Why Dig Up Your Yard? Exploring Trenchless Sewer Repair
Traditional sewer repairs often mean digging up your yard, driveway, and landscaping, leading to high costs and major disruption. But there’s a better way.
Trenchless sewer repair can restore pipes without extensive excavation. Learn more about common causes of sewer damage, no-dig repair methods and costs, and why trenchless sewer repair may be right for you.
Common Reasons for Sewer Line Damage
You might think your sewer lines are safe underground, but there are still many ways for them to become damaged. These include:
- Tree root intrusion: Roots seek out moisture and can penetrate joints and small cracks in sewer pipes, causing blockages and damage.
- Pipe corrosion and aging: Older pipes made from clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg deteriorate over time, leading to leaks and collapses.
- Ground shifting or settling: Changes in soil conditions due to weather, construction, or natural settling can cause pipes to crack or shift, necessitating the need for pipe restoration.
- Frequent sewer backups: Recurring backups can indicate major blockages or structural damage within the sewer line.
What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?
Trenchless sewer repair restores underground pipes without the need for disruptive digging. You'll be able to preserve your landscaping, driveway, and home exterior while enjoying new sewer lines that flow without a hitch.
How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?
Instead of excavating your entire yard, professionals use advanced technology to repair or replace pipes through small access points.
In a trenchless sewer line repair, a plumber uses a sewer camera to inspect the old lines. Then, they'll insert a new pipe or lining into the existing damaged pipe. Because they don't need to dig trenches and can use the old pipes as a guide, your yard or driveway will stay immaculate.
Types of Trenchless Sewer Repair Methods
There are two main methods of trenchless pipe restoration solutions. Which one you go with depends on the condition of your pipes and what type of sewer problems you're having.
1. Pipe Bursting
With pipe bursting, plumbers break apart the old pipe while simultaneously pulling a new one into place. A special hydraulic tool head expands the existing pipe, pushing fragments outward while replacing it with a durable new pipe.
You would choose pipe bursting for sewer lines that are severely damaged or completely collapsed, as they can't be salvaged at all.
2. Pipe Relining
Also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, pipe relining involves inserting a flexible liner coated with resin into the damaged pipe. Once in place, the liner hardens, creating a seamless, durable inner pipe.
Relining a sewer pipe can be a better choice if your pipes are in decent shape but have a few leaks throughout.
Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Repair
Homeowners are increasingly choosing trenchless sewer repair over traditional excavation for several reasons:
- Minimal property damage: When you fix a sewer line without digging, there's no need to tear up driveways, sidewalks, or landscaping.
- Faster completion: Most trenchless repairs are completed within a day.
- Cost-effective: While upfront costs may be higher, replacing a sewer line without digging can lower labor expenses and reduce property restoration costs.
- Durability: Trenchless methods create long-lasting solutions, with pipes and liners designed to last 50+ years.
How Much Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Cost?
Trenchless sewer repair costs vary depending on a range of factors. What you pay depends on the size of the job, the pipe diameter and material, and whether you choose pipe bursting or relining. It's hard to estimate exact costs without inspecting your specific situation.
But for many people, trenchless sewer repair can be far cheaper than paying to excavate and restore your entire yard. Sewer lines can be buried as deep as 30 inches underground, requiring special excavation equipment and fill to replace. No-dig pipe repairs don't have this added cost. The most significant benefit is that it limits collateral damage to sidewalks, driveways, trees, and landscaping.
When Should You Choose Trenchless Over Traditional Sewer Repair?
Trenchless repair is an excellent option for most homeowners, but it’s especially beneficial in these situations:
- You want to avoid property damage: If you have a landscaped yard, paved driveway, or expensive outdoor features, trenchless piping minimizes disruption.
- You need a fast solution: Trenchless pipe restoration solutions take hours, not days or weeks, like traditional methods. Speed is important if your system is showing signs of a sewer backup.
- Your pipes have moderate to severe damage: If the structure of your existing pipe is still intact, pipe relining can restore its function without replacement.
- Your sewer line is difficult to access: If your sewer line runs under your home, a sidewalk, or a street, trenchless sewer line replacement prevents the need for costly demolition and rebuilding.
Why Trenchless Sewer Repair Might Be Right For You
Trenchless sewer repair offers a long-term, cost-effective, and less invasive alternative to traditional digging. If you’re dealing with frequent backups, old pipes, or root intrusion, trenchless solutions can restore your sewer line without turning your yard into a construction zone. Find more information on Zero Dig Pipe Restoration here.
Experiencing sewer line issues? Don’t wait until the problem worsens. Call the Roto-Rooter plumbing professionals today at 800-768-6911 to schedule your service.