WHAT IS PIPE BURSTING?

Pipe bursting is a method that replaces buried pipelines, such as sewer or water pipes, without the need to use excavating equipment or open trench methods. Excluding new construction, most original U.S. sewer drains and water lines are now at the end of their life cycle and need to be renewed or replaced. Streets, sidewalks, landscaping, even buildings have been layered on top of these longstanding underground pipes for decades. Replacement by open trench construction can be very disruptive. Layers of landscape, asphalt, and cement have to be excavated and removed in order to expose the pipe and then install a new one back in its place.

Pipe bursting is receiving more and more attention as a practical alternative to trenchless replacement. This process can be used on pipes made of cast iron, thin wall steel, concrete, clay, asbestos, PVC, and polyethylene (PE). This method is best used when the damaged pipeline cannot be repaired by traditional trenching methods. It is also more practical for the homeowner.

HOW DOES PIPE BURSTING WORK?

The pipe bursting method uses a conical bursting head that is slightly larger than at its base than the existing damaged pipeline’s diameter. The bursting head is then fixed to the replacement pipeline and is then fed through an entry hole to the broken pipeline. As the replacement pipe travels through the existing pipe, the damaged pipe will then begin to break apart, thanks to the conical bursting head.

The pipe bursting specialist will then use either a pull rod or hydraulic power to broken fracture the existing pipe and pull it out from its current location. Since the replacement pipe is attached to the bursting head, it easily fills the cavity left behind by the bursting head. And now you have a new pipe!

WHY CHOOSE THE PIPE BURSTING METHOD?
Pipe bursting is the only trenchless method of replacement that allows for the upsizing of the original pipe. It can also save you money in the long run!

But here are many other reasons to choose pipe bursting:

Minimal landscaping damage – Since the only uses two openings, you don’t have to worry about your yard being dug up with excavation equipment.
Minimal downtime – There’s no need to close or restrict areas! The process only takes a few hours to complete.
Minimal labor costs – Pipe bursting requires fewer hours and less manpower needed to get the job done.
Minimal disruption – No large, loud machinery needed to get the job done!
Pipe durability – You can replace the current pipe with a more durable pipe so you don’t haver to go through the process again in a few months or years.
Increased pipe flow – By using the trenchless sewer method, you could see an increase in your wastewater.