Key takeaways
- Trenchless methods use small access pits instead of a long trench.
- Lining works when the old pipe is still in line.
- Pipe bursting replaces a line that is too damaged to line.
- Open trench is still the right choice for some jobs.
Open trench replacement
The traditional method digs a trench along the whole line, removes the old pipe and lays new pipe on proper bedding. It is straightforward, it lets the crew fix the base and it can correct slope problems. It also disturbs the yard, driveways and anything planted along the route.
It makes sense when the lot is open, the pipe is shallow, the line is short or the pipe has bellies and offsets that need correcting in place.
Trenchless methods
Lining inserts a resin-soaked tube into the old pipe and cures it, creating a new pipe inside the old one. It seals cracks and joints without digging, but the old pipe must be in reasonable alignment. Pipe bursting breaks the old pipe outward and pulls a new pipe through the same path from two small pits.
Both are well suited to lines under driveways, patios, trees and landscaping. A Nashville lot with mature plantings above the sewer line is a typical fit.
How to choose
A camera inspection and a locator decide it. They show the pipe's condition, its depth, what lies above and whether the line has a belly that needs correcting. Ask any contractor to explain why they recommend a method and what would change the answer.
Get the options in writing, with the restoration, the permit and the warranty spelled out. The cheapest bid is not always the least expensive result.
Related services
Quick answers
Is trenchless repair more expensive than digging?
It varies. Trenchless equipment costs more per job, but restoring landscaping and concrete can cost more than the repair itself, so total cost can favor trenchless on a finished lot. On an open lawn, a trench can be the lower price.
How long does a liner last?
Manufacturers describe liners as lasting for decades when installed properly in a suitable pipe. Ask for the warranty terms in writing.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-209-7643.