Trenchless Sewer Repair: What Is It?

When sewer pipes need to be repaired or replaced it used to pose a major inconvenience to homeowners. Since sewer pipes are located underground, it meant potentially digging up landscaping, hardscaping and driveways in order to remove and replace the pipes. It was time-consuming and extremely disruptive for the homeowner and the neighborhood, sometimes even causing traffic to be re-routed. But trenchless technology allows sewer and drain professionals to make repairs or install replacement pipes without the need to dig up old pipes.

How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?

As the name implies, trenchless sewer repair means that it’s not necessary to dig trenches to make pipe repairs. Instead, trenchless technology involves the use of specialized equipment, such as cables and cameras, to repair or replace damaged portions of sewer pipes. Not only does the use of trenchless technology means there is no need to dig up a homeowner’s property, it is also fast – with most projects completed in a day.

The most common types of trenchless sewer line replacement are pipe lining and pipe bursting.

A pipe liner is a resin-coated flexible tube that is either blow or pulled into the broken pipe and then inflated. Once the resin hardens, it essentially creates a new plastic pipe inside the old, damaged pipe. The new pipe is also joint-less and resistant to corrosion. The liner does slightly reduce the diameter of the pipe, but it won’t affect the pipe’s performance and ability to remove waste from your home.

If the old pipe is too damaged for a pipe liner, pipe bursting is another trenchless sewer repair option. It involves inserting a new pipe pulled by a steel cable through the damaged pipe. This breaks up the old pipe while simultaneously pulling the new pipe into place.

Other Uses for Trenchless Technology

In addition to replacing a damaged or broken pipe, there are other uses for trenchless technology. Using water-jetting apparatuses and drain-cleaning products, sewer technicians at EcoClean can use trenchless technology for a variety of other purposes, including:

  • Inspecting sewer lines.
  • Cleaning out clogged pipes.
  • Removing roots that have intruded into pipes, causing clogs or damage.
  • Preventative maintenance.

If you are experiencing issues with your sewer drain or pipes, give EcoClean a call today! Our trained technicians can assess, clean, and then repair or replace your pipes – restoring water and sewer pressure back to normal.