As a homeowner, plumbing problems can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with. From clogged drains to broken pipes, these issues can quickly become costly and time-consuming to fix. Fortunately, there is now an innovative plumbing repair solution that can save you both time and money: pipe bursting from Hoffman Plumbing.
"We're proud to offer pipe bursting services. It's a specialized service that not many plumbing companies in the area can handle because it requires specialized equipment and training. But our crews have both, and that sets us apart." - Joe Ortiz, Owner, Hoffman Companies
What is Pipe Bursting?
Pipe bursting is a trenchless method of replacing underground pipes. Instead of digging a large trench to access the pipe and replace it, pipe bursting uses hydraulic machinery to break apart the existing pipe and replace it with a new one. The new pipe is then pushed into place through the old pipe's cavity, leaving the original pipe in the ground. This process allows for the
replacement of entire sections of damaged sewer, water, or natural gas pipes in minimal time without having to dig trenches or disrupt your property in any way. The result is faster installation times with less disturbance to your home and yard. Additionally, pipe bursting often costs much less than traditional plumbing repairs because there’s no need for costly excavation and repair of the surrounding landscape.
Here is a list of residential plumbing jobs that could benefit from the use of pipe bursting:
Sewer Line Replacement: Pipe bursting can be used to replace old, cracked, or blocked sewer lines without the need for extensive excavation.
Water Main Replacement: If the water main leading to your home is damaged or needs upgrading, pipe bursting can be an efficient solution.
Drainage Pipe Upgrades: Homes with outdated or damaged drainage pipes can benefit from pipe bursting as a less disruptive method of replacement.
Pipe Material Upgrade: For homes with older pipe materials like lead or galvanized steel, pipe bursting can facilitate the upgrade to safer, more durable materials.
Increasing Pipe Diameter: If your existing pipes are too narrow to accommodate increased water flow, pipe bursting can be used to install larger-diameter pipes without digging up your property.
Repairing Leaky Pipes: Pipe bursting can effectively replace pipes that have developed leaks due to age, damage, or corrosion, without the need for major excavation work.
Addressing Tree Root Intrusion: If tree roots have infiltrated your pipes, causing blockages or damage, pipe bursting can replace these affected pipes without causing harm to the tree.
Gas Line Replacement: In cases where gas lines are aging or damaged, pipe bursting can be used to replace them with minimal disruption to the property.
Irrigation System Overhaul: If parts of your home's irrigation system need to be replaced or upgraded, pipe bursting can be a less invasive solution.
Septic Line Replacement: Pipe bursting can replace the lines leading to or from your septic tank, causing less disturbance to your yard compared to traditional methods.
How Does Pipe Bursting Work?
The first step in the pipe bursting process requires the careful creation of two small access points. These holes are strategically made at both ends of the existing pipe that needs replacement. This part of the process is delicate and crucial as it sets the stage for the rest of the operation. The positioning of these holes is essential because they will serve as the entry and exit points for the equipment used in the pipe bursting process.
Once the access points have been established, a hydraulic machine is used. This machine is an integral part of the pipe bursting process due to its role in pulling a bursting head through the old pipe. Utilizing the power of hydraulics, the machine forces the bursting head into the pipe, applying pressure and causing the old pipe to break apart. As the bursting head moves through the pipe, it pushes the fragmented pieces into the surrounding soil. This action creates a clear path for the new pipe and eliminates the need for extensive excavation.
Simultaneously, as the bursting head is doing its job of breaking apart the old pipe and pushing it into the surrounding soil, a new pipe is being prepared for installation. This pipe is attached to the back end of the bursting head. As the bursting head progresses through the old pipe, it drags along the new pipe behind it. In this way, the old pipe is not only broken apart but also immediately replaced by the new one. This simultaneous action of breaking and replacing ensures that the process is efficient and minimizes disruption.
By the end of the process, the new pipe occupies the exact position of the old one, effectively replacing it without the need for extensive digging or damage to the surrounding area. This method of pipe replacement is highly effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly, reducing the impact on the surrounding landscape and infrastructure.
What are the Benefits of Pipe Bursting?
Pipe bursting offers numerous benefits that make it an increasingly popular choice among homeowners and businesses alike. The first significant advantage of pipe bursting is its minimally invasive nature compared to traditional excavation methods.
In traditional excavation methods, a large trench is dug to access the damaged pipe, which can lead to extensive disruption to your landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor features. This process can be time consuming and result in considerable downtime for your home or business. However, pipe bursting requires only small access points at either end of the pipe, completely eliminating the need for a large trench, allowing it to be completed much quicker, causing less disruption to your property. The result is reduced downtime for your home and a quicker return to your daily routine, with your landscape
largely undisturbed.
Another major benefit of pipe bursting is its cost-effectiveness. Traditional excavation methods can be labor-intensive and require the use of heavy machinery, both of which contribute significantly to the overall cost of the project.
Pipe bursting offers versatility in terms of its applications. It can be used in a wide variety of situations, from residential plumbing repairs to large-scale commercial plumbing replacements. Regardless of the size or complexity of your plumbing issue, pipe bursting can be tailored to fit your specific needs. This flexibility, combined with its cost and time efficiency, makes pipe bursting an ideal solution for any pipe repair or replacement project.
Pipe bursting provides a practical, efficient, and economical solution for pipe repairs or replacements. Its less invasive nature preserves your landscape, its speed reduces downtime, and its cost-effectiveness makes it a suitable option for those mindful of their budget. Additionally, its adaptability ensures it can meet a wide range of residential and commercial needs. With all these advantages, it's no surprise that pipe bursting has become a preferred choice for many when it comes to pipe repair or replacement.
Hoffman Plumbing: Your Solution for Pipe Bursting
At Hoffman Plumbing, we understand the importance of finding plumbing solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective. That's why we're proud to offer pipe bursting as a smart choice for homeowners looking to save time and money on their plumbing projects. With its many benefits, including less invasive methods and lower overall costs, pipe bursting can help you get your plumbing needs taken care of quickly and easily.