Deciding Between Pipe Bursting & Pipe Lining
If you’re the unfortunate owner of a damaged water or sewer line, it’s hard to “look on the bright side.” After decades in the plumbing industry, our generational family business understands that type of situation is no one’s best day.
So we won’t sugarcoat it: A leaky or non-functional pipeline is a problem that won’t be fun to resolve. But our experts work hard to make it a straightforward process, and with modern advanced trenchless solutions, we no longer have to dig up your yard to fix an existing underground sewer pipe (unless you want us to).
Pipe bursting and pipe lining are two methods to restore an underground pipe without digging a trench from your house or building to the main sewer line. One is a more long-term solution, but each method offers benefits depending on what is most important to your decision.
Here’s a quick look at pipe bursting and pipe lining for trenchless sewer repair, along with some basic guidelines on when to use each method.
Pipe Lining
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), or pipe lining as it’s commonly known, reinforces your existing pipe by repairing any cracks, gaps, and faults with a liner made of epoxy-resin and an absorbent tube (felt, fiberglass, or another material).
When the liner cures in place and adheres to the walls of the pipe, it’s almost like having a new pipe installed inside your old pipe.
Do You Have the Right Pipes for It?
Pipe lining doesn’t often work with Orangeburg pipes, which were used up through the 1970s before the material was replaced by PVC, unless they’re still in good condition.
It won’t work with any type of pipes that are extremely deteriorated or fragile.
When to Choose Pipe Lining
Pipe lining doesn’t give you a new pipe, but don’t let that deter you from considering it. If you had a roof leak, you wouldn’t immediately want to replace your whole roof; You’d want to know how long it would hold up if you replaced only the damaged parts.
And you’d also want to know how long a repair would last before it might need to be repaired again!
Advanced Trenchless Solutions can provide that exact type of information and more for you about your broken pipe. One inspection gives us a detailed look at the pipe’s condition and surroundings, allowing us to determine what’s viable and what works best for your property and budget.Pipe lining could be the right solution for you if you relate with one or more of the following scenarios.
You Want the Most Affordable Option
With pipe lining you’re repairing an existing pipe and leaving it there, and repairs are typically not going to be as long-term as a replacement. Meaning, if you are still responsible for this pipe indefinitely, and you have an issue again some day, you may regret not going for the replacement the first time around.
But if you need to fix your pipe now, and cost is the most important factor, pipe lining is a lifesaver. In many cases, the reinforced pipe will last for up to 50 to 100 years!
The Ground Makes It the Better Option
A lot of times, ground movement is the factor that makes us recommend pipe lining over bursting, as it affects the structural integrity of your home or building. The larger the pipe, the more ground displaced during the bursting process.
If pipe bursting would create too much impact for your soil conditions, we’ll know from the initial inspection.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is the long-term solution mentioned above, because it replaces your damaged/old pipe with a new one. Like it sounds, the method involves “bursting” the existing pipe while pulling a new pipe into the line the original left behind.
Do You Have the Right Pipes for It?
Generally, the pipe being burst must be at least 15 feet long, with some exceptions. Your pipeline may be ineligible if it has already collapsed, or if it is improperly graded or pitched.
When to Choose Pipe Bursting
It’s the more comprehensive solution, because you get a brand new pipe. But is it the right solution for you?
Pipe bursting may be ideal if your situation meets one or more of the following scenarios.
You Want a Long-Term Sewer or Water Line Replacement
Between pipe bursting and CIPP (also known as pipe lining), bursting typically offers a longer-lasting solution – up to 100 years.
That’s because you’re putting in a brand new pipe, while lining improves the existing pipe, which says in place.
You Want to Up-Size Your Pipeline
Pipe bursting allows you to replace the line with a pipe of the same size, or size up. With pipe lining, you’re limited to the existing pipe’s size.
You Want to Get Rid of Lead Pipes
Pipe bursting works tremendously to replace lead pipes, which still exist in some of the pipelines that run for miles beneath our feet in Wisconsin. Preventing lead poisoning is critical to the health and safety of our families and communities.
With trenchless rehabilitation methods and advanced technology, Advanced Trenchless Solutions can help you replace lead pipes with minimal disruption to the city, pedestrians, commuters, and homeowners.
You Don’t Want to Wait for Cleaning & Curing
Pipe bursting does not require any cleaning of the existing pipe or waiting for a liner to cure. Your new line will be ready to use right away when the job is complete!
Choose Advanced Trenchless Solutions in Wisconsin
Advanced Trenchless Solutions is based in Wisconsin Rapids and serves residential and commercial customers throughout the entire state of Wisconsin. Our team uses advanced camera inspections to determine the ideal trenchless method for your property. Connect with us via phone or email to get on the books today!
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