Prior to video and pipe inspection cameras, a plumber would often have to excavate to locate the source of a plumbing issue. Thankfully, thanks to technological advances and the emergence of trenchless pipe repair, those days are over. Trenchless technology has enabled plumbers to fix underground pipes without major excavation. For property owners that means more than just no mess. It also means a quicker and more cost-efficient fix. In this blog post, T-Top Plumbing, Ventura and Los Angeles area trenchless pipe repair specialists, delve into the question, “How does trenchless pipe repair work?”.

Video Camera Inspection

It all begins with a sewer line video inspection. Video cameras are used to quickly and accurately detect the problem inside your pipes that’s the source of your plumbing problems. If it’s determined that the repair can be made via the trenchless method, the repair will be carried out in one of two ways. Either by pipelining or pipe bursting.

Pipe Lining

The pipelining process is where some new pipe is added within the existing pipe. Also known as pipe relining, this process is done by cleaning out the existing pipe and then proceeding to cut a new pipe liner to length. The pipe liner is then installed using an air pressure inversion process that turns the pipe liner inside out after it’s inserted. The epoxy resin is then bonded to the original pipe.

Pipe Bursting

The pipe bursting method is where the new pipe is installed in place of damaged or old pipe. This process involves the use of a special tool that’s sent through the pipeline to shatter the old pipe with specialized attachments known as bursting heads. These bursting heads feed through the pipe that needs to be replaced. A replacement pipe is then pulled through to replace the old pipe. Keep in mind that this method is only effective when the pipes are able to be shattered and in soil conditions where the shattered pieces can be absorbed.

Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Repair

Trenchless repair has several different benefits over the older more traditional methods:

Less Property Damage – Trenchless pipe repair will keep over 90% of your yard, landscaping and concrete from having to be dug out or pulled up. There’s also less concern about water lines, gas lines, or electrical lines being disturbed.

A More Precise Pipe Damage Inspection – Plumber camera inspections allow a pipe’s insides to be viewed. This way the overall condition of the pipes can be assessed. Your plumber will be able to tell if pipe infiltration, root intrusion, or improper pipe installation can be ruled out as the source of your plumbing problem.

A Longer Lasting Fix – Once your repair is finished, the flow capacity of your pipes will increase. This makes for a longer-lasting drainage system.

When is a Trenchless Repair Off the Table?

Sometimes a pipe may be so badly damaged that a trenchless repair just isn’t possible. In this scenario, digging some old-fashioned trenches and then undertaking manual underground pipe repair is the only way to go.

Looking for Trenchless Pipe Repair in Ventura or Los Angeles?

If you have some damaged pipes, contact T-Top Plumbing today by visiting https://www.ttopplumbing.net/contact or by calling (805) 527-8867. Our professionals can assess your situation to determine if the cheaper, longer-lasting solution of trenchless pipe repair is an option for you.