If your existing sewer line is no longer functioning normally due to damage or buildup of fats along its internal walls, you will want to have it replaced to prevent unsanitary backflow! But if the area surrounding your house is landscaped or paved, you will have a lot of work to do to finish the job. In the absence of an alternative, you will certainly have a hard time digging and backfilling the trench, cleaning the mess you’ve created, and restoring the area back to its original state.

Luckily for you, there is an easier option for replacing damaged sewer lines called trenchless sewer line installation or pipe relining – the process of replacing existing sewer lines without damaging your pavement or landscape. Here are some important facts that you should know about trenchless sewer line installation

What is a Trenchless Sewer Line?

A trenchless sewer line refers to a new set of pipes used to replace your existing sewer line. It can be installed by one of two methods – the pipe lining or pipe bursting.

The pipe bursting method uses a machine to break out the old or worn out pipe while it lays the new pipe in place behind the old one. This method utilizes two holes – the first one is created at the exact spot the sewer line goes into your house while the other hole is made right where your sewer line meets the sewer main. Ideally, the diameter of the old sewer pipe should be the same as the diameter of the old one to allow the same flowing efficiency.

The pipe lining method on the other hand uses a resin-coated flexible pipe which is pulled through the old pipe to replace the old one. By the time the new pipe is set in the right place, the machine inflates it as the resin hardens in place to create a pipe within the old pipe. This method causes the inside diameter of the old line to reduce by about 6mm but this difference is negligible as it doesn’t affect the efficiency of the finished product.

Is Trenchless Sewer Line Installation Beneficial?

The trenchless method of installing sewer lines is beneficial because it is less invasive compared to the traditional open cut method. Because of the need to backfill and restore affected areas once the project is completed, the trenchless method is certainly more cost and time effective than the traditional method.

Are there Drawbacks of the Trenchless Method of Installing Sewer Lines?

The only drawback of the trenchless method is its up front cost as the actual work involved in this method is certainly more expensive. But if you factor in the cost of restoring a landscape or repairing pavement after the project is done, you will find that the cost of the trenchless method justifiable.

How to Determine if the Trenchless Method is Viable for Your Sewer Line Project

The viability of the trenchless technology can depend on a lot of factors such as the terrain, location and local statutes. The best way to know if it is viable for your sewer line project is to solicit estimates from both sewer pipe lining companies and open pit contractors for the same project. A detailed estimate should include work to be performed, estimated time of completion, project cost, permits, and restoration or repair cost of affected areas such as roads, landscapes or pavement.

If you are planning to repair your sewer line, you should evaluate the situation carefully so that you can make a wise decision which of the two methods works best. Solicit estimates from experienced pipe installation companies and sewer pipe lining companies in order to choose the method that fits your time frame and budget.

Call us at (303) 475-8420. Let’s discuss the best solution for your sewer line installation project today!