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Sewer Repairs: Pros and Cons of Trenchless Sewer Replacement

Sewer repairs can be quite an inconvenience, but not as much as a damaged sewer line! It is true that the repair process can be costly and also cause a great deal of disruption in your everyday life. Trench digging is a tedious process. However, there is a better solution!

No-dig trenching is a feasible option for those who are in need of drain repair. Contact your local plumbing agency for an estimate as well as for regular drain cleaning Toronto. 

In the following, we will highlight the pros and cons of trenchless or no-dig sewer repair. In addition, we will discuss the different methods of trenchless sewer line repairs.

Trenchless Sewer Line Repair: Is It Worth It?

Trenchless Pipe Bursting

In this method, a new pipe is put into place at the same time the bursting head is pulled out by the use of hydraulic equipment. This is achieved by accessing both ends of the drain.

Pros of Pipe Bursting

  • The damaged pipe will be replaced with an HDPE pipe, which is more durable than other types of sewer pipes.
  • Pipe bursting comes with a fifty-year warranty.
  • The new piping is an inch thicker than most existing pipes (4 inches as opposed to 3).
  • For the most part, pipe bursting is cheaper than standard trenching.
  • Pipe bursting will not damage the landscape of the yard.

Cons of Pipe Bursting

  • Pipe bursting is not as apt at bending or turning as standard trench piping.
  • If the second hole is located inside the home or on a busy street, it can be an issue.
  • If your existing sewer line has an irregular slope, the pipe bursting may not be able to resolve the issue.
  • If the current sewer pipe has collapsed, pipe busting is ineffective.
  • Pipe bursting will not work in sewer pipes that are less than 15 feet.

Trenchless Pipe Lining

Pipe lining or CIPP (cured in place pipe) uses the current pipe as a “host pipe.” However, for this method to be a success, the host pipe must be free of flat spots, scales, roots, and mechanical defects. For the cast-iron pipe, the pipe must be “descaled” before the new pipe can be installed.

Pros of Pipe Lining

  • Pipe lining is covered under a fifty-year warranty.
  • Pipe Lining is non-invasive.
  • Typically, it takes one to two days to complete the process.
  • Pipe lining lasts longer and is more cost-effective than standard trenching.
  • Only one hole of the sewer needs to be accessed for this method.

Cons of Pipe Lining

  • The design of the liner is not able to make multiple bends.
  • May not be able to be installed in pipes with a smaller diameter.
  • The cost of materials is high.
  • Most contractors do not offer pipe lining as an option.
  • Pipe lining is not effective if the pipe has collapsed.

Not sure if no-dig trenching is the best option for your sewer repair? Contact DrainCom for advice on trenchless drain replacement. Give us a call for any of your plumbing or sewer concerns.

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