Pipe bursting is a trenchless technique for replacing old, broken pipes with entirely new sections when other methods cannot repair them. This advanced service from Almco Plumbing allows you to replace pipes without extensive excavation, preserving your landscaping, driveway, and other property features. The process requires only two access points, making pipe bursting a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional pipe replacement. In just a few working days, the customer receives a new sewer line that will last for decades.
Below is a detailed description of pipe bursting, including a step-by-step explanation of the process, the pros and cons of the technology, and approximate pricing for the service.
Pipe Bursting
Contents
What is Pipe Bursting?
Pipe bursting is a way to replace old, damaged sewer pipes with new ones without extensive excavation. The process uses a bursting head that destroys the existing pipe while simultaneously pulling the new pipe into place. This method replaces corroded or damaged pipe that cannot be repaired by trenchless methods such as CIPP or epoxy pipe lining.
The process is generally as follows: a bursting head is inserted into one end of the old pipe, and a new pipe is pulled through. The old pipe collapses, leaving pieces in the ground as the burst head passes. The new pipe then takes its place, replacing the sewer line.
Can pipe bursting be considered a trenchless sewer repair technique? Without a doubt, yes. However it is different from other trenchless repair methods such as epoxy lining or pipe relining. For example, pipe relining involves the installation of a new lining inside the old pipe, while pipe bursting results in a complete replacement of the old pipe with a new pipe.
Compared to conventional trench repair methods, pipe bursting is more efficient and less disruptive to the landscape and homeowner’s property. It does not require trenching, which reduces the risk of damaging other underground utilities. Additionally, Almco Plumbing’ professionals spend less time bursting pipes than they would if they had to replace the sewer system using traditional methods. This makes pipe bursting a highly attractive service to San Diego property owners who need to make repairs without delay.
When Should You Use Pipe Bursting?
Pipes destroyed by corrosion or severely damaged beyond repair are the most common cases where Almco Plumbing recommends customers install new sewer lines using trenchless technology.
Below are some other situations where this trenchless technology may be the best, and sometimes the only, solution.
- Constant Leaks & Cracks. Frequent leaks and constant cracking indicate severe pipe deterioration. In these cases the entire pipe must be replaced. With pipe bursting, the entire pipe is replaced at once.
- Upgrading to a Larger Diameter Pipe. When there is a need to increase the capacity of an existing sewer line, pipe bursting allows for an easy upgrade from 3” to 4” diameter pipe with minimal inconvenience to the surrounding community.
- Tree Roots. Roots can grow inside the pipe if the pipe has a crack. Sewer water overflows and plant roots or tree roots grow inside the pipe and then break the pipe. Pipe bursting can replace old broken pipe with brand new plastic pipe CDR-17 with 100% guarantee roots never get back inside the pipe.
- Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Minimal soil excavation with pipe bursting technology is well suited for sites near rivers, wetlands, or protected areas. It is also preferred in locations where extensive excavation of the ground surface could cause erosion.
- Cost Savings for Large Projects. For large sewer replacement projects, pipe bursting can be more cost effective because it significantly reduces the amount of excavation and shortens the project schedule.
Pipe Bursting Technology Step-by-Step
Pipe Bursting is a high-quality, trenchless method of sewer line replacement near San Diego that allows homeowners to get a completely new sewer system without extensive excavation. Below is a step-by-step description of the entire pipe bursting process, from the moment you find the problem to the final inspection of the quality of the work.
Every trenchless repair begins with a thorough inspection of the existing sewer line using a high-resolution camera. This assessment allows you to evaluate the condition of the pipe and determine if this technology is the right solution for your particular case.
Almco Plumbing technicians dig small access holes at the beginning and end of the section of pipe to be replaced. These entry and exit points allow the necessary equipment to be installed without digging a trench along the entire length of the problematic sewer section.
A bursting head is now inserted into the beginning of the old pipe at the entry point, and the new pipe is inserted as a continuation of the old pipe. As we move forward, the bursting head destroys the old pipe to make room for the new pipe, which is gently pulled into place.
Once the new pipe is fully retracted and in place, a final inspection is made with the camera to make sure everything is positioned correctly. The final touch is to verify that the system is working properly, leaving the customer with a reliable and durable new sewer line.
This trenchless method offers San Diego area homeowners a fast, efficient and minimally invasive way to replace sewer lines.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Pipe Bursting Method
Understanding the pros and cons of pipe bursting will help you determine if it is a good fit for your sewer or drainage problems. Below are some of the benefits and potential challenges of this approach.
Advantages of Pipe Bursting
- Minimal Property Damage: Pipe bursting requires little to no excavation, allowing you to preserve your home, yard, driveway, and other property.
- Lower Restoration Costs: Unlike traditional methods that require significant excavation, pipe bursting reduces secondary damage costs, such as new floors, walls or cabinets.
- Durable New Pipe: The pipe used in this technology, typically HDPE or SDR-17, is extremely durable and can last more than 100 years.
- Increased Capacity: Pipe bursting allows larger diameter pipe to be installed, increasing the capacity of the sewer system.
- Fast Repair Completion: Most pipe bursting projects are completed within 1–3 days, which means minimal disruption to your daily life.
- Save Money on Secondary Damage: No extensive excavation and jackhammering through your home or yard can save you $20,000 to $50,000 in potential secondary repairs.
Disadvantages of Pipe Bursting
- Risk of Utility Damage: Pipe bursting equipment can damage utilities such as water or gas when going right next to sewer, near 2” above or under the pipe.
- Challenges with Terrain Conditions: Increasing pipe size can be difficult in areas with extremely hard or rocky soil that may not support the pipe bursting process.
- Limited Size Increase: Pipe bursting limits how much larger the new pipe can be compared to the old; significant diameter increases are not possible.
- Access Pit Requirements: Although it’s a trenchless method, pipe bursting still requires access holes at both ends of the pipe. Tight spaces can make digging these pits a challenge.
- Foundation Access: If the pipe runs through the foundation, a jackhammer and a hole in the foundation are required to complete the burst.
- Inability to Correct Pipe Belly: If the old pipe has a belly, the new pipe will have the same problem because bursting won’t correct it.
Almco Plumbing’s Pricing for Pipe Bursting Service
The cost of pipe bursting is not the same for every project, as it depends on the specifics and scope of work required to solve the problem. Below are Almco Plumbing’s approximate prices for various types of pipe bursting service.
| Type of Work | Average Price, $* |
|---|---|
| Pipe Bursting, Minimum 20 Feet | $135–$165 per foot |
| Main Line Pipe Burst from House Bathroom to Property Drop on Front Yard, 40 Feet Distance | $9,000–$12,000 |
| Whole House with 2” Kitchen Drain & 3”–4” Main Line Digging 3 Access Points | $15,000–$25,000 |
*The above rates are for guidance only and do not constitute an offer. The final cost and scope of work shall be determined by a written contract between the customer and Almco Plumbing.