Fixing certain plumbing problems involves dealing with underground lines. For many people this was nothing short of a nightmare, as such repairs implied excavating trenches and consequently ruining their carefully maintained landscapes. Luckily, the recent emergence of trenchless technology allowed homeowners to forget about those nasty backhoes. Brief Introduction
Trenchless technology is a state-of-the-art branch of applied engineering that offers the techniques and equipment for developing, maintaining and renewing subsurface utility networks without excavating trenches. With regard to plumbing, it can be used to address issues with water supply, sewer disposal and rainwater disposal.
The Core of the Problem
Old water lines are very likely to develop leaks due to ageing, accidents or some other factors, which may lead to heavy transmission losses. The lion’s share of the so-called Unaccounted for Water (UfW) can be traced to these leaks.
Another common reason behind damaging water and sewer lines, particularly in older homes, is the intrusion of tree roots into the joints of the pipes. This can be explained by the fact that roots go toward water lines in search of – you’ll never guess – water, which they need to continue their growth. It is true to say that the root problem can be addressed by using a water jet or plumber’s snake to rout your line, but this is only a temporary solution.
The two most commonly employed trenchless method for plumbing repairs are pipe lining and pipe bursting. The former may be impossible when your lateral has joints or it has collapsed, while the latter can be used on a collapsed lateral provided that there is room for dragging a cable through the old pipe. Both techniques are equally durable, coming with warranties that can last up to fifty years.
Pipe lining involves digging one access hole and installing a flexible tube coated with resin into a damaged pipe and inflating it. Resin will harden after a few hours, thus creating a pipe within a pipe. You should know that lining is likely to reduce your lateral's diameter a bit, but this won't affect the overall capacity.
With pipe bursting, a new pipe is pulled through a damaged one, fracturing it outward at the same time. This technique usually requires digging two access holes, one dug on either side of the lateral.
There are several benefits to enjoy if you choose trenchless repairs services for your drains and sewers. First of fall, your cherished landscape will remain intact once the repairs have been completed. You should also know that trenchless techniques are cost-effective. “No damage to your landscaping or gardens means there will be no costly repair work”, says Tim Wilson of reputable Permanent Plumbing Solutions. Last but not least, you should regard this type of repairs as a smart long-term investment knowing their life expectancy and warranty periods.
Author Bio: Lillian Connors is a blogger and home improvement enthusiast ever so keen on doing various DIY projects around her house and passionately writing about them. She is also an online marketing consultant, closely collaborating with a number of companies from all over the globe.