Tag: Trenchless Pipe Replacement

Rohrersville Plumber’s Guide: Components of Trenchless Water Line Replacement

Posted on by Larry & Sons

Trenchless technology is a relatively option for pipe repair and replacement, allowing your plumber to replace main water lines or sewer lines under your Rohrersville property without digging a massive trench in the ground. Cost effective and environmentally friendly, this process is designed to minimize the impact on homeowners who are worried about losing their favorite trees or disrupting their neighbors.

But, what exactly is involved in trenchless water line replacement? Here is a quick look at the process and the components involved in each step of it:

  1. Puller Unit – The puller unit is responsible for pulling the new pipe through the space between the two access points. A cable is attached to the new pipe to pull it through. The size and type of puller unit used will depend on the type of pipe being replaced.
  2. Bursting Cone- A bursting cone is often attached to the head of the new pipe to break apart the old pipe as the new one is fed into the hole. This makes it possible to feed new pipe without having to remove the old pipe.
  3. New Pipe – There are a couple of options here including a brand new line of pipe replacing the old one or a liner being fed into the old one to patch cracks and leaks. The repair method used will depend on the severity of the problem, length of the affected pipe and recommendations from your plumber.
  4. Access Points – Two access points will be dug on either side of the affected pipe line. One pit houses the hydraulic pulling unit, the size of which will vary depending on the equipment used by your plumber and the power needed to pull your new pipe. The second pit is used to feed in new pipe, which means it needs to be slightly larger.

How the trenchless replacement process works depends largely on the pipe being replaced and which repair method you select. If you have a sewer line that has cracked along a five foot length, trenchless pipe replacement may be the best option. However, a smaller problem in your water line like a small crack may be fixed without a full replacement or relining. The best way to know for sure is to call a professional and have them inspect your pipe line. Video technology makes this easier as well.

A Question from Emmitsburg: Is Trenchless Pipe Replacement Cost Effective?

Posted on by Larry & Sons

One of the number one questions asked by Emmitsburg homeowners faced with pipe replacement is how cost effective each method is. In particular, they want to know whether trenchless technology with its smaller points of access and far less damage to the property, is as cost effective as just ripping up the lawn and tearing out the old pipe.

Cost effectiveness of trenchless technology depends largely on what the problem is and whether you need a full replacement or if the pipe just needs to be inspected and repaired. Here’s a quick look at what you’re likely to face in the event of a pipe problem:

  • Video Inspection – If the problem is still minor and the location of the leak is not yet apparent, video inspection makes it easier to find the issue instead of pulling out a huge length of pipe. When used properly, video inspection can greatly reduce the cost of a pipe repair job, especially if repairs end up not being necessary.
  • Pipe Relining – Pipe relining is generally less expensive than pipe replacement and uses the same access methods as other trenchless repair and replacement methods. It is a very cost effective alternative to full replacement and works especially well in short lengths of pipe. Because modern resin pipe liners are rated for 50+ years the differences are minimal.
  • Pipe Replacement – Pipe replacement itself is considered more cost effective than exhuming and replacing an entire length of pipe. With far less damage to your property and no need for heavy equipment to dig up the pipe, a skilled and experienced trenchless plumber is a great alternative to the costly old methods.

As you can see, different trenchless technologies are each designed to solve different problems but will generally offer a very cost effective alternative to the traditional methods long used to solve these kinds of problems. The smaller your problems, the more cost effective it is. At the same time, don’t forget how much better it is to have your yard intact, regardless of the cost differential.