A damaged or defective pipeline can be a frustrating prospect. This type of problem seems to wait until the most inconvenient time to occur. But, the problem will only get worse. So, which is the best sewer line repair to deal with your worn out or damaged line?
This is one of the most common ways to address a damaged pipeline. Pipe bursting essentially involves replacing or repairing your sewer line without the need to dig trenches. So, you won’t need to deal with having your yard and driveway dug up and your landscaping disturbed.
Instead an access point on each side of the existing pipe is made. The plumbing team will then pull a new fused pipe through, breaking the old pipe. This provides a quick and quiet repair without any need for lengthy excavation or city permits.
This technique was first introduced approximately 15 years ago, but this should not be confused with pipelining, another type of trenchline repair that uses a different process. Pipe bursting uses the existing infrastructure of sewer lines, with the old lines acting as a guide to install new pipes. The old pipe will be broken up into the surrounding soil as it has made space for the new pipe.
The Cons:
The other main alternative to pipe bursting is to have an open top excavation. As its name suggests, open top excavation involves digging up the affected pipe, excavating the area to gain full access. This is the traditional method of sewer line repair that was usually employed before the trenchless techniques were developed.
The process involves heavy digging equipment being brought onsite. Your contractors will dig up the sewer line in a long trench through your property. The dirt from the trenches is displaced to the side, so the sewer lines can be laid bare for easy access for the repair team. This will allow the contractors to evaluate whether a repair can be made or if there is a need to replace the entire pipeline.
The Cons:
As you can see, both methods have their pros and cons, so you’ll need to assess which one is best for you. If you have already done lots of landscaping and are prepared to pay a premium for a faster and less disruptive repair, then pipe bursting is likely to be the best option.
On the other hand, if you’re already planning on doing your yard in the coming months and are willing to have your yard and driveway disturbed for a week or two, then you could potentially save money using an open top excavation.
If you’re still a little confused about which method would be best for your home, speak to your plumber. An experienced plumber can walk you through what would be involved in the process to help you make an informed decision.