Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs: What You Need to Know

What Are Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs?

Trenchless sewer line repairs are innovative methods of fixing or replacing damaged sewer pipes without the need for extensive digging. This approach minimizes the impact on your property, preserving your lawn, garden, driveway, and other landscaping features. Trenchless technology is often the go-to solution for repairing or replacing broken, cracked, or corroded sewer lines.

There are two main methods of trenchless sewer line repairs:

Pipe Lining (Cured-In-Place Piping or CIPP):
- This method involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into the existing damaged pipe.
- The liner is then inflated and cured (hardened) to form a new, durable pipe inside the old one.
- Once the process is complete, you have a new sewer line without the need for digging up your yard.
Pipe Bursting:
- This method involves breaking apart the old pipe while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into its place.
- A bursting head is used to fracture the old pipe, and a new pipe is pulled through the space created.
- The new pipe is typically made of durable materials like HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which ensures long-lasting results.

How Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs Work

Inspection and Assessment:
Before performing trenchless repairs, a professional plumber will conduct a thorough inspection using a video camera to assess the condition of the existing sewer line. This allows them to identify the problem and determine which trenchless method is best suited for the job.
Preparation:
Once the best method is determined, small access points are created at the beginning and end of the damaged pipe. These access points are typically small holes that do not require extensive digging.
Repair Process:
- For Pipe Lining: The liner is inserted into the pipe and inflated, then left to cure and harden, effectively creating a new sewer pipe inside the existing one.
- For Pipe Bursting: A bursting head is pulled through the damaged pipe, breaking it apart as it goes, while pulling the new pipe into place.
Final Inspection:
After the repair is completed, a final inspection is performed to ensure that the new pipe is correctly installed and functioning properly.

Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs

Minimal Disruption:
Traditional sewer repairs require large trenches to be dug across your yard, driveway, or even the street, which can damage landscaping and create a major mess. Trenchless methods involve minimal digging, reducing the disruption to your property and saving you time and money.
Cost-Effective:
Although trenchless sewer line repairs can initially cost more than traditional methods, they often save money in the long run. The reduced need for extensive excavation means lower labor costs and less damage to your property that needs to be repaired.
Quicker Repair Time:
Trenchless methods are significantly faster than traditional repairs. What might take days with traditional digging methods can often be completed in just a few hours with trenchless technology.
Long-Term Durability:
The new pipes used in trenchless repairs are often more durable than the old pipes. Materials like HDPE (high-density polyethylene) are corrosion-resistant and less likely to crack, providing a long-lasting solution for your sewer system.
Preservation of Landscaping:
Since trenchless sewer line repairs require minimal excavation, your landscaping, driveway, and lawn are usually left intact. This means less clean-up, fewer repairs, and less stress for homeowners.
Environmentally Friendly:
Trenchless technology is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods. There’s less disruption to the soil, fewer emissions from heavy equipment, and reduced waste from digging up large sections of land.

Signs You May Need Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs

It’s important to be aware of common sewer line problems that may indicate the need for repairs. These signs include:

Frequent Clogs:
If multiple drains in your home are clogged, it could indicate a blockage or damage in your main sewer line.
Slow Draining:
Slow drainage in sinks, showers, and bathtubs is often a sign of a clogged or damaged sewer line.
Sewage Odors:
Foul odors in your yard or around your drains could suggest that waste is backing up in your sewer line.
Water Pooling in Yard:
Wet spots or pooling water in your yard, especially near the sewer line, may indicate a leak or break in the line.
Gurgling Noises:
Gurgling noises from your drains or toilet can be a sign of a blocked or damaged sewer line.

Is Trenchless Sewer Line Repair Right for You?

Trenchless sewer line repairs are ideal for many homeowners, but they may not be the best option in every situation. Here’s when you should consider trenchless technology:

The existing pipe is in relatively good condition: If the pipe has only localized damage and the majority of it is intact, trenchless methods are ideal.
You need a quick and non-invasive solution: If you want to avoid the mess and disruption of digging up your yard, trenchless repairs are a great option.
Your sewer system is located in a hard-to-reach area: Trenchless methods are especially useful when the sewer line is difficult to access without extensive digging.

Contact Encano Plumbing and Drainage Ltd. for Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs

At Encano Plumbing and Drainage Ltd., we specialize in trenchless sewer line repairs and other advanced plumbing solutions. Our team in Richmond, BC, is equipped with the latest technology to quickly and efficiently resolve your sewer line issues with minimal disruption.

If you’re dealing with a damaged sewer line, contact us today to find out if trenchless repair is the right solution for your home!