Over its lifespan, your sewer line experiences a lot. From built-up debris, like greases and soap scum, and tree root invasion to complete line collapsing. Trenchless sewer repair can be a beneficial service for homeowners experiencing some of these unfortunate plumbing issues.
What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?
Trenchless sewer repair began in the 1970s and has become a more mainstream plumbing service offering in recent decades. Two main types of trenchless sewer repair are pipe lining and pipe bursting. Pipe lining is typically suited for minor leaks and cracks inside your sewer line, while pipe bursting is meant to handle major issues requiring a complete line replacement.
Pipe lining is a razor-thin-like material inserted into your sewer line via state-of-the-art equipment. It will be positioned where you have a crack or leak. Once in its final resting place, the liner is filled with a resin material that allows it to dry with a completely watertight seal. Because the liner is very thin, it doesn’t take up much of your existing sewer line. Pipe liners are durable and can last up to 50 years or more.
Pipe bursting is a bit more of a complex trenchless sewer repair service. It works to tear apart the existing sewer line while at the same time replacing it with a brand-new one. With this type of installation, there are two holes at either end of the existing damaged sewer line. A specialized tool, a bursting head, gets put through the hole and works the whole way to the other end. As it goes through, it will bust up the old damaged piping while it drags along with the new propylene piping.
While pipe bursting will replace the entire broken sewer line, it does leave behind the remanence of the old sewer line underground.
Top Signs You Need Trenchless Sewer Repair Service
One of the most common signs that you need sewer line repair is that it’s constantly clogged. You may notice that it regularly emits a foul odor from the various drains throughout your home. Your drains may gurgle as the gas in your piping bubbles back to the surface. Frequent clogs result from damaged sewer piping trapping excess debris inside the pipe.
Another indicator that you have a sewage leak is green patches of luscious grass on your lawn. These will be located directly above your sewer line, which runs underground. The rapid growth of the grass is due to the natural fertilizer in your wastewater.
Another reason you may want to consider getting trenchless sewer repair is because your existing sewer line material is increasing in age. Many times, it’s simply easier to invest in pipe relining service before your pipe starts to break so you can avoid experiencing an issue. Types of piping materials have been used over the years for sewer lines, and each comes with its own estimated lifespan. For example, clay pipes are estimated to last around 50 years, while PVC can last up to 100 years.
The Many Great Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Repair
There’s no denying the fact that trenchless sewer repair service has many significant advantages over the traditional excavation sewer repair method. For this reason, it’s always highly advisable to seek out a plumbing company that offers this newer method over the traditional excavation method.
Minimally Invasive
Regardless of the type of trenchless sewer repair you get, you can know that neither one will damage the rest of your yard. One of the biggest pitfalls of traditional sewer repair is that it requires excavation of your grass and soil in the area where your sewer line runs through. This can create an unsightly mud pit while you wait for your grass to grow back. You don’t have to worry about this invasive process when you opt for trenchless sewer repair.
Fast Fix
Another great benefit of trenchless sewer repair is that it’s very time-efficient. While putting in a liner is the quickest method, even using pipe bursting is relatively easy. Most jobs can be completed in as little as one to two days, depending on the extent of your sewer line issues. With traditional methods, repairs typically take a minimum of three days to complete.
Cheaper Alternative
One of the most beneficial things about pipe liner trenchless sewer repair is that it’s affordable compared to other options. This type of service allows you to specifically target the problem area in your sewer line without replacing every portion of the line. This is great for your budget and provides a long-lasting fix for your sewer line.
More Convenient
One of the more annoying parts about excavation sewer repair is its disruption to your daily life. They often require digging up your sidewalk or street alongside your yard to access the old sewer line. This means moving all your items and being without sewer access for a few days. When you opt for trenchless repair service, there’s no invasive process that you have to worry about, and you’ll be able to get back to using your sewer system in much less time.
No Disposal Material
Another advantage of trenchless sewer repair is that there are no disposable materials. When you get pipe lining, all the existing piping remains in place while the new liner simply slides inside. Conversely, when you get pipe bursting repair service, all the busted-up old sewer piping is left underground.
A Note on Occasions Where Trenchless Repair May Not Be Available
While trenchless sewer repair service can be an excellent option for many different sewer pipe issues, it’s not an ideal fit for every problem you may have. In particular, it’s not an ideal option for already severely damaged pipes. Trenchless sewer repair relies heavily on the existing structure of your old sewer pipe to do its job. If your old pipe collapses, the trenchless sewer machines will be useless in fixing your sewer line. Traditional digging sometimes allows for better access and a more thorough solution, especially for major structural repairs or replacement.
Another situation where trenchless sewer repair may not be available is when your local city code does not allow it. This is most common when you have incredibly outdated sewer lines with materials that the code requires completely replaced. Your local plumbing company will be able to advise you of whether or not trenchless sewer repair is a possibility in your area.
Reliable Trenchless Sewer Repair Services
Absolute Services offers reliable trenchless sewer repair services in Louisville, KY. We have been in the area since 2008, helping with reliable plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance services. Our professional HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians can help with all your heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, drain cleaning, garage door, and generator needs.
Call Absolute Services today to book your next service consultation with one of our knowledgeable staff members or fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.