Does trenchless sewer repair work?

sewer line damages and dug up for repair

What is a trenchless pipe replacement?

If you’ve had any plumbing issues with sewer or water lines busting in the yard, your plumber probably mentioned a trenchless plumbing repair process.  So, you have an idea of what that is all about, but many homeowners have not heard about it.  Trenchless plumbing technology isn’t anything new, but it has become more commonplace in the past few years. Because it is just getting to be widespread, it is generating a lot of questions too.

A new sewer or main water line isn’t something you plan on having done, but it is something that every homeowner could always hear from a plumber. Whether the replacement pipe is needed because of broken fittings or tree roots busted into the line, repairing or replacing the existing sewer or water line is the only way you’ll have things back to normal.

Once upon a time, this meant they would tear your yard up, the water may be off for a whole day or longer. You’d have a huge mess on your hand, even after the repair or replacement was completed. With trenchless plumbing repair or replacement though, the work is done quicker with less mess and less inconvenience. Which one you need will be something your plumber will discuss with you.

A busted sewer or water line can be replaced by using the pipe bursting process, also referred to as trenchless sewer belly repair. This trenchless method sewer line replacement process entails the use of a machine that breaks the old pipe at the same time it is installing a new pipe. Trenchless plumbing repair is done by the plumber creating two entry holes: one where for the sewer line going into the house; one that connects to the main sewer line. The new pipe is the same diameter which allows the flow from your house to the main sewer line to remain the same.

The other option your plumber may consider is lining the existing pipe with a resin-coated flexible pipe that is blown into the old pipe or pulled through the old pipe. Next, the new flexible pipe is then inflated and the resin hardens, resulting in a new pipe inside the old pie. The drawback to this trenchless plumbing repair option is it lessens the diameter by one-fourth of an inch. This is a small difference, and, in most homes, the impact is minimal to non-existence.

How long does Pipe Lining last?

This method of trenchless plumbing repair isn’t a choice made because it is less expensive. They designed it to keep from having to dig up yards, ruin landscaping, and have a life expectancy of fifty years or more.

Is trenchless sewer repair cheaper?

Write it out on paper, the less expensive option for sewer repair is the traditional method. When you face needing this type of work done, because the trenchless plumbing repair isn’t as commonplace as the traditional method, it isn’t as easy to find an experienced trenchless plumbing company.

There aren’t any homeowners that look forward to hearing they need sewer or water line replacements. That is one thing that we can guarantee you! The traditional method of digging that was required to make it all better has always been a huge undertaking that left a mess behind. Homeowners wondered if their landscaping and lawn would ever revive.

However, today, trenchless plumbing repair technology can get the job done in less time with less mess. So, if affordable trenchless plumbing is available and can be done quicker with less interruption to your life, why are so many homeowners reluctant to go this route?

The first thing you need to know is that not every sewer or water line repair or replacement can be done by the trenchless plumbing repair process. If there isn’t enough of the old pipe in good enough condition, then the traditional method is the only option. Here are some facts to keep in mind should your home be faced with this issue:

  • The Upfront Costs: No two projects will have the same cost whether they use the traditional or trenchless plumbing repair methods. The traditional method can range as low as $50 per foot up to $250 per foot. The factors that can make a difference in pricing are pipe location and pipe materials as well as other issues. With ten feet of pipe used based on that per square foot rate, the job could cost up to $2,500 for the labor and materials. However, most jobs take more than 10 feet of line.
  • Hidden Costs: There are additional costs when making repairs the traditional method, such as the excavation of the old pipe. This makes the biggest mess and takes the most time and cost as much as $12 per square foot. If there is anything sitting on top of the sewer or water line, it may need to be moved, creating another additional cost. Then there is the cost of repairing the landscaping and lawn after the job is completed.

If trenchless plumbing repair is possible, most of those hidden expenses won’t happen because it needs only two holes. One hole where the plumbing contractors insert the liner and one hole to pull it on through. Even if there is a garden shack or tool shed sitting on top of the line, it won’t be disturbed.

concrete plumbing

Can you line a sewer pipe?

Trenchless plumbing repair is the process of inserting an epoxy or resin-coated tube into the broken pipe, then inflate the tube and allow the epoxy or resin to cure. The result is a new pipe within the old pipe and little to no damage to the yard.  This method works on any pipe, including sewer, that is made of these materials:

  • cast iron
  • clay
  • concrete
  • plastic
  • PVC 

Sewer or water pipe repairs and replacements are not a fun, DIY project around the house. If you have been told by a plumber that you need this type of work, get several estimates for both the traditional method and the trenchless plumbing repair method. Make sure the plumber is experienced, insured, licensed and has recent references. Need expert trenchless plumbing repair in Santa Clarita, CA? Call 661-201-6016 today!