How does trenchless sewer line replacement work?
Trenchless plumbing is two of the greatest words ever to a homeowner! The words “new sewer line” bring about images of ripped-up yard, mud, and mess. It could be from tree roots to have broken the pipe or the fittings have broken. Whatever the problem that has caused the need for the new sewer line, a mess will soon follow. Or will it? Today, there is trenchless plumbing technology that keeps the plumbing crew from having to tear up your landscaping!
This new technology, plumbers, can do a trenchless sewer line replacement with minor damage to the landscaping and lawn. This trenchless sewer construction does the work of what took a crew of plumbers sometimes days to get done in just a matter of a few hours typically. The new sewer line is placed by pipe bursting or pipelining, without digging trenches.
With trenchless sewer equipment, the old pipe is broken out and the new pipe is laid in place right behind it. Another option that plumbers have with the trenchless plumbing method is pipelining. This entails using a coated flexible pipe and either blowing it or pulling it through the existing old pipe. It is then inflated so that it fills the old pipe and the resin coating hardens inside the old pipe.
How long does trenchless sewer repair last?
Underground pipe repair for a house is not a slight task, nor is it inexpensive. It isn’t something you want to repeat soon after having it done, and if you have the job by experienced professionals, you won’t have to repeat the job. Especially with the trenchless plumbing method that is used today.
As we mentioned earlier, there are two ways that sewer lines are repaired. One is bursting out the old pipe while pushing new sewer lines in as they go. This is the pipe bursting method and the lifespan you can expect on that new pipe is a minimum of fifty years, maybe longer.
The other option is pipelining, which offers a lifespan of fifty years. Some misunderstand this method of trenchless plumbing is a patch job, but it is much more than that. With specific equipment, the plumber can insert a flexible pipe that is coated in resin. Once it is in place, it hardens and becomes a new pipe inside the old pipe. You can think of this as pipe rehab!
Pipelining doesn’t take long for most jobs completed within one day, and the best part of it is: Your landscaping is almost untouched! So, which method of trenchless plumbing is the better one?
When you call a plumbing contractor out to review your sewer line problem, they will inspect the situation and offer their opinion on which of the two trenchless plumbing methods is the best for your particular situation. Which is better? They are both suitable methods, and which is better depends on the property itself.
Our technicians will determine which of the two is right for your situation after making an evaluation.
The pros of having this new trenchless plumbing technology are many:
- Quality: Trenchless plumbing is done with state-of-the-art equipment with superior materials by experienced plumbers that have been thoroughly trained. Once the job is done, you’ll have a pipe system that is durable and won’t crack, corrode, or rust.
- Efficient: An experienced plumber who can complete a trenchless plumbing pipe lining job in a matter of hours, leaving your sewer line like new.
- Cheaper: Trenchless plumbing sewer pipe lining is cheaper than the traditional sewer line replacement because the job doesn’t take as long. Fewer man-hours mean less expense.
- Versatile: The material used for trenchless plumbing pipelining is durable and flexible. You won’t have to worry about doing anything like cast iron, clay, or concrete pipes have done.
- Eco-Friendly: The trenchless plumbing process is easier on the land and with the pipelining method, there is no busted up sewer line to be disposed of.
- No Mess: Trenchless plumbing technology removes the need to dig trenches and destroy the landscaping or lawn.
Do I really need to replace my sewer line?
It can be easy to forget your sewer line until it isn’t working anymore. With proper maintenance, this invisible part of your home’s plumbing system can help you notice issues before they become significant. Some signs that are telling you that you need sewer repair or replacement:
- Slow draining plumbing fixtures
- Low water pressure and toilet bowl water level varies
- Constant backups and blockages
- Leaking pipes
- Standing water with a foul odor in the yard
- Sewer gas odor lingering around your property
- Mold growing on ceilings and walls
- Patches of extra lush green grass
- A dip or indentation in the lawn in an area of sewer line runs
- Foundation cracks and sinkholes around the foundation
- Basement floods, especially around drains, accompanied by a foul odor
- Persistent insect and rodent problems regardless of pest control measures
- Loud gurgling noise coming from pipes with water flow
- A sudden increase in the water bill
Can trenchless sewer repair fix a belly?
No, trenchless plumbing technology isn’t used on a bellied line because the flexible, coated sleeve will only follow the existing pipe. The sewer line will need to be dug up at the belly, repaired using a new pipe in the belly section.
Can I replace my sewer line myself?
Sewer line repair or replacement can be expensive, and some homeowners simply cannot afford that major financial hit. So, they consider doing the job themselves, and while that is possible, manually, not the trenchless plumbing method, not that many savings.
Digging a trench to reach the sewer line isn’t a technical job, but it is hard work that is extremely demanding physically. One adult in good physical shape can complete a four-foot deep, eight-foot-long, three-foot wide trench in a weekend of full workdays. This depends on the type of soil, the number of tree roots, and other factors.
Need professional plumbing services for your home? Call the experts of Drain Force Plumbing at (310) 363-8955 today.