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What You Need to Know About Trenchless Sewer Repair in Minneapolis, MN

Have you been told you need trenchless sewer repair? You may not be sure what it is or what it is the best option for your home. When you talk to a team of plumbing pros, you will learn about all of the options to fix your plumbing problems. The best professionals will work with you to determine the most cost-effective, but also the most functionally beneficial solution for your home. Sometimes, it is this method.

If you know you need trenchless sewer repair or you want to find out if it may be the right choice for your home, call our team at Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains in Minneapolis, MN.

So What is Trenchless Sewer Repair?

When your plumbing recommends trenchless sewer line repair, you may be unsure what steps to take to actually fix your plumbing issue. You may not know what it means. The good news is that it is a less invasive method for fixing damaged drain pipes. Unlike other methods of fixing these pipes, there is no need to have major excavation work done. This is very common when there is damage to these drain pipes. In other methods, the plumbing team will need to excavate the area, remove the damaged pipe, and replace it with a new one. That is time-consuming, and it often results in damage to your landscaping, too.

We can often avoid this by using trenchless sewer repair. This method is not new. It has been used since the 1940s as a way to fix the interior problems of these drain lines. It was not used heavily until around the 1970s when structural pipe lining, a new type of material used to line the interior of a damaged pipe, became available. This method of repair is very commonly used today.

How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Happen?

In a traditional process, a trench – or a narrow, long ditch – is excavated to reveal the location of the underground pipeline. In a trenchless sewer repair, there is no trench dug. Instead, we make the repairs without having to dig up all of the piping (and your flower bed with it). This can save a lot of the work that is typically necessary.

Trenchless sewer repair is also less expensive because it does not require this type of work. It is faster to complete, as well. Most of the time, it can be done in a few hours during a single visit. By comparison, traditional trench projects can take several days. They may even require a professional to direct traffic and for your home to go without water for several days.

What Is Done in This Repair Process?

Not every home will benefit from this method. After a plumber comes to your home to inspect the lines, he or she will determine what the problems are. This can often be done using a video camera that’s fed through the pipes until it reaches the desired location. Once they spot the damage and determine it needs to be replaced, the work begins.

The first step after this is to determine what type of trenchless sewer repair method is right for you. There are numerous options to consider. Here are a few.

  • Structural pipe lining – This method, which is sometimes called cured-in-place pipe lining, works just as it sounds. A new pipe is installed within the existing one. To do this, an epoxy-soaked liner is placed inside the damaged pipe and fed into place. Then, it remains in place to cure for several hours. After this, the liner is removed, and the new pipe is in place.
  • Slip lining – This method is what has been used for a long time – since the 1940s. In it, the team will insert a smaller diameter pipe into the current one. This allows for old damaged pipe to become no longer worrisome. The space between the old and new pipe is filled in with a grout-like material. Because it is more invasive than other methods, slip lining is less commonly used today.
  • Pipe Bursting – In this method, the damaged pipe is replaced. It is winched with an attached bursting head. Then, a new pipe is put into place. The old pipe is then broken up and removed while the new one takes over.
  • Spray lining – This method, which is also called brush coating – is designed to work much like structural pipe lining. This method uses a flexible polymer that is sprayed onto the inside of the damaged pipe.

What Should You Do If You Need Help?

If you believe a trenchless sewer repair is necessary in your situation, your first step should be to turn to an experienced professional organization with ample experience. This process is only less invasive if it is done properly. You also want to ensure they offer all of the techniques available. Even if you are unsure which method is best for your situation, it can be a good thing if they offer more than one solution. Not every system can be fixed using a structural pipe lining, for example. You want to be sure your plumber has options.

You do not have to wait to get started. If you have a damaged sewer line, the longer you want, the most costly it can become. To avoid this, then, it is best to work with a plumber specializing in trenchless sewer repair. They will come to your home, provide a full inspection of the work to be done, analyze the problem, and then offer a solution to fit your needs. It can be that simple to get the work done.

Do You Need Plumbing Help Right Away? Schedule an Appointment with Our Team

When it comes to getting trenchless sewer repair completed, always trust a plumber with a strong local reputation and exceptional experience. For all of your repair needs, contact Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains today. We serve Minneapolis, MN, and the surrounding areas with expert service and outstanding customer support.

Photo By Monika Wisniewska at Shutterstock

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