When a plumber tells you that the water pipes on your property need to be inspected and potentially replaced, the first thing that may come to mind is the image of heavy machinery digging large trenches in your yard to dig up the pipes and visually inspect them. However, this is not the only method of repairing a sewer line. While it is the most common method, there are a few ways to do these repairs without tearing up your yard and digging trenches. These methods are referred to as trenchless sewer repairs.
How Trenchless Sewer Repair is Different Than Traditional Methods
What is trenchless sewer repair, and how is it different from the traditional methods we typically think of? First and foremost, as the name suggests, trenchless sewer line repairs do not require workers to completely dig up your pipes resulting in trenches. Technicians will still have to do some digging, but they can also use tools such as cameras to get a view of your sewer line and diagnose any issues. They are less invasive than the traditional methods and cause less damage to your yard.
Types of Trenchless Sewer Repair
How does trenchless sewer repair work? There are a few different techniques for trenchless sewer repairs, and the use of each varies depending on the circumstances. The three most common types of trenchless sewer repairs include directional drilling, pipe bursting, and trenchless pipe lining.
Directional Drilling
Directional drilling is when a drill is used to dig a tunnel a few feet under the damaged sewer line and a new line is placed. Rather than digging up and replacing the existing pipe, a new one is simply run underneath it and connected to the main line. This saves you from having to dig up the old pipe but is really only used in extenuating circumstances where something prevents you from being able to dig up the original pipe or makes it very difficult to do so.
Pipe Bursting
While this method sounds terrifying, rest assured that it is a safe and straightforward process. Two entry holes are dug at the beginning and end of the pipe that needs to be replaced. From there, a tool called a bursting head is funneled into the pipe and begins to break down the pipe. As the pipe is being broken down into small pieces, the bursting head pushes the fragments out while simultaneously pulling in the new pipe behind it.
Trenchless Pipe Lining
A relatively new technique, trenchless pipe lining involves limited to no digging. Similar to pipe bursting, entry holes are dug at the beginning and end of the pipe. After that, a felt or fiberglass pipe liner is soaked in an epoxy resin solution and fed into the existing sewer pipe. The liner is then inflated until it presses against the inside of the existing pipe. After curing for up to 24 hours, you essentially have a fully functional pipe within a pipe.
How The Sewer Repair Process Works
The process of repairing the sewer lines on your property varies depending on where the repair is in the pipeline and the extent of the damage. Whether it be minor wear and tear over the years, invasive roots, or cracks and leaks, trenchless sewer repairs can be done if the circumstances fit. Luckily, our team of experts at Wizard Plumbing & Drain are trained in these trenchless techniques and can work with you to determine if it would be a good fit for your needs.
Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
There are a handful of benefits to using a trenchless sewer repair method over the traditional method, ranging from cosmetic to financial. The benefits of choosing a trenchless sewer line repair method can include the following.
Faster Process
Trenchless techniques tend to be faster than the conventional trench method, with some repairs being completed in a single day. This saves you not only time but also money since technicians only need to come to the house for a day.
Less Expensive
As mentioned above, trenchless sewer line repair methods tend to cost less than the traditional trench method. They do not require the level of heavy machinery that digging trenches does, and the hours worked are considerably less.
Minimal Damage
Because there is little to no digging involved with any of the trenchless methods, there is significantly less damage to your lawn and property.
No Large Trenches
No one wants to look at unsightly large tunnels in their yard that leave a pile of dirt behind. Well, as the name implies, there are no trenches involved in the trenchless methods of sewer repair. Your lawn remains spick and span while your sewer line gets repaired.
Longer Lifespan
With methods such as trenchless pipe lining, the lifespan of your pipes is actually prolonged. Repairs made with a trenchless method can last longer than ones made with the traditional method and require fewer touch-ups later down the road.
Reach Hard to Reach Spaces
Trenchless sewer repair techniques allow workers to be able to easily reach pipes in hard-to-reach areas, such as under your driveway or near a large tree. It can make more difficult projects a little bit easier, without having to tear up your entire driveway to fix a leak!
Stay at Home During Repairs
While some sewer line repairs would require you to leave your home while they work on it, trenchless methods do not have this requirement. You and your family can safely stay in the comfort of your home while your sewer line is being repaired.
Environmentally Friendly
Because there is less digging involved with the trenchless methods, there is less soil displacement as well as a lower risk of damaging the infrastructure that is already there. These make it a more environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional method.
Increased Property Value
Because there is less damage to your property with a trenchless sewer repair method, you can maintain or even increase the value of your property. The aesthetics of your property are not harmed, and the value of your property remains unaffected.
How Much Does Trenchless Repair Cost?
Trenchless sewer repair costs can vary depending on the severity and complexity of the job, but it may be partially covered by your homeowner’s insurance if the sewer line has backed up into your home and caused damage there. Overall, traditional sewer repair methods cost anywhere from $4000-20,000, while trenchless methods such as pipe lining and pipe bursting cost around $3000-12,000.
Is Trenchless Sewer Repair Best for Your Home?
Now that you know the ins and outs of how these sewer repairs work, is using trenchless sewer repair worth it? As with most things, trenchless sewer repairs have pros and cons. Some of the pros to using a trenchless sewer repair method include potentially lower costs, faster timeframe, and less damage to your yard or property. One con, however, is that trenchless repair options are not always viable. If your sewer line is too badly damaged or eroded, then the only way to salvage it would be to use the traditional trench method.
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