Traditionally, a sewer replacement is completed through a process called “trenching,” where the old line is dug and replaced.
When you are living in a house that is 40 years old or older, there might some fear in the back of your mind. The older your home is, the older the plumbing is, and the sooner your sewer line might need to be replaced. A sewer replacement is an expensive and intrusive process, and there is no telling when your current pipes will begin to fail, and you will have to call your plumber. Traditionally, a sewer replacement is completed through a process called “trenching,” where the old line is dug and replaced, but there are a few new, trenchless techniques that are gaining popularity. Here’s the pros and cons of a trenchless sewer replacement.
Pipe Lining and Bursting
Trenchless sewer replacement can be done in one of two possible ways: pipe lining or pipe bursting. While pipelining, a smaller, flexible, resin-coated tube is slide into the damaged pipe. Then it is inflated. After a few hours, the tube hardens and creates a brand new, undamaged pipe. This pipe is somewhat smaller in diameter, but should not affect the flow rate of the sewer. Another trenchless method, pipe bursting, is a procedure that pulls a brand new pipe into the old one, which fractures out from the pressure.
The Pros of a Trenchless Sewer Replacement
There’s a couple of distinct advantages to a trenchless sewer replacement. Because there’s less digging, the process is cheaper. With traditional methods, anywhere the line rungs must be dug up, this includes landscaping and garages and driveways. The digging used in trenchless ways is minimal and unobtrusive. As far as durability goes, either technique comes with a warranty of 50 years.
The Cons of a Trenchless Sewer Replacement
Pipe bursting and lining aren’t always possible. In some places, pipe bursting is agaisnt the law, and in some cases, the joints of the pipe make these methods impossible. In some cases, extra efforts have to be taken to make sure that electrical and gas lines will be unaffected by the entire process, and this can lead to higher labor costs. Also, it might be trickier to find plumbing experts who specialize or train in these kinds of methods.
Trenching
Though trenchless techniques like pipe bursting and pipelining are great under certain circumstances, traditional trenching and pipe replacement is in no way obsolete. With a responsible and certified group of plumbers, care can be taken to preserve any existing landscaping fixtures. This is one of the best ways to go about with your sewer replacement. Also, with traditional trenching, you have many more choices when it comes to the shape of your pipes and the materials that they are made of.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.