The panic that comes with a broken or damaged pipe on you property is exacerbated by the fear of heavy excavators digging into your garden and lawn. This was the reality of many pipe repairs, until no-dig trenchless sewer repair became available.
Here is everything you need to know about trenchless sewers and trenchless technology in the plumbing world.
What is a no dig trenchless sewer repair?
Trenchless sewer repair is a type piping repair that does not require excavation in your yard. This will then save you the cost of expensive yard repairs.
Although each type of no dig repair is more efficient than conventional sewer repairs in that it does not require digging, not all options are entirely free from excavation.
Since you don’t have to hire a huge excavator to dig up your lawn, you will save money by avoiding the replacement of your torn up garden and lawn.
Four types of trenchless sewer repairs
The pros might use four types of repair on your damaged pipe. The best type of pipe repair for you will depend on how old the pipe is, what type of pipe needs to be repaired, and where it is located. Let’s take a closer look at each type of repair.
1. CIPP
Cured-in place pipe (CIPP), a method of repairing damaged pipes, involves inserting a fiberglass tube coated in epoxy resin into the pipe and blowing it up like an balloon. The epoxy sets in a few hours and forms a pipe within the pipe.
Using CIPP technology, contractors can make repairs to sewer and water lines with minimal disruption to streets, sidewalks and landscaping. A robotically controlled cutting machine connects the sewer line to its main after the new lining has been installed. The epoxy lining is unlike other pipes and is non-corrosive.
CIPP technology reduces the pipe’s diameter because a new pipe must be inserted into an existing one. It might not work well with pipes that are too small.
2. Pipe bursting
It might sound like someone is going to blow up your pipes with this method. The bursting head is inserted into the pipe to burst it. The bursting head is connected to a new piece of piping and the line is threaded through it. The old pipe will burst and be pushed out, while the new pipe will remain in place.
If you have an old pipe that needs to be replaced or piping that is too small, pipe bursting can be done. You can also ask your professional to install a larger sewer line.
This option will require two excavation holes to insert the pipe and remove the old one. However, it is much less expensive than traditional trench repairs.
3. Spray Lining/Brush Coating
Spray lining, which uses epoxy, resin or another type of polymer to repair the sewer leak, is another option. Spray or brush are used to apply the sealant. This repair method is non-invasive because the equipment used to coat the pipes can be accessed through a direct access point. It is also cost-friendly and easy to install, sometimes taking just a few hours.
However, pipes can take up to a day for them to heal. This method won’t work on pipes that have major cracks or damage.
4. Slip Lining
This is the most common no-dig sewer repair option. Slip lining is similar to pipe bursting, but requires two holes. Instead of burping the pipe, a professional inserts a slip liner inside the pipe to stop the leak.
Trenchless sewer repair works best for larger pipes than smaller ones. The liner reduces the pipe’s diameter, restricting the flow and preventing any damage. This is why it’s not recommended for residential use.
The pros and cons of a no-dig trenchless sewer repair
These are the advantages and disadvantages of a no dig trenchless sewer repair over a traditional trench repair when deciding between them.
The pros of no-dig sewer repairs
There are a few benefits to choosing a no dig solution for your pipe:
- Less digging. Sometimes, you might not even need to dig in your yard to fix a leak.
- It’s quieter. You won’t have to dig trenches in your yard. There won’t be any loud excavators digging at your lawn for hours.
- No new landscaping costs. Nobody likes to see their rose gardens and deck destroyed by an unexpected circumstance such as a burst pipe. A no-dig solution can save you up to $1,000 per yard. No need to replace anything.
The cons of no dig sewer repairs
There are some cons to no-dig sewer repair, including:
- It’s expensive. No-dig trenchless sewer repairs can be more labor-intensive than traditional trenches. They are often more expensive than trench repairs. However, you don’t have to budget for lawn repairs after the digging on your property.
- Not always possible. Trenchless sewer repair may not be possible for pipes that are very old, narrow, or damaged. If this is the case, you will need to choose a trenched sewer repair.
No-dig sewer repair cost
You can reduce your cost up to $60-250 per foot on no-dig sewer installation. This is because if you have minor repairs to your pipe, you will be able to pay far less than if you had to have your whole yard excavated.
This compares to the average sewer line repair cost of $50 to $250, or $4 to $12 per ft to dig the trench.
Prices can vary depending on where you live and how complex the job is. Talk to a local sewer line repair company to make sure that your yard suffers minimal damage.
