WHAT IS PIPE BURSTING?
Pipe bursting can be used to replace 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 that 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 open trench replacement. This process can be used on pipes made of cast iron, thin wall steel, concrete, clay, asbestos, PVC and polyethelene (PE).
HOW DOES PIPE BURSTING WORK?
Pipe bursting is accomplished by pulling a bursting device through an existing, underground pipe. The bursting tool enters the pipe through an entry pit or a manhole. A constant tension winch is based at the exit area of the pipe and has 40 tons of pulling power. Attached to the opposite end of the winch is a cone shaped instrument. The winch guides the coned instrument through the existing pipe, effectively hammering its way through the pipe, displacing the fragments into the surrounding soil. The new pipe (High Density Polyethylene – HDPE) is attached to the bursting device and is thus pulled into place as the device advances.
Pipe bursting is the only trenchless method of replacement that allows for the upsizing of the original pipe.
HOW CAN I SAVE MONEY?
- Minimal landscaping damage – entry through only 2 openings
- Minimal downtime – no need to close or restrict areas
- Minimal labor costs – fewer hours and less man power needed
- Minimal disruption – avoid loud machinery
- Safe near utilities – eliminating excavation