For our trenchless sewer replacement and repair services, we employ several different methods that can save home and business owners time and money. Pipe bursting, which is used for severely damaged pipes, and pipe lining, for larger repairs, are both more time—and cost-effective than their traditional excavation counterparts.
Pipe bursting involves breaking apart the old pipe and replacing it with a new HDPE pipe. As a trenchless solution, the time it takes to complete the work is much less than conventional dig-and-replace methods, but pipe bursting is often a last resort recommendation. We advise pipe bursting as the best solution for select situations, including:
- Extensive erosion
- Pipeline collapses
Pipe bursting gives our plumbers the flexibility to not only replace broken pipes but also expand the diameter and size of the pipelines. If the current pipeline diameter in your home is too small to account for the sewer system usage, we can install a new pipe that is larger in diameter to accommodate your lifestyle.
Pipe bursting is conducted underground without digging up portions of your home. We simply use small access points to reach the pipes. A rod with a cone-shaped head is inserted into the pipe and pulled through. Because the head is larger than the diameter of the pipe, it splits apart as it is pulled from one side to the other.
The new pipe is attached to the end of the bursting rod. Once the pipe is completely split, the new pipe is detached from the rod and connected to the sewer system. This method completely replaces the old and damaged pipe with a new one that has a longer lifespan than most pipeline materials.
Due to their strong and smooth qualities, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes offer sewer systems longevity and security. This results in a product that our customers can be confident in for many years after its installation. With a typical lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years with maintenance and proper care, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is proud to offer the sewer line replacement that Ann Arbor residents can afford, and it’s a long-lasting fix.
Pipe lining, or cured-in-place pipe, is more appropriate for smaller sections of damage, but is still great for repairing pipes with serious corrosion, cracks, tree intrusion, or leaks. In this method, a pipe made of polyester or fiberglass is coated with resin and slid inside the damaged pipe. It is then inflated to adhere to the pipe's interior wall.
After some time, the pipe hardened using steam, heat, or UV light, creating a new pipe inside the old one. These pipes are durable and long-lasting, as well as resistant to corrosion, tree roots, and leaks. This method is quick and effective without the need to replace the damaged sewer line fully. Like all trenchless technology, this repair can be done without the need for a full excavation, saving you from potential damage to your property and with much less disruption to your day.