There is no way to sugarcoat it; sewer line replacement is a big job. However, thanks to some innovative new techniques, you at least have options on how you want to go about it. For a long time, the only way to replace your sewer line was to dig up the existing pipe and replace it with a new one, and while this method is still frequently used, it’s not the only way to get your line repaired.
Coming up we’ll give you an overview of the various methods used for sewer line replacement and cover some of the pros and cons of each.
Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Techniques
By far, one of the biggest advantages of trenchless sewer line replacement is speed and simplicity. The technique can be used to replace an entire sewer line in as little as a few hours, and there is virtually no digging required. There are a few trenchless methods, but the two most common for pipe replacement are pipe bursting and pipe lining.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting might sound a little extreme, but the process is not as dramatic as it seems and leaves virtually no footprint. After marking the precise location of the impacted pipe, the contractor will dig two small access points at either end of the damaged pipe. Using specialized equipment, a bursting head is then pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart and replacing it with a new, durable pipe in its place.
This method has become the go-to choice for most sewer line replacement jobs because by simply reusing the existing pipe infrastructure, pipe bursting is minimally disruptive and very quick to execute. However, it’s not always viable. Contractors will not use this method if there are utilities located nearby because of the danger of damaging them. In other cases, the existing pipe or infrastructure may simply be too damaged for pipe bursting to be a viable option.
Pipe Lining
Another way to replace a pipe without having to dig up your lawn is to line the existing pipe with a flexible epoxy-coated liner. Instead of destroying the existing pipe, pipe lining reinforces it by creating a new, seamless interior layer. The contractor inserts the liner into the old pipe and inflates it, allowing the epoxy to harden into place.
Pipelining is a good option when a contractor decides it’s feasible to repair rather than replace small sections of a damaged sewer line. For issues like minor cracks or leaks, pipe lining is less invasive and less costly than pipe bursting. However, it’s not suitable for pipes with significant structural damage.
Traditional Sewer Pipe Replacement
If we have ways to replace a sewer line without extensive excavation, then why would anyone want to dig? Well, there are a few reasons.
Many contractors still believe that despite the newer methods available, the old way is still the best—and in some cases, it is. Traditional sewer pipe replacement allows for full visibility and access to the damaged pipe. This hands-on method helps to guarantee the pipe replacement is done correctly and leaves no trace of the old piping behind. It’s also the preferred option in cases where large areas of the sewer line have collapsed, and there’s no pipe to salvage.
That said, most homeowners prefer to avoid traditional methods of sewer line replacement unless there is no other option. Digging up a sewer line means anything above it needs to come out too, and that can include your landscaping, driveway, and even the sidewalk. This level of demolition can add significantly to the total cost of sewer line replacement, not to mention it takes much longer than trenchless techniques and requires heavy equipment.
Which Method Is Right for You?
Sewer line replacement probably isn’t on anyone’s wish list, but it doesn’t have to ruin your week. With newer techniques providing more options on how to tackle replacement, you and your contractor can find the solution that fits your needs and budget.
