trenchless sewer repair

A Handy Guide to Trenchless Sewer Repair

Revamping the house can be quite troublesome; the paint is coming off, the furniture is old. However, mild retouching is nothing compared to sewer repairs. Sewer repairs can be quite frustrating given the time it takes and the entire cumbersome process because it means tearing down the entire lawn, which would save the plumbing but sacrifice your entire landscape.

trenchless sewer repair

However, things are changing as new methods are being adopted for the process. Trenchless sewer repair is gaining traction due to its viability as compared to the conventional methods. Trenchless sewer repair is known to be cheaper and more convenient than traditional methods. The repair techniques are selected based on site constraints, system characteristics, and project objectives. The sewer line repair is planned efficiently by utility contractors. You can easily choose and contact the best underground utility contractors near you through online directories. Read on for more information about trenchless sewer repair:

What is trenchless sewer repair?

The trenchless repair process begins with the inspection with a camera. A professional inserts a special camera to check the length and the extent of the damage. The professional may also suggests other inspection methods such as the hydrostatic pressure test to check if there are any leaks present in the sewer system. Once the initial inspection is complete, the professional will access the pipe from the shallowest point. The shallowest point is usually located in the basement or right outside your house. The old pipe is then cleared with a hydro jetter to get rid of any debris.

After the host pipe is cleared, a new pipe is inserted. The new pipe is made up of resin that replaces the old pipe once it hardens. The entire process is called ‘cured in pipe.’ After some time, a camera is inserted again to see if the sewer line is ready for usage.

The entire process is quite hassle-free since there is minimal digging required; you can retain your landscape and your peace of mind.

Types of trenchless repair

Thanks to the advancements in technology, there are a host of ways to conduct trenchless sewer replacement other than ‘cure in place.’ Other methods include pipe bursting. In pipe bursting, the existing pipe is expanded and broken and simultaneously replaced with new high-density polyethylene pipes. This is done through by pulling ahead, which breaks the existing pipe and adds the new pipe.

Pipe bursting is an environmentally safe method as compared to other methods such as cure in the pipe because it does not require any harmful elements. Cure in pipe, on the other hand, releases styrene a hazardous chemical after installation.

There is another method called slip lining through which an epoxy liner is inserted in the existing sewer pipe. The liner is then expanded through heating, and it replaces the old pipe. The epoxy liner is perfectly safe for the environment also.

Pipe bursting is a long-lasting method because unlike in cure in pipe or slip lining a new pipe is inserted. In other methods, the diameter of existing pipe is reduced, which often causes problems soon.

Cost of trenchless repair

Convenience is one thing, but in the end, everything boils down to the cost. When you look at the traditional methods, there are a lot of factors involved because you need to dig a trench, do the repairs and put the earth back. Also, any damage that is done to the landscape of your garden has to be accounted for as well.

The process may seem simple and cheaper, but the starting costs are around $8,000 and $12,000, and this is excluding any redesigning or revamping of the landscape. Sometimes, when the landscape is larger there is a need for special equipment, which further increases the bill.

As far as the trenchless repair is concerned since there is minimal digging, the costs are significantly less than traditional methods. The costs, however, may vary depending upon a lot of factors. The most important being the area size and access to the existing point. If the diameter and the extent of damage is more than more materials are required for repair. Similarly, if there is no access point, then one has to be created by digging the sewer.

The present condition of your pipes also matter a lot. For example, in the pipe bursting method, the existing pipes need to be de-scaled first, which can take up a lot of time.

However, on average, you will not find trenchless repair services below $2,500.  For homes that have a lot size of around $10,000 sq ft, the cost can be in the range of $3,500 and $8,500. For homes with a size greater than $10,000 it could cost between $6500 and $14,000.

Since the cost depends upon a lot of factors, a contractor will first examine everything and then quote a price. Sometimes the contractor will quote a per foot price. Be very cautious in accepting such a proposal since it is a fancy to hide all the extra costs.  Now you know that the area is not the only factor involved in costs.

Find the right professional

The success of the entire process depends upon the professional you hire. So, don’t make a hasty decision. Always make the experience of the contractor a priority over the cost.

Audrey Throne
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