CaitCo employee in a red beanie prepping to do a Trenchless Sewer Line Repair.

If you have faced frequent sewer pipe bursts and collapses from various causes such as root invasion, debris infiltration and accidental mishaps, you may want to consider a complete pipe replacement.

If so, you typically have two options to go about this: a traditional sewer line replacement or trenchless sewer technology. The former, as the name suggests, is a method in which complete pipe replacement is carried out. It involves excavation, the removal of old pipes and components and installation of a new pipeline equipment altogether. The process is time consuming, expensive and, frankly put, quite much a hassle. The latter is a process that skips these strenuous steps, saves you time and money, and yet provides you with a brand new, high quality pipeline.

The term “trenchless” signifies the main benefit and purpose of this method of pipe replacement. It is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes the perimeter of your old pipe and forms a new pipe within, using the following steps:

Professional workers inspect a sewer pipeline by inserting a camera to see what the problem is and determine if pipe lining is an effective solution. This also helps them clear the pipe of any obstructions that may be present (i.e., clogs, tree roots, debris etc) using a hydro-jetter. Once the pipe is cleared, they dig two holes which serve as access points. One at the beginning of the pipe and the other at the end.

Next, the pipe liner is prepared in the form of a flexible tube that would run long along the length of the sewer pipe; it is comprised of two tubes, one which is a structural liner and the other which is the calibration tube.The liner is pulled into the calibration tube.

Epoxy is mixed in a separate bucket and is added to the liner. The liner is then run through a process called the “wet out” process; this process further saturates the fibers of the liner with epoxy resin.

The liner is then loaded into the load inversion tank, which inflates the liner forcing it into the existing sewer line through access point one. The inversion tank provides compressed air, which pushes the liner outward forming against the walls of the old pipe through the inversion head all the way to access point two.

The liner is then left overnight to take form. After the resin hardens, it forms into a pipe of its own; it has resilient properties that will keep it intact over a good period of time.

Trenchless technology is best performed by workers who are experienced technicians and plumbers. This is because there are many details which must be taken into account to ensure the successful and effective outcome of trenchless water and sewer repairs. When the job is done right, you’ll be relieved to see that heavy machinery, destroyed landscapes, extensive damage and mess are not part of the picture. The traditional pipe replacement process has many dreadful stages of construction attached to it that give people nightmares. Fortunately, trenchless water and sewer repairs are sparing people the headache of complex repairs. They no longer have to fear and put off employing timely fixes.

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