What is the most common material used for a trenchless pipe repair?
Most often the new pipe used in a trenchless pipe bursting is made from High-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is flexible, strong yet lightweight. HDPE is the material of choice for residential sewer pipe bursting, but it is also often used in high-pressure pipelines, like oil and gas.
Pipe Bursting vs Pipelining
Pipe bursting and pipeline are two trenchless methods to repair aging sewer pipes, but there are very different.
Pipelining
Pipelining is a process that does not require excavation. Pipelining involves blowing a sleeve inside the existing main sewer line that is saturated in epoxy resin. The epoxy cures inside the pipe and creates a new pipe wall. The process does not require excavation. In Edmonton, pipelining is best done in warmer months, so the epoxy is cured properly.
Pipelining is not a good solution if the pipe is not holding its round shape, is collapsing, has bellies, or has a misaligned pipe joint.
The main sewer line needs to have the proper slope in order for pipelining to be a successful solution.
How long does epoxy pipe repair (pipeliner) last?
A pipelining is designed to last 50 years. Many factors can influence the life of any sewer line, including ground shifting from water or seismic activity.
Trenchless Pipe Bursting
Although trenchless, the process of pipe burst is very different than pipelining.
Pipe bursting requires excavation points, an entrance, and an exit. While the pipeliner requires the existing pipe to be intact, pipe bursting destroys the pipe as a new one is secured in its place.
In contrast to pipelining, trenchless pipe bursting is successful on pipes that have bellies and misalignments or are collapsing.
Both methods avoid the excavation required for a full pipe replacement.
How long does an HDPE sewer pipe last?
HDPE, High-density polyethylene, is the material most commonly used in a trenchless pipe bursting pipe repair. HDPE pipes are designed to last 50 to 100 years. HDPE is very durable and is often used in high-pressure pipelines. HDPE was developed in the 1930s as a durable plastic that was dense, strong, and lightweight.
How much does trenchless pipe bursting cost?
Although costs can vary in a trenchless pipe repair, consider that pipe bursting is a one to two-day process that will involve 3 to 4 technicians.
Why do I need a pipe replacement?
There are various reasons why sewer pipe replacement is needed. Often homeowners don’t know they have a problem with their main sewer line until there is an emergency backup.
An emergency backup is when wastewater flowing through the main sewer line is blocked, clogged, or bellied and so wastewater flows back into the home. In Edmonton that would mean flowing into the basement. Yuck!
Backups can be avoided when homeowners take the time to schedule a camera sewer inspection (link to camera inspection). Backups are usually a result of a problem in the sewer line that needs some attention.
Cracks, bellies, leaks, misalignments, and roots are a few of the problems that can be found in your main sewer line.
Roots
Tree roots are a common cause of clogs in sewer lines. The tiniest crack in a sewer line pipe can allow roos to establish inside the pipe. Roots thrive in a sewer line because of the steady supply of water and fertilizer, in the form of wastewater.
Roots can be removed by ongoing maintenance, including a chemical root treatment, or clearing the sewer line with an auger or hydro jet, but they are only temporary solutions.
The only way to remove roots for good is by repairing or replacing the sewer line pipes.
Pipe Bellies
A pipe belly is a sag in the main sewer line. Pipe Bellies are a result of the earth around the pipe not supporting the sewer pipe. Over time if the belly becomes severe, the pipe belly will catch waste as it moves through the sewer line. Eventually, this can cause a clog and lead to the sewer line backing up.
The only way to fix a pipe belly is a sewer pipe replacement or partial replacement.
Can you pipe burst PVC?
Yes, the trenchless pipe bursting method can effectively burst plastic pipes, including PVC and ABS. After 1970, plastic PV or ABS sewer pipes were commonly used for main sewer lines. When properly installed they are less likely to have issues, but they do from time to time. The projected lifespan of a PVC sewer line is 50 years.
Can you pipe-burst castiron?
Trenchless pipe bursting can effectively burst any main sewer line, including cast iron, clay, cement, and Orangeburg pipe in addition to plastic ABS or PVC pipe. Before 1970, various materials were more commonly used for sewer line pipes.
If your pipe is leaking because of age or damage, a permanent solution is required, such as a pipe repair or replacement.
Replacing the pipe adds years to the life of your sewer line, and prevents roots from growing into your sewer lines.
