How Does Trenchless Repair Work? A Guide from I Fix Pipe

Today, we’re diving into a revolutionary technique in plumbing repairs: Trenchless Repair. We’re here to discuss how it works, its benefits, and why we consider it an optimal solution for many plumbing issues.

Trenchless repair, also known as trenchless pipe rehabilitation, is a method that allows us to repair or replace underground pipes without extensive digging or “trenching.” Traditional methods involve digging trenches to access the damaged pipe, which can be invasive and disruptive to your property. With trenchless repair, we can restore your pipes to their best condition, causing minimal disruption to your landscape. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Inspection

The first step in the trenchless repair process is thoroughly inspecting the existing pipe. We use specialized cameras that can navigate through the pipes, giving us a clear picture of the extent and location of the damage. This step is critical as it guides the entire repair process and helps us to determine the best course of action.

Step 2: Cleaning

Once the problem has been identified, the pipe needs to be cleaned. This is achieved using high-pressure water jets or mechanical methods to clear out blockages and prepare the pipe for repair or replacement.

Step 3: Trenchless Repair

The actual trenchless repair can begin now that the pipe is clean and ready. There are two primary methods for this: pipe lining and pipe bursting.

Pipe Lining

Also known as Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP), this process involves inserting a flexible, resin-coated tube into the existing pipe. Once the tube is in place, it’s inflated to fit against the inside of the pipe, and the resin is left to harden. This essentially creates a “pipe within a pipe,” restoring the structure and preventing leaks.

Pipe Bursting

If the existing pipe is too damaged for pipe lining, we might use the pipe bursting method. This involves inserting a new pipe with a bursting head into the existing pipe. As the new pipe is pulled through, the bursting head breaks apart the old pipe and pushes it out. The new pipe is left in its place.

Step 4: Final Inspection

Once the repair or replacement is completed, a final inspection is performed to ensure that the new pipe is in the correct position and that the repair is successful. This confirms that the process has been completed correctly and your pipes are ready.

The benefits of trenchless repair are significant: it’s faster than traditional methods, less disruptive to your property, and can often be more cost-effective in the long run. By choosing trenchless repair, you’re choosing a solution that addresses the immediate issue and provides long-lasting value for your home or business.

At I Fix Pipe, we’re proud to offer trenchless repair as one of our core services. We understand that every plumbing issue is unique and are committed to providing tailored, practical solutions for our clients. If you think a trenchless repair might solve your plumbing issue, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Call (432) 559-1000 — find out how trenchless plumbing can work for you, with the expertise of I Fix Pipe!