Phoenix Trenchless Sewer Repair, Replacement, and Pipe Lining

• Root intrusions
• Slow drainage
• Sagging pipes (low spots)
• Corroded/deteriorated cast iron
• Collapsed pipe
• Broken pipe
• Cracked pipe

Pipe-bursting is a much more aggressive approach. The name “pipe-bursting” is very fitting for this process, as a steel bursting head is pulled through the sewer line by a steel cable via hydraulic rams.

The new pipe is known as a high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, and is just as resilient as epoxy lining. Any drain connections in the sewer line being replaced must be dug up and manually reconnected to the new sewer line, which requires additional excavation. Given that this process usually requires more excavation than epoxy lining, more extensive reconstruction work is generally needed after the sewer replacement is complete. Even if the main sewer line between a house and a street is replaced, at least two hole must be dug, one to run the hydraulic ram(s) from, and one to feed the new pipe through. This method can, however, be performed on more severely deteriorated sewer lines, including smaller 2” drain lines.

Epoxy pipe lining, the other fundamental trenchless sewer technology method, also known as cured in place pipe (CIPP), utilizes a fiberglass tube that is introduced with epoxy resin to form a new pipe within the old pipe. The old pipe must be in sufficiently fair condition to act as a host pipe, a mold if you will, to an epoxy liner.

First, the old sewer line must be thoroughly cleaned. Next, an epoxy liner is blown into the old sewer line with a special tank, called an inversion tank. After this epoxy liner is inserted in the old sewer line, an air bladder is used to hold it in place as the epoxy resin cures. The bladder is then removed, resulting in a very resilient new pipe. This process indeed reduces the diameter of the sewer line, but does so a negligible amount. Any drain connections covered up can be cut back open with special tools, resulting in a contiguous new pipe.

Why use Cured in Place Pipe Lining?

The biggest advantage of this method is that it can be performed with very limited to no digging. This method is, however, usually the more expensive approach, but often results in very little reconstruction needs due to limited excavation, so this approach may be a financially sensible one. This process is an excellent proactive approach that can save money if catastrophic sewer failure has not already occurred. Unfortunately, this method cannot be used on small 2” drain lines, but main sewer lines under houses can usually be replaced with just one hole dug outside.

Deteriorated cast iron pipes

Many homes built prior to the 1980s have cast iron sewer lines under their slabs. Unfortunately, these metal pipes break down over time. They rust out, and eventually crack. As sewage seeps under a home's foundation, odors may be noticed. Replacing these sewer lines under a slab can be very invasive. If replaced proactively, before complete collapse, trenchless sewer repair options may be available, saving a substantial amount of money and demolition.

Sagging pipes (low spots)

Without sufficient slope, a sewer line cannot effectively carry waste away from a home. As waste accumulates, a complete blockage will occur. Sometimes this issue can be fixed with pipe-bursting, but in more extreme scenarios, excavation of the problem area must be done.

Sewer line camera inspections

Before such a big decision is made, a thorough inspection should be performed. Our inspections do not just include your main sewer line, but also your home's individual drain lines. We feel that it is important that you understand all of your options before making any commitment. Whether you just plan on living in your home for another five years, or you intend on staying for several decades, we have options for both scenarios, as well as everything in between!

Sewer line jetting systems

While older sewer lines, such as rough cast iron ones, may clog more often, even newer homes can experience slow drains and even complete clogs. Whether roots have grown into your sewer line, or grease and hair buildup has occurred, hydro-jetting may be a good option for you. With high pressure water, we can clean your drains to restore optimal flow.