FAQ

What are the reasons for pipe replacement?

The reasons for replacement can include:

  • Offset pipes
  • Deterioration - breaks, cracks, or holes
  • Root intrusion
  • Missing/broken cleanout
  • Under capacity
  • Infiltration

What is pipe bursting?

The breaking of an existing pipe, expanding the broken shards into the surrounding soil while simultaneously pulling in the new pipe, usually polyethylene (HDPE).

What are the benefits of pipe bursting?

Pipe Bursting is often classified as a repair versus new construction which can reduce engineering costs as well as permitting needs, requirements, costs and time from planning, construction, to final completion.

  • Eliminates up to 85% of excavation
  • Follows the path of the existing utility reducing risks of utility strikes
  • Usually saves 20%-25% versus open cut replacement
  • Minimal surface disruption
  • Reduced traffic disruption
  • Installs a brand new pipe
  • Ability to up-size

What does a typical trenchless line replacement jobsite look like?

The illustrations below depict a typical jobsite with a PortaBurst® system set up at a house. Alternatively, the unit can be set up in the basement or at the cleanout. The PortaBurst unit pulls the burst head through the lateral, bursting the existing service, while simultaneously pulling in the new HDPE pipe the same size as the old pipe or a size larger.

What are the costs involved with a more traditional open cut method?

  • Pavement saw-cutting
  • Excavation
  • Trucking spoil and dump fees
  • Backfill and transport
  • Compaction
  • Concrete or asphalt
  • Traffic control

What are the disadvantages of a typical dig and replace?

Cost prohibitive

  • Landscape removal/repair
  • Building repairs
  • Soil removal/replacement

Highly disruptive to

  • Business
  • Residential
  • Traffic

What are the benefits of pipe replacement?