The average household pipe leak loses over 10,000 gallons of water per year. It might be tempting to ignore small leaks because pipe repairs can cost an arm and a leg, and removing the pipes equals your home’s foundation and lawn being torn apart.
When the leaks can’t be ignored any longer, many homeowners don’t realize that the pipes can be repaired and replaced without digging a giant trench along the entire length of the pipe. Trenchless sewer repair is a pipe repair method that involves lining a damaged pipe with epoxy pipe lining that hardens, repairing the pipe and reinforcing it so that it’s stronger than it was before the pipe was even damaged. If you are part of the 78% of homeowners who have never heard of trenchless sewer repair, here are the highlights:
- Two-fold Savings
Trenchless pipe repair can cost 15-20% more than traditional pipe repair solutions upfront. However, that cost is recouped in two ways: trenchless sewer repair does not require the demolition costs of tearing out your floor and yard, which also means you are saved the cost of restoring everything that was torn apart to reach the problematic pipes.
Secondly, the epoxy pipe lining strengthens the pipe so that weaknesses elsewhere are mitigated at the same time, preventing the need for future repairs. In fact, the perma liner that coats the inside of the pipe can withstand dangers that regular pipes are fall prey to, which makes the pipe with the epoxy lining better off than a new pipe altogether. - Improved Efficiency
One huge drawback to any pipe or sewer repairs is the downtime in which you have to function without any water and plumbing in your home– often for several days– while the work is being completed. On the other hand, one of the greatest advantages to trenchless sewer repairs is that the work can be completed in a day or less. - Safe for the Family
The nature of traditional pipe replacement creates a safety hazards due to the heavy machinery that must be used throughout the process. Additionally, tearing the pipes out of the floor increases the occupants’ potential exposure to fungus, mold, and asbestos. The trenchless process entirely removes this risk. - An All Encompassing Solution
The only instance that a trenchless epoxy lining pipe repair can’t be used is when the existing pipe is caved in, so that the lining cannot be pushed through. Otherwise, regardless of how great or small the damage to the pipe is, the trenchless solution can repair it with significantly less effort and resources. Some common issues that are corrected with trenchless pipe repair include:- Invasive roots
- Corrosion and mineral buildup
- Natural degradation due to aged plumbing
- Cracks, leaks, and fractures
- Pipe Repairs on Any Scale
Epoxy pipe linings are used both for great and small sewer issues. Single family dwellings with a basic plumbing setup utilize trenchless pipe solutions for simple pipe repair. Large-scale, municipal water providers also utilize similar techniques in what is called “manhole to manhole” linings.
Have you every heard of trenchless pipe repair? Do you have any questions not included here? Please leave us your feedback in the comment section below.
