While driving through your neighbourhood, you may have noticed long and narrow ditches dug up to replace or repair old sewer lines. That’s called a trench. Destroyed flower beds, ripped-up lawns, noise pollution, gaping wall holes, and environmental pollution are standard in traditional pipe replacement. What if we were to tell you there’s a better way?
A better technique exists, called trenchless pipe repair (or replacement). Over time, old water lines may experience age deterioration, channeling, holes, root intrusion, or cracks. In most cases, a large portion of these old pipes remains intact. With trenchless pipe repair, an experienced plumber can use this innovative technology to fix the line without digging up the ground, using only one or two incisions instead.
Types of Trenchless Repairs and Their Benefits
Here are the two most common trenchless repair/replacement methods and their benefits:
Pipe Bursting
This method requires two incision points across the existing water or sewer line length. A steelhead breaks through the old, damaged pipe and pulls out the new pipe behind it. A hydraulic ram on the other end pulls the bursting head and a cable through the existing pipe. The damaged sewer line is then replaced without the need for an invasive digging process.
Pipe Bursting Benefits
The main advantage of this trenchless repair method is that the plumber makes only two incision points. Depending on where the damaged pipe is located, they do not need to dig up your whole yard, floor, or break apart walls. As well, the new line is chemical resistant, long-lasting, and meets all the latest industry standards.
Pipe Relining
In this trenchless pipe repair method, a lining material (polymer and epoxy) is inserted into the damaged pipe through a single cut. This lining material coats the interior and hardens, fixing cracks or holes in the existing pipe. This method is also known as cured-in-place pipelining (CIPP).
Pipe Relining Benefits
There is minimal damage caused when utilizing the pipe relining method because it requires only one cut. Moreover, this method is less expensive, causes less disruption, and is faster than the traditional trenching method.
Other Benefits of Trenchless Repairs
Since fewer people are needed to get the job done and less time is required, trenchless repair and replacement are more cost-effective than previous methods. Consider this: Digging up a trench and later refilling it requires extensive labour and expense. You can eliminate these expenses by choosing a provider who offers trenchless repair services while still getting a solution of identical quality!
Because trenchless repairs are a faster technique than the conventional digging method, you won’t be inconvenienced for long and will not need to stay in a hotel. Trenchless repairs, in most cases, are completed within a day. These are additional costs you may also save. In addition, you’ll avoid the time, labour and expense of replacing your flower beds, lawn, floors or walls that are frequently damaged through traditional methods of repair. Trenchless pipe repair is less messy and causes less damage than the conventional digging method.
Signs That You Need Trenchless Repair
Trenchless repair has, without a doubt, many advantages over traditional pipe repair. However, how can you determine whether a water or sewer line is damaged and requires repair without digging up the ground, tearing down walls, or removing the floor? Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs of pipe damage:
- A sudden, unusual hike in water bills
- Bizarre noises, such as grinding, squeaking, or bubbling, coming from drains
- Frequent clogging issues, such as an overflowing toilet
- Unpleasant sewage odours from your yard, basement, or toilet
- Little to no water in the toilet bowl
- Grit or sediment in your bathing or drinking water
- Little to no drainage in sinks, bathtubs, and showers
- Mould growth
- Moisture in the basement
- Puddles appear in your yard when it is not raining
If you notice any of these signs:
Trenchless repairs require modern equipment and excellent plumbing skills from a licensed professional. If you are a Vancouver Island or Greater Victoria resident, contact The Super Plumber for trenchless pipe repairs. You’ll get the repairs you need to be completed quickly and competently, without the mess.
Dial 250-995-1234 to quickly schedule repair, plumbing maintenance, or water or sewer lines replacement. We’ve been serving homeowners for over fifteen years, and we have fixed everything from leaky water heaters to sewer blockages and burst pipes. If you notice any of the signs above, don’t delay. Call The Super Plumber right away to deal with a suspected problem before it creates more issues. Our team of friendly, licensed plumbing professionals has the skills and experience to replace your water and sewer lines fast and affordably.
