If your drains are clogging more frequently and common fixes don’t work, you likely have a sewer problem. A deep cleaning by a plumber might help, but if the problem is deeper, sewer replacement could be in your future. If that’s the case, you have two options: trenchless sewer replacement and traditional sewer replacement.
Trenchless sewer replacement is a holistic alternative to traditional replacement, which means it can be used nearly anytime a sewer line is damaged. However, there are a few instances where trenchless sewer replacement isn’t an ideal substitute and you should stick to the traditional method.
Go trenchless if your sewer line can be a feeder tube
The two main methods of trenchless sewer replacement are slip lining and pipe bursting. Both require the original pipe to be a feeder tube, or a pathway for a new pipe. Slip lining also requires the new pipe to be narrower than the original pipe, because the new pipe will be grouted into place inside of the original pipe. This method doesn’t dismantle the original pipe, which has become a “second shell” for the new pipe, so you can’t upsize the new pipe.
Pipe bursting is exactly as it sounds. The sewer replacement plumber pulls the new pipe along the old pipe, bursting it open as it’s pulled through. The pipe itself doesn’t burst open the original pipe, but the tool that pulls the new pipe through has an expansion head that clears the path. This method doesn’t require the new pipe to be narrower than the original pipe, so the new pipe can be upsized.
Go traditional if your sewer line is severely damaged or close to the surface
Pipes that are completely collapsed can’t benefit from trenchless sewer replacement, because the original pipe needs to be intact enough to act as a feeder tube for the pipe liner or pipe replacement. Pipes that have bellies, or that sag from material build-up due to poor installation or geological events, also can’t use trenchless sewer replacement, because the pipe is too bent out of shape.
Additionally, pipes that are close to the surface and not underneath structures or intricate landscaping might cost more to repair with trenchless sewer replacement, because it’s easier to dig a narrow trench.
Ask a trenchless sewer replacement plumber for their thoughts
A trenchless sewer replacement plumber will know whether traditional or trenchless replacement is more beneficial for your sewer line, but in most cases, you can go trenchless and save your property from excessive excavation.
