What is Pipe Bursting?

When pipes slow down, we tend to seek low-input treatments first – beginning with plungers, augers, and drain cleaners before working our way to that eventual call into the plumber. Clogged sewer lines are a hassle, and repairing them takes up time and resources and can result in damage to their surroundings. Unless – you steer away from traditional sewer line replacement and toward non-invasive methods.

Pipe bursting can be an option for repairing a damaged sewer line. Its low-impact methodology allows you to remedy your situation quickly and with the least amount of property damage. Let’s talk about what it entails.

What is Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting is similar to lateral lining in that it is a form of trenchless pipe replacement. However, as a replacement methodology, its system and tools are different. Pipe bursting begins with defining and clearing an entry point and receiving pit. Meaning, it finds accessible locations around a clogged or damaged pipe. Beginning at the entry point, a technician inserts a specially-designed tool called an expander head. It is then guided through the damaged sewer line, breaking the original pipe into many small pieces (bursting). Attached to the back side of the expander head is new pipe, which immediately replaces the old. These new lines are 100% new pipe, uninhibited by any now-pulverized old pipe.

There are three main styles of pipe bursting: static pull, hydraulic, and pneumatic. Differentiating factors involve the push/pull method and breaking method.

Static pull systems use a segmented drill rod or heavy anchor chain to move a cone-shaped expansion head through the pipe. The constant force of the expansion head being pulled through the pipe causes the pipe to burst.

Pneumatic and hydraulic systems use air pressure and compressed air to move the expansion head through the pipe. The hydraulic system head expands and closes over and over to break the old pipe.

The method of pipe bursting is determined by professionals after considering soil and groundwater conditions, type of incoming pipe, existing pipeline materials, and depth of the pipe.

Benefits of Pipe Bursting

Like other methods of trenchless pipe replacement, pipe bursting is non-invasive and faster than traditional methods. Job durations are drastically shortened due to the lack of site prep and repair, as well as pipe laying technologies.

Benefits include:

Avoiding yard, drivewalk, or sidewalk excavation
Minimized property damage
Offers approx 1,000 feet of pull length
Most pipes can be burst
Reduced risk of damaged underground utilities
Increased flow capacity of sewer line

Call Trenchless Pipe Replacement Experts

If you are wondering if pipe bursting is the best option for your sewer line issues, call an expert. Pipelining Technologies does not do pipe bursting, but we do use robotic equipment and video cameras to conduct thorough investigations of your drain system. With all the details of your sewer line inspection in hand, you and an expert will have the information necessary to decide on the best repair method.