Replacing your sewer line is an expensive, messy job that usually entails digging a trench through your yard so that the new sewer lateral can be installed. For many homeowners, the process can cause a significant disruption of their landscaping and in some cases can even mean digging up driveways, sidewalks, and even garages. Before you start digging, talk to your sewer-septic contractor about your trenchless sewer line repair or replacement options.
New techniques have been developed for repair or replacement of sewer lines with a minimum of destructive digging. Two popular techniques are pipe bursting and pipe lining.
With pipe bursting, a new pipe is installed by dragging it through the existing sewer pipe. A pipe bursting head is installed on the leading edge of the new pipe and as it is dragged through the old pipe, the bursting head breaks up the old sewer line. The pieces of the old sewer line are left in place around the new pipe.
A hole needs to be dug at each end of the sewer line, but the rest of your yard can usually be left undisturbed. One exception is that a hole will need to be dug at any bends or turns in the sewer pipe. Pipe bursting only works in a straight line so if you have any turns or bends in your sewer lateral, a separate pipe will need to be installed in each straight leg and a connection made at the bend.
Pipe lining is another option for repairing a sewer line without extensive digging. A soft flexible tube coated with cement is pulled through the existing pipe and inflated so that it presses against and adheres to the walls of the old sewer pipe. The tube hardens in place and creates a lining inside your existing sewer lateral.
Your plumber or sewer-septic contractor can help you decide which sewer line replacement option is best for you.
