If you have sewer problems, but want to avoid invasive demolition in your home, then we can help!
Trenchless sewer technology is the process of rehabilitating, or even replacing, sections of subterranean drain and sewer lines with limited, or even no, excavation. Whether inside of a house, or outside of a house, excavating on a property can be very invasive. Most homeowners do not look forward to such disturbances to their property!
There are two fundamental trenchless sewer technology processes. Each method has its pros and cons, and often compliment one another. These two methods are:
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.
Roots from trees or plants often grow into sewer lines. Not only can this cause backups, but if left neglected, the structural integrity of the sewer line can become compromised as roots continue to grow. Basic plumbing tools can remove these roots, while more advanced equipment can prevent regrowth.
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.
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.
If your drains under your property have failed, then you may have more options than you think. Not only are trenchless options less invasive, but the material used is extremely durable.
Whether the problem area is under your slab, driveway, or pool decking, trenching may not be necessary. Call today for a free quote!
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!
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.
The cost of the epoxy lining process for a main sewer line can range from $4,000.00 to $6,000.00, to over $10,000.00, as the unique sewer configuration is important. Pipe-bursting is generally $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 cheaper, unless very extensive excavation is needed. Of course, pipe-bursting usually requires more reconstruction work after the sewer replacement portion of the project is complete. As discussed before, epoxy lining is a more proactive approach. If a main sewer line is severely deteriorated, then the smaller drain lines under a house are usually deteriorated as well. Since more extensive excavation is performed to pipe-burst these more deteriorated sewer lines, a complete sewer system overhaul is often considered. This can involve replacing all drain and sewer lines under a house, not just the main sewer line, and usually costs between $15,000.00 and $20,000.00.
Not only is trenchless sewer technology usually more cost effective, as well as less invasive, but the product installed is also superior to traditional ABS pipe. For this reason, trenchless sewer work usually offers more value over more traditional methods.
A sewer camera inspection must be performed in order to determine the best course of action for your home. Call us today at 602-560-7778 for a quote!