Trenchless Repair Methods

There are varying methods of trenchless sewer line repair that we can perform, depending on your needs. Certain cases require one or the other, depending on their severity. Once we perform an initial inspection, we will let you know which method is most appropriate for you, and what the estimated cost will be. But first, a little bit of information about the differences between the methods.

Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting is required for more difficult cases, where the original sewer line is damaged beyond repair. Pipe bursting involves first creating two holes to your pipeline – one at the start of the damaged pipe, and one at the end. Then, a bursting head is sent through the old pipe, breaking it up into tiny bits as a new, pristine pipe is dragged into place behind it. This removes the old damaged pipe and puts the brand new one there instead, ready to serve you for decades.

Pipe Relining

If your pipe is cracked only in a few places and is not damaged beyond repair, then pipe relining can be a feasible method of repair. In this method of trenchless sewer line repair, a liner is dragged through the existing sewer line and then expanded with high pressure air and steam. Once expanded, an epoxy coating is released. Once dry, this epoxy coating dries to the shape of the sewer line and essentially forms a new pipe within the old one.

Trenchless Boring

Directional drilling and horizontal boring are a newer trenchless method of underground pipe installation.  Horizontal boring actually allows you to replace the damaged pipe by pulling thru a new line underground. You do not even have to have a preexisting line or pipe.  Other methods such as pipelining require an almost perfect pipe to reline.  Pipe bursting requires a pipe to burst thru and trenching requires digging up the existing damaged pipe creating a long and deep trench.

What lines can be repaired or replaced using this method:

• Water Main Lines
• Sewer Main Lines
• Storm Drain Systems
• Conduit Lines

How Much Does Trenchless Cost?

Trenchless sewer line repair costs can vary greatly, depending on the method of repair required and what length of pipe needs to be repaired or replaced. Pipe bursting costs anywhere from $60-200 per foot, whereas relining costs anywhere from $80-250 per foot. When compared to traditional sewer repair, the cost is either the same or less when factoring in labor costs and other extraneous fees. When completing an entire length of sewer line, it can cost anywhere from $3500 to $20,000 – but smaller pipe repairs usually don’t cost more than $4000 total.