Pipe blockage and leaks due to aging pipe and sewer lines, overgrown roots, mineral buildup and calcification, or ground movement can be a nightmare for homeowners. The cost of repairs, landscaping, and restoration costs thousands of dollars. The damage can also lead to health risks as contaminates enter the water system and leaks lead to mildew and mold growth.
One pipe repair solution that many homeowners are unaware of is trenchless pipe repair or sewer pipe lining. Sewer pipe lining is a procedure in which the damaged line is filled with a flexible pipe coated with epoxy. When the epoxy dries, the line is more secure than before it was, even before it was damaged. Many homeowners opt for trenchless pipe lining because, as the name alludes, the repair can be completed without tearing out the landscaping and home foundation and digging up the pipes to make the repair. If you have a water or sewer lines in need of repair and are considering a trenchless plumbing repair, here is the basic information you need to know:
What exactly is involved in trenchless pipe repair?
The typical trenchless pipe repair job involves three steps:
- The pipe contractor will conduct a non-invasive video camera inspection to assess the degree of damage to the existing pipes.
- A high pressure water jet clears the lines of any obstructions, oil and grease buildup, and dirt.
- A new liner is run through the existing pipe which corrects any damage, and prevents calcification from causing blockage because minerals cannot adhere to the material the lining is made out of. The epoxy waterline or sewer pipe lining also creates a stronger pipe than the original pipe ever was capable of.
How “trenchless” is trenchless pipe repair?
Traditional pipe replacement entails the entire ground above the pipe to be removed, tearing out any landscaping or structures in the in way. Trenchless pipe repair only involves a small hole at the entry and exit of the pipe to be dug, so that the pipe lining can be added.
What is the price difference between trenchless pipe repair and the traditional “dig” method?
Trenchless pipe repair can cost 30% to 50% more than traditional methods. However, when you add in the cost of excavation and restoration into the cost of the project, the trenchless option is often more cost effective.
When is trenchless pipe repair not a suitable option?
Trenchless pipe lining is not a good option in the following cases:
- The existing pipe is such poor shape it lost it’s round or oval shape.
- The existing pipe has collapsed (in this case, the portion of the pipe that has collapsed will need to be replaced, and the rest of the damaged pipe can be repaired with a pipe lining.)
- When the capacity of the pipe needs to be increased through the repair, the nature of the pipe lining maintain the same diameter lines as the existing pipes.
- The sewage pipe is used to carry material at temperatures that will melt the epoxy lining or abrasive chemicals that will burn through the pipe lining.
Do you have additional questions that we didn’t include here? Please feel free to ask them in the comment section below.
