If you’re researching sewer line repair options and can’t seem to find all the answers, your search is over. This article will teach you three different sewer line repair options that you should know about in case you ever need them. We also include two different sewer line cleaning options that might come in handy in case your pipes are clogged or backed up.
3 Sewer Line Repair Options
Back in the day, there only used to be one repair option for fixing damaged or crumbling sewer pipes. That involved digging up all of your old sewer pipes throughout your property and replacing them by hand. This process was invasive, expensive, and included thousands of dollars in restoration costs. Thanks to modern technology, experts can repair or replace your sewer lines without digging up your home or yard. Trenchless sewer repair is broken up into two different methods: pipe lining and pipe bursting.
Pipe Lining
Pipe lining (also called structural pipe lining, epoxy pipe lining, or CIPP) is when an epoxy-impregnated liner is inserted into your damaged pipe. Then, the liner is inflated like a balloon until it expands to the entire width of your pipe. Once the epoxy cures, adhering to the inside of the pipe, the liner is deflated and removed from your sewer line. Now, you are left with a brand new pipe directly inside your old one. This process avoids digging, trenching, and removing flooring from your home. Pipe lining can be used to repair the entire length of your sewer line or just a section, which is called a spot repair.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is when a brand new pipe is pushed into your old one, breaking it apart and immediately replacing it. The leading end of the new pipe has “fins’ that cut apart your old pipe as it’s pushed and pulled through. This makes sure all the old piping is broken apart along the whole circumference of the sewer line. The entire process is powered by one or multiple hydraulic engines. Pipe bursting can also replace smaller pipelines with larger pipes if you want to upgrade your sewer system.
Traditional Trenching
Unfortunately, not all damaged pipes are viable “candidates” for pipe lining or pipe bursting. Pipes that have collapsed, disintegrated, or are back-pitched* need to be repaired using traditional trenching methods. This involves digging up your yard or trenching through your home in order to replace your sewer line pipes manually. *Back-pitched pipes are sewer pipes that have been sloped in the wrong direction. A sewer line must gradually slope towards the city main line under your street. If contractors installed your pipes using the wrong slope, your waste wouldn’t be able to use gravity to flow to the city connection. Pipe lining and pipe bursting methods do not work on back-pitched pipes.
2 Sewer Line Cleaning Options
Before your sewer line is repaired using any of the methods above, your pipes need to be cleaned and cleared of all clogs, blockages, and tree roots. Snaking your sewer line will only poke holes in any clogs, and it won’t be able to remove tree roots. That’s why experts choose cleaning solutions such as hydro-jetting and robotic cutting. This allows sewer line experts to get a clear view of inside your pipes, giving them a better understanding of the structural integrity of your sewer line.
Hydro-jetting
Hydro-jetting is when your sewer pipes are cleaned using highly pressurized water. A self-propelled nozzle shoots up to 4,000 PSI into your pipes, clearing out any built-up sludge, grease, or tree roots. As an added benefit, hydro-jetting is eco-friendly because it only uses water (sometimes tap).
The jetter is connected to a water tank and pressure machine, so there’s no need for any digging or large machinery. Hydro-jetters can even switch to hot water to remove clogs made from fats, oils, and grease. This method can even remove tree roots from your pipes, unlike snaking.
Read more: Hydro Jetting Cost, Pros, Cons, & More.
Robotic Cutting
Robotic cutting is when robotic arms are inserted into your pipe, clearing out backups, buildups, and even things such as concrete or metal. These cutters can quickly remove a failed pipeline and make way for a brand new one. Robotic cutting is perfect for cleaning sections of your pipes that other methods would have a difficult time reaching. Operated by remote control, robotic cutting can be used on domestic stormwater and sewer pipes.
Who Offers Sewer Line Repair Options Near You?
If you live in the Greater Los Angeles area and need pipe lining, pipe bursting, traditional trenching, hydro-jetting, or robotic cutting, call SWE Sewer Solutions & Engineering. We are a bonded, city-approved, and licensed sewer repair company. We have dedicated ourselves to the company, ensuring that customer satisfaction is the #1 priority. We value your business, so estimates and second opinions are always free. Call today for your free estimate and in-depth sewer inspection.
