How does trenchless sewer repair line work, you may ask? If you are experiencing frequent sewer line repairs or have already been told that your sewer lines are infiltrated with roots and collapsed, this question may come up time and time again. Your local plumber may have recommended two repair options: traditional sewer line replacement and trenchless sewer line repair.

Sewer Line Repair Work Explained

If you are wondering what things I need to know about trenchless sewer line repair work, continue reading to learn more about this process from Trenchless Equipment.

Initial Pipe Inspection

This is the first step that a professional plumber will take when replacing or repairing a sewer pipe that is damaged. They must first inspect the pipe via a small drain camera that is attached to a video monitor. An opening must also be made in the pipe to insert the camera. This can be done by accessing the sewer line prior to it leaving the home. It can also be achieved by digging a small hole in the yard. The camera will relay information that can be used to determine if the pipe is broken, crushed, obstructed, or clogged with tree roots.

Cleaning

Before a plumber can reline anything, the inside surface of the pipe may need cleaning and other preparation to make sure that the liner adheres correctly. If the sewer line is blocked by tree roots, the plumber will insert a rotating blade inside the pipe to cut the roots that extend inside. This is a very easy method of repairing a sewer pipe and is also the most effective method used if the vegetation that created the roots is removed.

Pipe Lining

A sewer pipe can also be relined in most cases if the damage is not extreme. The liner is coated in a special epoxy and put inside the sewer line. A long tube, known as a bladder, is then inflated within the liner and pressed against the inside of the existing pipe. Once the new liner has hardened and cured, the plumber will remove the bladder and the sewer pipe can be used as long as it is smooth and intact.

Final Inspection

The last step will be to perform a post-lining video leak detection inspection which is performed to make sure that the repairs meet the exact quality control standards. Once this has been determined, the line will be reconnected, the access hole will be filled, and full service will be returned to the property. The newly relined pipe will now have the capability to provide at least 50 years of service life.

Furthermore, if a pipe is not able to be relined due to extensive damage, it can be replaced using a technique known as pipe bursting. This procedure involves the use of a cone-shaped bit that is pulled through the old pipe. The bit will destroy the existing pipe while the new pipe is put in place just behind it. It is a technique that requires more time and effort than relining but is still less damaging than digging a trench to replace a pipe that is damaged. Still have questions? Contact us and learn about financing and more now.