewer line and feed the liner into place. This is the ideal option for a clogged sewer line, or for pipes that are damaged by tree roots.
Pipe bursting, on the other hand, requires more work to complete. During this process, we dig two small entry and exit points above ground where we will push (or pull) the new pipe through your older one. The hydraulic bursting tool will mechanically split or create a brittle fracture of your old pipes while simultaneously pulling in the new replacement pipes, which can be made from either concrete or high-density polyethylene. This allows you to upgrade your sewer line to a larger diameter without tearing up your landscaping, sidewalks, or driveway.
CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) Lining
CIPP is a pipe restoration technique that essentially creates a new pipe within the old one. This is a popular choice for many homeowners because it’s less likely to disrupt landscaping and other outdoor features than excavation methods, and it can also be performed on commercial properties. The lining process begins with a thorough cleaning and inspection of the existing pipe to ensure it’s free of debris and damaged areas. Then, a textile liner tube is coated with a resin mixture. The liner is inserted into the pipe using air or water pressure. It can be pushed in through a piece of equipment called an inversion system, or pulled in from an end access point such as a manhole. Once it’s properly positioned, either heat or UV light is used to cure the resin and create a solid, fitted pipe wall.
Depending on the type of resin, this curing process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. As the resin hardens, it forms a seamless, corrosion-resistant inner pipe that’s stronger than the original host pipe and able to handle more pressure. The liners are also resistant to chemicals, which makes them a great choice for industrial pipes that carry harsh substances like corrosives.
Unfortunately, CIPP lining is not without its risks. Several workers have been killed or seriously injured by fumes generated during the resin curing process. In one incident, 22-year-old Brett Morrow entered a drainpipe to free a stuck, resin-soaked liner and was overcome by toxic styrene fumes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration only regulates the industry in terms of worker safety, and it doesn’t address public exposure to cured-in-place pipe emissions.
Another issue is a lack of quality control in the CIPP lining industry. A study found that the concentration of harmful toxins in air emissions varied significantly between lining projects even when the resin, pipe size, and contractor were identical. Montana Plumbing Services has invested in a robotic cutter to help streamline the CIPP lining process and reduce potential exposure for our workers. This machine can be inserted into the pipe prior to the lining process to remove obstructions and after lining is complete to reinstate lateral connections.
Pipe Replacement
If your sewage line is beyond repair, it may be time to replace it. In this case, a trenchless technique called pipe bursting offers many benefits over traditional excavation-based methods.
This method involves snaking a camera through the shallowest point of your sewer line to locate the blockage or damage and then inserting a new resin pipe that immediately takes the place of your old one. Your plumbing and sewage system will function normally once the new pipe has cured. This is typically done in a day, and there’s no need to shut down your home’s sewage services during the process.
To access your buried pipes, your plumbing professional will create two small entry holes on either end of your sewer line. These are a fraction of the size that would be required for traditional excavation-based repairs and cause minimal disruption to your property. This means less time and money spent on restoring landscaping and driveways afterward.
In addition to leaving a smaller footprint, this technique is also much quicker than traditional excavation-based sewer line repairs. That’s because there is no need to wait for a trench to fill in afterward. Your plumber will quickly install the new sewer line and get your plumbing back to normal in no time.
CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) is another popular option for replacing sewer and drain lines. This technique works by installing a flexible epoxy-saturated liner directly into your existing pipes. This lining will eliminate any issues your old pipes once had, such as cracks, holes, channeling, age deterioration, or root intrusion. Your resulting line will be free from these problems for decades to come.
Directional drilling is another method that uses a tunneling drill to cut a few feet under your damaged sewer line and place a new one. It’s usually only used in extenuating circumstances where the condition of your original sewer line makes digging up and removing it impractical.
Trenchless sewer repair is a great way to get your plumbing and sewage system up and running again while minimizing damage to your yard and home. Ask your plumbing technician if this non-invasive solution is right for you.