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Sewers could be considered the most essential system in a home or business; after all, if it’s not functioning properly, sanitation, health and countless basic tasks of everyday life are at stake. Whether an emergency malfunction has arisen or simple telltale signs of a blockage in the sewer line like slowly draining sinks, bathtubs and toilets, having these corrected is crucial.

Until fairly recently, these repairs entailed digging up the lawn, destroying driveways, fountains, pools, lovingly maintained rose bushes and everything else in the sewer line’s wake.

A Welcomed Alternative

In 1980’s a new development took the Sewer industry by storm – trenchless sewer repair. This technology has been in the Pacific Northwest since the late 1990’s and offers property owners a less invasive and more affordable option to digging up their yards and the street. As the name indicates, this method doesn’t require digging up the lawn and all its features. Two versions of this alternative are available, and though both aren’t appropriate in all situations, one is usually a viable solution.

Cure In Place Pipe (CIPP) or Pipe Lining

This method can be done through an existing clean out and not require any excavation. In some cases, access to the sewer line may be required, but this can be accomplished with a single access hole. From that point, a pliable, resin-coated tube is sent through the problematic pipe. Once in place, it is inflated with a specialized bladder, pressing it against the interior of the old pipe. The pipe is then filled with hot water to expedite the curing process. After the resin cures, the result is a completely new pipe created inside its damaged predecessor. This process is used to rehabilitate a sewer line all the way to the city sewer main without digging up the street. 

Pipe Bursting

With this technique, an access hole is required on either end of the damaged sewer line. A new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is pulled through the flawed one already in place. During this process, the new line bursts the old pipe through the use of a hydraulic ram.

Since you are pulling a pipe through the existing pipe the pipe needs to be relatively straight and the pipe should not be encased in concrete or other hard enclosures. In some cases, multiple excavations may be required to install multiple sections of HDPE pipe.

Which to Choose?

If there is limited access, or you can only access the pipe at a single end, or you don’t want to tear up you property, CIPP or pipe lining would be the better choice.

If access is not an issue, the pipe is fairly straight, doesn’t go through a wall and/or if the pipe has completely failed, pipe bursting may be the better choice.

Every situation is different and there are times where the best solution is a combination of both technologies. 

Trenchless Sewer Patch

In some cases, a cost savings measure could be used to address a single point of failure in your sewer line. This is called a trenchless patch. The patch is 2 feet long and can be installed through an existing sewer line cleanout.

What if there are other service connections? Won’t they be covered up by the liner or the burst?

SewerTechs uses a robotic cutter that can be sent down the lined pipe and reinstate these connections. When pipe bursting, an excavation is required to rebuild the connection which is destroyed during the bursting process. 

Trenchless Sewer Costs

The CIPP or relining method is far the most cost-effective and most environmentally friendly solution to repair a damaged drain or sewer. Conventional sewer replacement is very laborious, time-consuming, and expensive. It is environmentally destructive with major excavations that would directly affect trees, concrete surfaces, lawns, driveways, roads, and other important structures.

On the surface, trenchless techniques appear to run a bit more per foot than their destructive counterpart, but there’s a catch. These costs only cover digging and pipe repairs. Those who choose the conventional method must still figure in the added expenses of refurbishing the lawn afterwards, replacing any landscaping and hardscape features, and even restoring garages and tool sheds in some cases.

When sewer lines lie underneath the road surrounding a property, owners are often held responsible for the price of digging up the asphalt, repairing it after the fact and numerous other out-of-pocket expenses. That’s in addition to restoring their lawns and homes to pre-repair condition. Many of our customers have saved hundreds to several thousand dollars thanks to our trenchless repair options.

In a Nutshell

Whether or not trenchless repairs are practical or possible depends on the type of damage at hand, configuration of the sewer line and several other factors determined on an individual basis. Some may still need to rely on the conventional method. In cases where pipe bursting, lining or a combination of the two is appropriate, a great deal of time, effort and expense could be saved. Call 888-213-7656 for an inspection and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Locations Served

SewerTechs is happy to server customers throughout the Puget Sound area. Whether you’re in Seattle, Tacoma, or other parts of King, Pierce, Thurston, or surrounding counties, SewerTechs is here for you!