Trenchless sewer repair is a modern, minimally invasive solution for fixing damaged sewer lines without the need to dig large trenches across your business or property. This method saves time, money, and landscaping, making it a popular option for homeowners dealing with sewer repair or sewer line issues.

Curious how trenchless sewer repair works? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Initial Inspection and Assessment

The process begins with thoroughly inspecting the sewer line to determine the extent and location of the damage. Plumbers typically use sewer video camera inspections to get a clear, real-time view of the interior of the pipes. The camera is inserted into the pipe, capturing footage that helps the technician identify blockages, cracks, root intrusions, or collapses.

This step is crucial because it allows the plumber to make an informed decision about the best trenchless technique to use and whether the pipe is a good candidate for trenchless repair. It’s a much more precise and efficient method compared to traditional digging, which requires exploratory excavation to locate the problem.

Step 2: Clearing the Blockage and Cleaning the Pipe

Before the repair can begin, the damaged sewer line must be cleared of any obstructions or debris. This often involves hydrojetting, a process where high-pressure water is used to clean out clogs, roots, or buildup from within the pipe. Hydrojetting is a highly effective, environmentally friendly cleaning method that prepares the pipe for the repair process.

By ensuring the line is clean, the new lining or repair material can adhere properly, resulting in a long-lasting solution.

Step 3: Choosing the Trenchless Repair Method

Once the pipe has been inspected and cleaned, the next step is to choose the appropriate trenchless repair method. There are two main techniques commonly used:

• Pipe Lining (Cured-In-Place Pipe or CIPP): This method involves creating a new pipe within the old one by inserting a flexible liner coated with epoxy resin into the damaged pipe. The liner is inflated, pressing it against the walls of the existing pipe. The epoxy resin is then cured (hardened) with hot water, steam, or ultraviolet light, forming a durable, seamless new pipe inside the old one.
• Pipe Bursting: In cases where the pipe is severely damaged or collapsed, pipe bursting may be the preferred solution. This method involves breaking up the old pipe while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place. A bursting head is inserted into the old pipe, breaking it apart, and a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is pulled in to replace it.

Each method has its advantages, and the choice depends on factors like the pipe’s condition, the type of material used, and the level of damage.

Step 4: Insertion of the Liner or New Pipe

If pipe lining is chosen, the plumber will insert a liner into the existing pipe through a small access point, typically an already existing sewer cleanout or a small hole created near the affected area. The liner, soaked in the resin, is carefully fed into the pipe using special equipment.

In pipe bursting, the plumber will pull the new pipe into place while the bursting head breaks apart the old one. This is done without any extensive digging, ensuring minimal disruption to your yard, driveway, or other structures.

Step 5: Curing and Sealing

For the pipe lining method, once the liner is inflated and pressed against the old pipe, it needs to harden and bond with the existing structure. This is done by curing the resin using hot water, steam, or UV light. Curing times vary but typically take a few hours.

Once cured, the liner forms a strong, seamless “pipe within a pipe” that is resistant to leaks, root intrusion, and corrosion. The new pipe is smooth and improves flow efficiency, restoring the function of your sewer line.

If pipe bursting is used, the new pipe is already in place as the old one is broken apart, so there’s no curing time involved. The new pipe is ready for use as soon as the installation is complete.

Step 6: Final Inspection and Testing

After the repair is complete, the plumber will conduct another camera inspection to ensure the new liner or pipe is properly installed and free from any issues. This inspection verifies the integrity of the repair and ensures that everything is functioning as it should.

In some cases, the plumber may also perform a pressure test to ensure the new pipe can handle the normal flow of sewage without leaks or blockages.

Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Repair

Trenchless sewer repair offers several benefits over traditional methods:

• Minimal Disruption: Because there’s no need for extensive digging, your landscaping, driveway, and other structures remain largely undisturbed.
• Cost-Effective: While the upfront cost may be slightly higher than traditional methods, trenchless repair often saves money in the long run by reducing labor and restoration costs.
• Faster Completion: The entire process typically takes just a day or two, much faster than the weeks-long process of traditional digging and pipe replacement.
• Durability: The materials used in trenchless repairs, such as cured-in-place liners and HDPE pipes, are durable and long-lasting, often outlasting traditional piping materials.

Trenchless sewer repair is a modern, efficient solution that offers homeowners a less invasive way to address sewer line issues. Whether you choose pipe lining or pipe bursting, this method allows for repairs to be made quickly and with minimal damage to your property. With advanced technology like video inspections and hydrojetting, plumbers can identify and fix problems with precision, leaving you with a long-lasting, reliable sewer system. If you’re dealing with sewer line issues in Boise, consider trenchless sewer repair as a time-saving and cost-effective option that protects both your home and the environment.

Schedule Your Sewer Repair Appointment with Five Star Service Pros today.