The phrase “trenchless dig industry” doesn’t necessarily ring of excitement. But how would you feel if you awoke one morning to find that your sewer lines had burst, leaving a mess both inside and outside of your home? Or that your morning commute was extended by several hours thanks to road construction for sewer line repair or sewer pipe inspection? Now we’ve got your attention. Trenchless sewer repair means installing, removing, or enhancing underground utilities with minimal disruption of the ground surface.
So here are the reasons why you should be interested in the trenchless dig industry and your sewer line health.
- When a sewer line is clogged, it can lead to backup that seeps out of all available drains. Gross! Repairing those lines can be costly. Why not take preventative measures instead? A drain inspection camera can be used to determine … through non-invasive means … whether or not your pipes are clogged.
- Moved into a fixer-upper recently? It’s recommended that homeowners conduct a sewer inspection if their house is 40-plus years old. Think of all that could accumulate over that much time in your lines! Simple routine pipe and drain inspections could save time and money in the future.
- Once a certified plumber has viewed your lines with a drain inspection camera, there are several trenchless options available for repair (if necessary). Hydro jetting services involve using high pressure and speed water to remove blockages. These water blasters operate at 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch … wow!) and can keep your lines clear with regular maintenance. Hydro jetting cost differs with your location, but any local plumbing company would be able to discuss your options with you.
- Experts say that you should always plant trees over 10 feet from your sewer lines. Did you know that a tree’s roots can eventually grow to the point of being problematic to sewer lines? They can become three times the width of the tree itself! This is also something that can be detected with a drain inspection camera.
Pipe bursting and lining are other trenchless repair methods … these methods have been developing over the last 15 years and are quickly surpassing the backhoe as a means of repair. As if these weren’t enough reasons to recognize the import and interest of this burgeoning trend, the North American Society for Trenchless Technology has established a Hall of Fame to recognize accomplishments of individuals dedicated to the industry. And yet 78% of people polled by consumer advocate site Angie’s List hadn’t heard of “no dig” sewer pipe repair! Go figure.
Have you had any disastrous experiences with dig-based utilities replacement? Tell us about them!
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