A new line pulled through the old path.
A bursting head breaks the old pipe outward while a new pipe is pulled in behind it, replacing the line from two small pits instead of one long trench.
- Method: Static or hydraulic pipe bursting
- Typical timeline: A day or two
- Access: Entry and exit pits only
What it is, and why it matters.
Pipe bursting replaces a sewer line without a long trench. We dig an entry pit at one end and an exit pit at the other, thread a cable through the old pipe, attach a bursting head and a new pipe and pull. The head fractures the old pipe and pushes the pieces into the soil while the new pipe follows in the same path.
It works well for clay, cast iron and fiber lines that are too damaged to line and for properties where a trench would cross a driveway, a tree root zone or a garden. A Nashville lot with a long run under mature landscaping is a typical fit. We check the line first and also discuss the depth, the pipe material and nearby utilities.
Four things done right.
Two pits, not a trench
Most of the yard stays exactly as it was.
Same path, larger pipe
The new pipe can match or exceed the old pipe's size.
Continuous new pipe
Fewer joints mean fewer places for roots.
Planned for utilities
We locate neighboring lines before the pull.
From first call to pipe bursting.
- 01
Inspect and plan
Camera the old line and mark entry and exit pits.
- 02
Dig the pits
Open small access points at each end.
- 03
Burst and pull
Fracture the old pipe and pull the new one through.
- 04
Connect and test
Tie in at both ends and camera the new line.
Pipe Bursting across Tennessee.
We do this work in 58 cities, from Nashville and Franklin to Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Johnson City.
Pipe Bursting: common questions
Is pipe bursting always possible?
Not always. Very shallow lines, pipe with many repairs or nearby utilities that cannot be protected may call for another method. We check before recommending it.
How does cost compare to a trench?
It varies by length, depth and surface. Where a trench would cross concrete or landscaping, bursting often costs less overall because the restoration is smaller. We price both when both are possible.
How do I get a price for pipe bursting?
Fill in the form or call or text 615-209-7643. We confirm what is involved and send a written price, and most properties get a free estimate visit.
Ready to talk about pipe bursting?
A short visit, a camera when it helps and a written price. A real person calls back, usually the same day.