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What Is Sewer Pipe Bursting?

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If you are in need of sewer or drain repairs then chances are you are doing some research to find out what options are available to you. You may have come across the term sewer pipe bursting and would like to know what is sewer pipe bursting? It is a trenchless method (minimal digging required) of sewer line replacement that will replace the entire length of your sewer pipe with a brand new seamless sewer pipe made of high density polyethylene HDPE (a very durable and flexible material that will not rot or deteriorate over time).

Where Does The Term “Pipe Bursting” Come From?

Well the term comes from how the process is completed. The old sewer pipe is literally “bursted” into small pieces with a tool called a bursting head to make way for the new sewer pipe that is being installed. The bursting head is attached to the new pipe and tows it into place while it breaks the old pipe into small pieces. This is completed with a hydraulic machine that pulls the bursting head through the old pipe via a heavy cable.

Sewer Pipe Bursting Video:



Is Sewer Pipe Bursting the Right Choice For Me?

Depending on the particular circumstances of your existing sewer line, pipe bursting may or may not be a viable option for you.There are some conditions where sewer pipe bursting simply will not work, lets list the conditions that are necessary for sewer pipe bursting to work.

Good Conditions For Sewer Pipe Bursting:

  • No Major Belly In The Existing Line: The new sewer pipe being installed will follow the path of the existing sewer pipe, so if there are any major sags or bellies then you could expect the new sewer pipe to have a belly as well.
  • No Major Turns in The Existing Line: If the existing sewer line has any major turns like a 25 degree or more change in direction then sewer pipe bursting will not work in that instance.
  • No Major Collapses in The Existing Line: In order for pipe bursting to be performed the existing pipe must be in a good enough condition to be able to feed the pulling cable all the way through.
  • No Heavy Rock Around The Existing Line: If the existing sewer line runs through heavy rock or granite then it may be to difficult to get the bursting head through.

    • What Are The Benefits of Sewer Pipe Bursting?

    If the conditions are right then you really can’t beat sewer pipe bursting to have your sewer pipe replaced. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Minimal Digging Required - With sewer pipe bursting, only two 3’ x3’ access points need to be dug at each end of the existing line, this is especially beneficial if you have trees, nice landscaping, a walkway or driveway…anything that lies in the patch of the existing line will not need to be disturbed.
  • No Seams For Roots To Get In - The new HDPE pipe that is installed with the pipe bursting method is fused together where the seams would be before installation. This can be done with hundreds of feet rendering the pipe completely seamless…leaky seams are the leading cause of root infestation.
  • Works on All Kinds Of Pipe - Whether your existing pipe is cast iron, concrete, orangeburg or what have you, the pipe bursting machine can power the bursting head through it with it’s 35 tons of hydraulic pulling power and a pneumatic hammering action.
  • Usually Can Be Completed in Just One Day - The setup time and actual installation of a new sewer pipe with the bursting method is fast. Most bursting jobs can be completed in just 5-8 hours time.