Pipe bursting is a plumbing method that allows us to replace your underground water or sewer line by pulling a new pipe through your old one and breaking the old pipe into pieces in the process.
If you’ve searched for “What is pipe bursting,” you might have found it described as a “trenchless” method. Underground pipe replacement used to involve digging trenches in your yard to get to the pipes.
Pipe bursting means that today, that’s often unnecessary. Pipe bursting allows us to work much more quickly and cleanly. In addition, your driveway and landscaping remains undisturbed.
Quick Takeaways
- Pipe bursting = bursting old pipe while replacing it with new one, no trenches needed
- Works well if your underground sewer lines are old, collapsed or have cracks
- No full-yard excavation necessary; we dig two small access holes instead
- You’ll get five or more decades out of replacement HDPE pipe
- Less disruptive, more efficient and longer-lasting than digging
Pipe Bursting Definition and Purpose
Definition
The key piece of equipment in pipe bursting is the “bursting head.” Hydraulic or pneumatic systems propel this conical device through the old pipe, which it bursts as it also pulls the new pipe along with it.
Pipe bursting is most commonly used when there are gas, sewer or water lines that run under structures, such as buildings, or in areas where disruption is ideally avoided, such as roads and yards.
Purpose
One of the primary reasons for using pipe bursting is that it does not involve the need for trenching on a large scale, which can damage your landscaping and your property. Pipe bursting allows us to replace your pipes after common issues, including corrosion, tree root invasion and collapse.
The replacement pipes are not limited by the diameter of the existing pipes. If higher flow is necessary, pipe bursting can replace them with pipes that have a larger diameter.
How Pipe Bursting Works – Step-by-Step Process
1. Inspecting and Preparing – Inspecting the existing line with a camera allows technicians to identify whether the situation is one in which pipe bursting is an appropriate technique.
2. Creating Access Pits – Technicians dig two small holes, one for entry and one for exit, at the places where the new pipes will begin and end.
3. Placing the Bursting Head – Steel cables or hydraulic rods are used to insert the bursting head into the old pipes.
4. Replacing the Pipe – The burster travels through the old pipes, breaking it apart and towing the new pipe, which is usually made of HDPE.
5. Connecting and Backfilling – First, the new pipe is connected to existing lines. The access pits are then filled and the surface restored as much as possible.
When Pipe Bursting is Used
Pipe bursting is common in both residential and sewer line projects. There are a few situations in which it’s the best choice for sewer, water or gas pipes.
While pipe relining can fix some issues, if the pipe is damaged, this isn’t possible. In addition, if you need bigger pipes or you need to change your pipe material, such as from cast iron to HDPE, pipe bursting is the right choice.
When there are features such as driveways, concrete or landscaping, traditional trenching becomes impractical. Pipe bursting allows repair and replacement without disturbing these features.
Advantages of Pipe Bursting
There are a number of reasons that pipe bursting can be a better choice than traditional replacement. Since it only requires two small access holes, the disruption to your landscape is minimal.
It can be completed quickly, frequently in just one day. It can also be less expensive if you factor in the cost of restoring your landscape after a traditional repair or replacement with trenching.
Pipe bursting also offers advantages over repair in many cases. If your existing pipes are too narrow, pipe bursting can increase their size. If your pipes are old, your new pipes will be corrosion-resistant and will last longer.
Limitations to Consider
Pipe bursting is an important and useful method for pipe replacement. However, it’s not the right choice in every circumstance, and there are a few considerations. First, licensed trenchless contractors are the only people who should perform pipe bursting.
If your lines are shallow or there are tight utility corridors, pipe bursting may not be the solution. In addition, its upfront costs can exceed those of pipe relining, which might be the better alternative in some situations.
Pipe Bursting vs. Pipe Relining
The table below offers a quick look at the two methods and when one might be more appropriate than the other.
| Feature | Pipe Bursting | Pipe Relining |
| Method | Breaks old pipe while installing new one | Places epoxy liner inside old pipe |
| Pipe Condition | Best for damaged/collapsed pipes | Pipes must be structurally intact |
| Access Required | Two small pits | One point of entry |
| Lifespan | At least 50 years | 40-50 years |
| Cost Range | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
Environmental & Practical Benefits
There are several other reasons that pipe bursting can be a great option. For homeowners, one of the most important is that it does not damage tree, driveways, lawns or other landscaping. Surface damage is altogether minimized.
In addition, pipe bursting reduces waste and in avoiding heavy excavation, it lowers your overall carbon footprint. Finally, traditional excavation can be difficult or impossible in urban areas where there is limited space for digging. Pipe bursting is ideal in this situation.
FAQs – What is Pipe Bursting
What exactly is pipe bursting?
Pipe bursting replaces old underground pipes by pulling new pipes through the old ones, breaking and replacing them. It’s trenchless and fast.
How long does pipe bursting take?
This varies, but it usually doesn’t take more than 1-2 days at most people’s homes.
How long does a pipe bursting replacement last?
These pipes are made of either HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PVC, and they should last for at least 50 years.
Can you use pipe bursting with all types of pipe materials?
Pipe bursting can replace pipes made out of clay, cast iron, PVC or Orangeburg.
Will pipe bursting cause any damage to my yard, driveway or property?
Pipe bursting minimizes damage. Unlike with traditional pipe replacement methods, we only need to dig two small access pits.
Need a Trenchless Pipe Replacement in Tampa, FL?
Clogging or collapsing sewer lines can feel like a homeowner’s nightmare. Pipe bursting is a fast, noninvasive remedy. Our trenchless experts will inspect your pipes, and if they determine that pipe bursting is the right solution, they can carry it out with minimal disruption.
We offer sewer line replacement services throughout Tampa, FL and the surrounding area. We’re known as the punctual plumbers because you can always count on us to turn up when we say we will.
We’ve got the expertise that you need to take care of your sewer line issue and get things working better than ever. Contact us today for service.