Trenchless pipe repair is the practice of fixing or replacing sewer lines without digging up your property. With this technique, plumbing professionals can repair pipes in a fraction of the time and with much less disruption than traditional methods.
The cost of trenchless pipe repair varies depending on the techniques employed and the size of your damaged sewer line. Generally speaking, this is a more affordable alternative than having to dig up all of your system.
Cost of Equipment
When it comes to trenchless pipe repair costs, several factors must be taken into account. Type of sewer line and pipe condition are both vital considerations; additionally, depth will influence costs involved.
Trenchless pipe repair is an invaluable option for homeowners when they require sewer line repairs or replacement. Thanks to advanced technology, plumbers can complete the work in a fraction of the time and without risking any damage to your property or foundation slab.
Trenchless pipe repair is the most common form of trenchless pipe repair, which employs a resin-imbued liner to repair sewer lines that have become damaged or clogged. This method requires less digging than traditional techniques and can usually be completed in just one day.
Another trenchless alternative is pipe bursting, which uses a specialized machine to pull a new pipe through an old one. This method may work for broken or cracked pipes that aren’t structurally sound but it’s not always the most economical choice for residential or commercial properties.
CIP (cured-in-place pipe lining) is a trenchless sewer pipe repair solution suitable for both residential and commercial property owners. This technique works best on older cast iron or PVC sewer pipes, offering more efficiency than digging traditional solutions.
If the pipe is in good condition, CIPP reline can be completed for approximately $75 to $250 per foot depending on its size. However, costs may increase if there has been severe corrosion or significant scale buildup in the pipe.
Cast iron or PVC pipes that have become corroded and damaged due to acid and debris should not undergo this process. Therefore, a plumbing contractor must conduct an extensive inspection prior to beginning work.
If the sewer line is in need of repair, a sewer camera inspection can be conducted to assess the extent of damage and what repairs need to be made. These assessments usually cost $125-$500, and they help technicians pinpoint precisely where the issue lies so that full replacement can be avoided.
Cost of Labor
Trenchless pipe repair is a less invasive way to deal with broken sewer pipes. It’s faster, cheaper, and less damaging to the environment than digging up your yard and causing landscaping damage.
During the trenchless process, plumbers will use micro-video cameras to get a closer look at the issue area and create small holes in the ground where repairs can be made without digging up any landscape around your home. This keeps all of your landscaping intact during repair work.
The cost of trenchless pipe repair varies based on several factors, such as the size and condition of the sewer pipe. These elements dictate what equipment and materials must be used as well as how much labor is necessary to complete the job successfully.
The location of a damaged sewer line will influence its cost. For instance, if it’s under your backyard and difficult to reach, repair work may prove more expensive.
One factor that will influence the cost of trenchless pipe repair is the length of the sewer line. Shorter pipes tend to require less repair work compared to longer ones.
Similarly, the diameter of the pipe can influence costs. Larger-diameter sewer lines like those found in commercial buildings require more material for lining and require heavy equipment for repair, making them more expensive to fix.
On the contrary, residential sewer lines typically measure three to four inches in diameter, making repairs on these pipes much more cost-effective for homeowners.
The most widely-used method for trenchless pipe repair is CIPP, or cured-in-place pipe lining. This involves installing an epoxy-saturated liner inside the existing pipe.
Pipe burst prevention with CIPP helps to avoid future costly repairs, while keeping your yard looking great without needing extensive digging. Unfortunately, CIPP is more costly than other trenchless technologies due to the additional points of excavation required.
Other trenchless methods include pipe bursting and relining. Relining costs between $90-270 per foot, making it more costly than pipe bursting.
Cost of Materials
When it comes to sewer line repair, materials make all the difference. Whether you require trenchless pipe lining or pipe bursting, the material used will determine your final costs.
For instance, the material used to repair a PVC sewer line will depend on its thickness and diameter. Smaller pipes tend to be more cost-effective than larger ones, so contractors must know the thickness of the pipe before providing an estimate for labor-costs.
The length of a pipeline can influence costs. Longer lines necessitate more digging and connectors, increasing labor expenses as well as materials requirements. Furthermore, if your sewer system is intricate, new pipes may need to be tied-in at different locations which could necessitate further excavation.
Other elements that affect the cost of sewer line repair include its location and material. If your sewer line is made from cast iron or copper, repair will be more expensive than using ABS or PVS pipes.
Pipe materials come in a range of durability and cost, so some tend to be pricier. The best way to determine which material is ideal for your home is to consult an experienced contractor.
One trenchless method is cured-in-place sewer line replacement, which involves pulling a resin coated lining through damaged pipe and curing it for strength. This can cost between $80 to $250 per foot, which is much cheaper than traditional methods of replacing the entire sewer line.
Relining is another trenchless method for fixing sewer lines, which uses a waterproof sleeve to line the inside of your existing pipe. This fast, efficient and cost-effective process makes relining an ideal option for sealing leaks or patching up holes in pipes.
Before your cast iron pipe can be relined, a plumber may need to de-scale it. This additional process costs between $100 and $500 and plays an important role in how much a trenchless contractor charges; so be sure to inquire about this cost prior to booking an appointment.
Cost of Permits
Before a sewer technician can begin their work, they must acquire permission from their local government. Permits can be costly and plumbing providers often add them onto your final bill. The permit is essential for safety reasons and helps the plumber know what to expect when working on your pipes.
In some instances, no permit is needed to replace your sewer line; however, you may require one if the repair involves connecting to the city’s main lines. The cost of getting a permit varies but shouldn’t exceed $200.
The condition of your pipes can influence the cost of repair. If they’re back pitched (flowing toward your house instead of away) or collapsed, excavation and replacement may be required. While this will increase the price tag for trenchless pipe repair, it typically doesn’t dictate it in full.
Another key cost factor is the depth of your pipe. The deeper the trench is, the more expensive it will be to dig up and replace it.
If the pipe is only two feet deep, a trenchless repair might be your best bet. However, if it extends more than three feet deep, excavation of a trench is necessary.
Your decision on trenchless or digging repair depends on the extent of damage to your pipes and any landscaping or structures that need attention. In general, trenchless methods require less digging or re-landscaping work.
The cost of a trenchless repair will depend on the diameter of the damaged pipe. Generally speaking, smaller pipes tend to be cheaper to replace than larger ones.
Repairing a pipe that is connected to other underground utilities can be more expensive than working on its own. When this is the case, you’ll need to pay for a sewer camera inspection so the professionals have an accurate view of what they’re working with and don’t damage any nearby utility lines.
