What Is Pipe Bursting? All About This Trenchless Sewer Technology

Traditionally, the options for sewer line repair or replacement were expensive, time-consuming, and highly complicated. Today, many trenchless methods expedite the process in the most efficient way possible, like pipe bursting. While the name may leave something to be desired, the method itself is not. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Pipe Bursting?

Pipe bursting is a relatively new trenchless sewer line repair method that helps replace a damaged, aging, or undersized sewer or water line with minimal disruption. It involves simultaneously breaking (or, bursting) old, buried pipes and replacing them with new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) ones. 

While replacing sewer lines used to take days and leave your yard an upturned mess, pipe bursting can do the job in hours with minimal disruption. However, it’s typically more expensive, although it could make sense if you have extensive landscaping or other similar considerations.

How Does Pipe Bursting Work?

Pipe bursting is a unique example of a no-dig trenchless sewer repair. Contractors will use hydraulic pressure to pull a specialized expander or bursting head through the old pipe, splitting and expanding it as they proceed. The bursting head is connected to a new pipe, which replaces the old one as it moves along the line. 

Pipe bursting is best for severely damaged sewer lines because it simply bursts the old pipe. The fragments are not removed—instead, they are pushed into the soil and left to decay on their own.

Pipe Bursting Pros and Cons

Based on the facts above, you may already be sold on pipe bursting. However, there are a few pros and cons to weigh to help you decide whether it’s the right move for your home. 

Pros

• Fast turnaround. Typical excavation work can take days or even weeks, forcing you to live in a messy construction site and deal with common plumbing problems for far longer than anyone prefers. 

• Minimal disturbance. If you have extensive landscaping or concrete work around your home, pipe bursting can save you a big chunk of change on post-project repairs, even if the upfront cost is higher.

• Great for urban areas. Pipe bursting is an ideal choice for big cities or commercial properties because it won’t disrupt everyday life. 

Cons

• Expensive. Trenchless sewer line piping costs between $50 and $250 per linear foot. Pipe bursting always falls on the high end of this range, sometimes up to 50% more than open-ground excavation.

• Can’t upgrade to larger pipes. Because this method simply replaces an old pipe with a new one in an existing space, there’s very little room for upgrading. If you need to install a bigger pipe, bursting isn’t the best choice.

• Not viable for all situations. While pipe bursting seems like a no-brainer compared to other methods (if your budget allows), there are a handful of times where you shouldn’t or can’t do it, based on your municipality or situation.

When is Pipe Bursting a Bad Idea?

There are a few cases where pipe bursting isn’t the right choice. In some circumstances, it may simply not be possible to replace the old pipe with trenchless methods. 

• There are city utilities in the way.

• You only need a minor repair.

• Pipes are damaged or corroded.

• The pipes are too shallow.

• You want to increase pipe size.

• Pipes are made from steel or ductile iron. 

• Your municipality doesn’t allow it.

Pipe Bursting Alternatives

If you run into one of the hang-ups above, here are some alternatives you can consider:

• Traditional open-top excavation. This method involves digging into the ground, removing the old sewer line, and installing a new one. Some municipalities may require this rather than bursting.

• Pipe lining. Pipe lining is when you install a new liner, or pipe, within the damaged pipe. It’s an ideal alternative if your pipe is still in decent condition.

• Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP). This is a popular method of pipe lining that uses a resin-saturated liner which cures in place. 

• Sleeving. Rather than inserting a new liner inside a pipe, sleeving involves encasing the pipe in a new, stronger material, like polyethylene.

• Tunneling. Pipe tunneling uses similar technology to bursting to dig a new hole underground with minimal disturbance. But while bursting replaces the old pipe, tunneling digs a new trench for a new line.