What Are Your Options for Trenchless Sewer Repair?

Albany sewer repair from Streamline Plumbing & Underground Construction

Are you interested in the benefits of trenchless sewer repair? Trenchless sewer repair is a method of replacing old sewer pipes without digging them up. Three main trenchless sewer repair methods vary in how involved and expensive the process will be. Here are your options.

1. Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting removes the old pipe and replaces it with an entirely new pipe. Then, a unique tool is threaded through the older pipe to break it up and pull it out. At the same time, a new line is pulled after the pipe-bursting device.

Pipe bursting is a little more involved and less affordable than slip lining; however, it has the advantage of not reducing the diameter of the pipe. Instead, the pipe is replaced entirely with a newer, more durable material that will last decades.

Pipe bursting can replace an existing pipe with an even larger line. Professionals advise this method if the current pipe size has a flow or other size-related issues.

Pipe bursting usually cannot be done if the pipe has collapsed because the tool needs clearance through the pipe. Further, bursting doesn’t work if the existing pipe has multiple turns because the devices can’t navigate through sharp angles.

2. Slip Lining

During the slip-lining process, a technician threads a smaller plastic pipe through the existing pipe. Once the new pipe has been threaded through, we will secure it. Slip lining is the easiest method of trenchless sewer repair. It creates a smaller, brand-new line within an older, unused pipe shell.

Slip lining does have some drawbacks. A slip-lined pipe will be naturally smaller than the preexisting pipe, which can cause flow issues. A pipe can only be slip-lined once; slip-lining multiple times would lead to an overly narrow line.

Slip lining is affordable and ideal for those needing a fast repair.

3. CIPP Lining

CIPP lining is similar to slip Lining in that a new pipe is threaded through the existing pipe. However, instead of a whole new pipe being threaded through, it’s a liner material that is then inflated to coat the interior of the old line.

CIPP liners create an epoxy-like coating on the older pipe’s interior, making a solid seal. Despite being an interior coating, CIPP-lined pipes can sometimes last just as long as brand-new ones.

Like slip lining, CIPP lining reduces the diameter of the pipe, which means there may be flow issues if the line becomes too narrow. However, it doesn’t reduce the diameter as much as slip lining. It conveys many advantages of slip lining: it doesn’t disrupt the environment, can be performed quickly, and is affordable.

CIPP lining does take longer than slip lining because it has to cure for at least one day. CIPP lining can’t be used with pipes with many angles or collapsed pipes, and it doesn’t alter the actual structure of the line. If the line has become warped or otherwise shifted, the CIPP lining will not help.

If you require sewer repair, a trenchless repair can replace your pipe without digging up the surrounding landscaping and features. The above methods will replace most sewer lines, but different techniques may be better for different sewers. To find out which option is best for your property and get a quote, contact Streamline Plumbing.

We offer trenchless sewer services in the following locations:

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