Trenchless Pipe Replacement Technology: Facts From Reliable Hydro Excavation

Trenchless Pipe Pulling Replacement Technologies

One day trenchless sewer repair. The option could be yours! A new pipe is pulled through the old pipe using hydraulic machinery, completely replacing the old/broken pipe. Can be used on pipes from 2” to 36” (has been used up to 48”). HDPE and MDPE are the most common replacement pipes used in this method. Cast iron, vitrified clay, and reinforced concrete pipes can also be used. Reliable Hydro Excavation Services, the Cleveland, OH Trenchless Pipe Replacement experts!

Hammerhead Technology pipe bursting head. A bursting head is attached to the replacement pipe and is pulled through the old line.  The bursting head breaks up the old pipe as it gets pulled through. The head is attached to a pulling cable that is drawn using a winch powered by hydraulics.

Hammerhead Technology Pipe Pulling Equipment example

This method requires 2 access points. This method can be used to replace pipes with same size diameter or larger. Pipe is pulled through the old pipe.

Pipe Pulling Trenchless Technology

This technology requires two access points via a small, excavated entry trench to provide access to the host pipe, or to a manhole if the insertion will begin there.  Also, a lubricant such as bentonite can be used to facilitate the slipping action required to insert the pipe. This repair always results in a smaller diameter pipe.

Thermoformed Pipe

A polyethylene (Deformed & Reformed) or PVC alloy (Fold & Form) pipe, smaller than the original broken pipe is pulled through the existing pipeline using a winch. Pipe sizes of 3” to 30” can be repaired. Continuous lengths of 1500 feet in the smaller diameters and 800 feet in the larger diameters can be used. Once inserted, the pipe is heated using steam and air pressure, to let the material “relax”, which resets the material’s “memory” to the new size and shape of the pipe it is in. Thermoformed pipes usually leave a pronounced dimple at each lateral connection. Robotic equipment is used to reinstate these connections. Once installed, the thermoformed pipe will not return to its original size or shape after it has cooled, nor will it shrink in length. It will take on the shape and size of the original sewer pipe.

Spot Repair

Special sleeves or short sections of CIPP are installed inside the pipe only in the area where the pipe needs to be rehabilitated. With the help of a sewer inspection camera for proper placement, the sleeve is sealed in pace with grout or glue.

This provides a more economical way to maintain sewer lines. Instead of replacing the whole pipe section, only the damaged section is repaired. Properly done, this can provide a huge cost saving.

Which Trenchless Sewer Repair Method Do I Choose?

For most residential repair jobs, CIPP or Pipe Bursting would be used. These methods generally cost more than conventional digging, but will minimize the destruction of the homeowner’s property. Municipal repairs are a lot more complicated and will require an evaluation by the city for each particular condition, considering the location of the pipe and the nature of the break.
From one city’s experience, CIPP is used when:

• Sewer is deep underground;
• There are abrupt changes in direction and/or grade;
• Host sewer pipe is 8 inches or smaller;
• Existing sewer laterals need to be retained – a robotic cutter makes holes in liner to connect to existing laterals. Comparatively, slip lining needs an excavation at each lateral connection.

Sister company Reliable Contractor Services provides expert Northeast Ohio residential, commercial, municipal and industrial plumbing, drainage and foundation waterproofing services.

With Over 10,000 customers since 1999, we have a Better Business Bureau A+ rating and are a multiple recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service award. OH license #23730. We also provide new technology solutions in Trenchless Pipe, Sewer Jetting Vacuum Services, and Genera and Hydro Excavation. 24/7 Emergency Services available. Other services include sewer cleaning and backflow devices, septic tank repair/replacement, water heaters, sump pump and PumpSpy sump pump monitoring system certified installer, video pipe inspection and high pressure jetting.

Reliable Hydro Excavation Services serving Ohio can do the job for you.  For more Cleveland, Ohio trenchless plumbing information, call 1.833.safe.dig (723-3344). Sister company Reliable Contractor Services in the Cleveland, Ohio area is your “one stop shop”. We also perform plumbing, drain repair, foundation waterproofing, excavation, and pipe video inspection/recording along with high pressure sewer jetting.

Residential and Commercial services are available 24/7!

Why is important to know your contractor?

• There are weekend warriors and the other hand there are licensed, bonded, insured and accredited contractors. If you want it done twice, hire the weekend warrior!
• Most all of the licensed, bonded and insured contractors are good, but some are better than others. We recommend that you the customer ask a lot of detailed questions.
• When hiring a licensed contractor, they are held to higher standards (especially ones state licensed).
• Lower cost contractors are usually the worst decision. Please be sure to ask why they are lower than other quotes and check their references. Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and local authorities to see to determine the contractor’s reputation.

Once again, Reliable Contractor Services aka Reliable Basement and Drain, LLC provides expert Northeast Ohio residential, commercial, municipal and industrial plumbing, drainage and foundation waterproofing services. With Over 10,000 customers since 1999, we have a Better Business Bureau A+ rating and are a multiple recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service award. OH license #23730.

Our Pledge

With over 25 years of experience, we at Reliable Contractor Services are committed to offering our customers the most effective solution to your problem at the fairest price possible. Reliable Hydro Excavation Services, the Cleveland, OH Trenchless Pipe Replacement experts!