Most homeowners facing sewer line problems hope the solution is cleaning or lining, minimally invasive, relatively affordable, and fast. In many cases, that is exactly the right approach. But sometimes a sewer line has deteriorated to the point where lining is not possible, and the pipe needs to be replaced entirely. When that situation arises, pipe bursting offers a way to install a completely new sewer line without the full excavation that traditional replacement requires. Understanding what pipe bursting involves helps homeowners make an informed decision when it is recommended.
When Pipe Lining Is Not an Option
Cured-in-place pipe lining works by inserting a liner into the existing pipe and curing it in place to create a new surface. For this to work, the existing pipe needs to retain enough of its original shape to support the liner during installation. When a pipe has collapsed completely, has severe bellying, or has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer support a liner, CIPP is not an option. In these cases, the pipe itself needs to be replaced, not just relined.
How Pipe Bursting Works
Pipe bursting is a trenchless replacement method. A bursting head is pulled through the existing pipe using a hydraulic or pneumatic pulling system. As it travels through the old pipe, the bursting head fractures it outward into the surrounding soil. Simultaneously, a new HDPE pipe is pulled into place behind the bursting head, occupying the same path as the old pipe. The result is a brand-new pipe installed in place of the old one without digging a trench along the entire length of the line.
What Pipe Bursting Can and Cannot Do
Pipe bursting is effective for replacing clay, cast iron, PVC, and Orangeburg sewer lines in most residential and commercial applications. It works best when the pipe runs in a relatively straight line and when there is enough soil stability around the pipe to accept the outward fracturing without causing surface damage. There are situations where pipe bursting is not the right choice, including very shallow pipes near the surface, pipes that run close to other underground utilities, or sections that require a significant change in pipe diameter. A camera inspection and site evaluation by an experienced technician determines whether pipe bursting is appropriate for a specific situation.
If a camera inspection has revealed that your sewer line is beyond what cleaning or lining can address, Pipelining Northwest can evaluate whether pipe bursting is the right solution for your property. We serve residential and commercial customers throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties with honest assessments and quality trenchless work. Call 206-920-3781 or visit pipeliningnw.com to schedule an evaluation.