Trenchless Technology
Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Technology
The days of performing major excavations to repair or replace underground sewer lines are quickly becoming numbered as a new age of technology introduces faster, economically efficient and environmentally friendly methods of repairing failing sewer lines. Trenchless Sewer Technology is rapidly becomeing the preferred method of sewer rehabilitation for Municipal, Commercial, and Residential applications.
Methods of Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement
Depending on the conditions and accessibility of the existing sewer line, there are a few different trenchless methods used to repair or replace underground sewer lines today:
Trenchless Sewer Pipe Relining - This method involves relining the interior of the existing sewer line with a new PVC infused seamless liner. If the existing sewer line is still in fairly good condition, this method can be used. The sewer line is first blown clean of roots, dirt and debris using high pressure hydro jetting. Once the existing sewer line is clean and cleared the new liner is saturated to 100% saturation using environmentally approved epoxy resin and blown through the entire length of the exisitng sewer line using high pressure air from one small access point. Once the liner is in place, a bladder is inserted and pressurized with hot steam to mold the new liner to the inside if the existing sewer line. This effectively seals all cracks, leaks, and voids in the old sewer line making it air and water tight. Once the new liner is cured, usually in just a few hours, the bladder is removed and the result is a brand new pipe within a pipe that is smooth, seamless and highly resisitant to future root intrusion, one of the leading causes of sewer line failures.
Trenchless Pipe Bursting - This method is utlized when the existing sewer line is too damaged to recieve a new liner so the existing pipe is broken up and a new pipe is fed into place. This method will require two small access points at each end of the existing sewer line and here is how it works: A heavy cable is fed through the existing sewer line from one end to the other and attached to a cone shaped tool called a bursting head. The bursting head is securley fastened to a brand new length of high density polyethylene pipe that has been welded at so there are no seams. Using a powerful hydraulic winch, the bursting head is pulled through the existing pipe easily breaking it up and pushing the pieces into the surrounding soil while pulling the new pipe into place. Trenchless pipe bursting can be used on a variety of existing pipes like clay, concrete, and cast iron.
