Leaky and problematic pipes are one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner has to make. Water damage associated with busted pipes is the most common homeowners claim made to insurance companies. Additionally, removing the problematic pipes to replace them leads to additional costs for restoration and landscaping, because of large trenches that have to be dug out to reach the pipes.

The good news is, whether you are in need of a simple pipe repair or total pipe replacement, new technology has enabled trenchless sewer repair solutions that can fix your problem with very little demolition, which substantially lowers the cost of rehabilitation.

What is trenchless pipe repair?
Trenchless pipe repair is a method of fixing and replacing pipes by filling an epoxy pipe lining through the problematic pipe. When the epoxy pipe lining dries, any cracks, holes, or damage to the pipe is filled in. In fact, the hardened epoxy pipe lining makes the pipe more durable than it originally was, in undamaged condition.

Is trenchless pipe repair more expensive than traditional methods?

Costs for trenchless pipe repair vary depending on the extent of the damage, how deep the lines are buried, and material prices. Generally, pipe repair experts say that the cost of trenchless pipe repair is similar to that of traditional methods though. Sometimes greater savings can be achieved because the heavy equipment and manpower to dig up the pipes are not necessary with trenchless methods, and no restoration is required. Your best bet is to get estimates from both trenchless and traditional pipe repair contractors to understand the costs involved before choosing an option.

What other factors make trenchless pipe repair advantageous?

Some of the reasons people choose trenchless pipe repair over traditional methods include:

• Quicker repair times. Trenchless pipe repair generally takes less than a day or two to complete.
• Environmentally friendly. Trenchless methods used less environmentally-polluting heavy machinery to do the job, and do less damage to the earth in the process.
• Longer lifespan. Not only does the epoxy pipe lining provide greater structural reinforcement than unlined pipes, many trenchless contractors offer warranties for decades after the installation.

When is trenchless pipe repaired not a good option?
The most common reason that traditional pipe replacement methods are more advantageous than trenchless is that the damaged pipe no longer holds its round shape. If the pipe is crushed, it is not possible for the lining to adhere to the walls to restore it.

How is trenchless pipe repair conducted?
First, the contractor will use a high-pressure hose to clean out any intruding roots or debris that are causing the pipe issues. Next, the contractor will run a video feed through the pipe to get complete scope of that repairs needed. Finally, a small hole will be drilled at the entrance and the exit of the pipe, and the epoxy pipe lining will be pulled through.

What do you think? Is trenchless pipe repair a good option for your plumbing nightmare? We want to hear the factors that helped you choose between trenchless or digging pipe repair in the comment section below.