While pipe bursting might not sound like such a good thing, it is actually an effective way to break sewer systems that have sustained severe damage. Pipe bursting is done by using trenchless techniques in order to replace a sewer system. The plumbing equipment used in trenchless pipe bursting include an expander head, a bursting head, a retaining device, a pulling device, a hydraulic power pack, and a cable, chain, or rod.
Here are four benefits that pipe bursting provides for property owners.
- It Is Safer
It is actually much safer to blow a pipe up than to dig a pipe out of the ground. Digging often causes toxic substances, such as mold, to rise up to the surface. There are plenty of other hazards when it comes to digging under the ground including:
- Power lines
- Communications cables
- Asbestos
- Dangerous gases
Using trenchless methods instead of digging is safer for property owners and reduces the chances of running into these types of underground hazards.
- It Is Cost Effective
On average, pipe bursting jobs costs $60 to $200 per square foot. Excavating jobs normally cost $50 to $250 per square foot. While these numbers are virtually the same, trenchless pipe bursting usually ends up being much more cost effective than traditional digging replacement.
One of the reasons is that pipe bursting takes much less time, which minimizes the amount of labor. In fact, the average pipe bursting job takes only a couple of hours to complete. Compare this to digging up an entire pipe, which could take several days. Besides saving money on the amount of labor that is required, property owners will not have to pay for lawn repair costs.
- It Increases Flow Capacity
When property owners need to get their pipe replaced, many of them choose to have a pipe with a larger diameter than the original. Because pipe bursting is a better method for clearing the soil, there is more room to place these larger pipes.
This will increase the flow capacity of the sewage pipe, which means there will be less chance of the pipe getting clogged, plus it can help to improve water pressure.
- It Helps the Pipes Last Longer
With pipe bursting, the pipes that get installed are non-corrosive, flexible, and made with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). These pipes generally last for well over 50 years. Besides that, the materials used for pipe bursting can help to increase the pipe's resistance to naturally-occurring hazards, such as root intrusions and soil shifts.
