Pipe Replacement

Replacement Methods

Structural Failure: Severe cracking, corrosion (especially in steel pipes), or complete collapse that prevents water flow.

Root Intrusion: Extensive tree root growth that has punctured and blocked the pipe beyond what high-pressure jetting can clear.

Severe Misalignment: Significant sagging (bellied pipes) or ground movement that causes pipes to disconnect or lose their necessary fall.

Inadequate Capacity: If site redevelopment increases runoff, existing pipes may need to be upsized to handle higher Permisable Site Discharge (PSD)

When is Replacement Necessary?

Professionals choose between two primary approaches based on the pipe's condition and depth.

Traditional Excavation:
- Process: Digging a trench to physically remove and replace the old pipe.
- Best For: Fully collapsed pipes, severe misalignment, or when relocating the pipe.
- Impact: Highly disruptive to landscaping, driveways, and structures.

Trenchless Technology (No-Dig):
- Pipe Bursting: A "bursting head" is pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously pulling a new, durable pipe (usually HDPE) into its place.
- Relining (CIPP): A resin-saturated liner is inserted into the existing pipe and cured to create a "pipe within a pipe".
- Best For: Preserving gardens or driveways when the original pipe's path is still usable.