Things You Should Know About Trenchless Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting is a trenchless pipe rehabilitation technique that utilizes a mostly mechanical approach to restore full functionality to affected or damaged pipelines. Proprietors are somewhat familiar with the trenchless pipe lining process, especially those who had trenchless sewer repair in Waimea, HI with Nu Flow South Pacific.

However, trenchless pipe bursting, while not uncommon, is not typically known by the average property owner as an option for their pipe repair needs. But if you’ve got a damaged pipe that needs to be rehabilitated, then this particular trenchless pipe replacement method can be an ideal and sustainable solution to consider. 

Here are a few things you might want to know about trenchless pipe bursting.

How It Works

What makes pipe bursting different from other trenchless sewer replacement methods is that the existing pipe is essentially destroyed instead of utilized. The expander tip, commonly called a “bursting head,” is pushed into the old pipe to rupture it. The head is narrow enough to slide through the existing pipe, and when dragged through, the head breaks the damaged pipe apart. The back of the head is attached to a new pipe which it drags and inserts behind it.

Power application is made with a pulling device. The pulling rods, connected to the expander head, are driven by a hydraulic system. The head begins its journey in the launching or insertion pit once the pulling machine is lowered into the receiving pit.

Equipment Used

There are five essential pieces of equipment in the pipe bursting process:

• An expanding head
• Drawing steel bars
• A tugging device
• A holding system
• A hydraulic systems pack

Pipe Bursting Cost

Your situation will determine the repair cost. However, there are some key cost considerations during trenchless pipe repair, including:

• The existing pipe’s depth
• The pipe’s overall length
• Location of the sewer lateral
• Other subsurface facilities that are close to the line

A rough estimation of the cost of pipe replacement can be determined by multiplying the length of the pipe by the current rate.

Contact us today if you would like to know whether pipe bursting is the trenchless solution for your pipes.