Did you know that there’s a way to repair pipes without digging trenches? It’s called pipe bursting and it’s a pretty neat procedure. Let me explain it to you in a bit more detail! Purposefully burst a pipe? Why in the world would you do that?
Well, for those not familiar with different plumbing procedures, it’s easy to see why you might take this view. As strange as it sounds, though, bursting pipes is actually a very effective method for repairing them.
Just as its name suggests, the repairer of the pipe intentionally breaks the existing pipe using mechanically applied force. The resulting pipe fragments are forced into the ground, and a new pipe is then pulled in to replace the original one.
As you might imagine, there are quite a few benefits to employing this particular method when repairing a pipe. Before we get into the benefits of pipe bursting in Cincinnati, we’d like to briefly go over the specifics of the procedure with you.
How Pipe Bursting Works
Pipe bursting is an innovative process used for replacing old, damaged pipes with new ones. This method involves breaking the old pipe and pulling a new one into place. The process begins by attaching the rear end of the bursting head to the new pipe and the front end to a pull rod. The new pipe and bursting head are then launched, and the pull rod is pulled from the receiving pit. The force required to break the old pipe comes from the hydraulic power or the pulling rod, depending on the system being employed. This force temporarily expands the diameter of the old pipe, and the bursting head is pulled through the debris, creating a temporary cavity and pulling behind it the new pipe from the insertion pit.
To maintain alignment and ensure uniformity during the process, the nose portion of the bursting head is usually smaller in diameter than the existing pipe, while the bottom is larger than the inside diameter of the old pipe. The bursting head bottom is also a bit larger than the outside diameter of the new pipe, which reduces the friction on the new pipe and provides space for situating the pipe.
This innovative process was first developed in the UK by D.J. Ryan & Sons in the 1970s for the replacement of small-diameter 3 and 4-inch cast iron gas mains. It was later patented in the UK in 1981 and in the US in 1986. The pipe bursting technique has seen widespread adoption in the North American gas, water, and sewer industries over the last 30 years due to the enormous benefits it offers.
Benefits Of Pipe Bursting:
Less Labor-Intensive
Pipe bursting is a trenchless method of replacing old and damaged pipelines. Unlike traditional methods that require digging and excavation, pipe bursting involves minimal digging and is less labor-intensive. With pipe bursting, large machinery is not necessary, and contractors do not have to break their backs shoveling dirt. This method is more efficient, cost-effective, and less disruptive to the surrounding environment.
The Pipe Bursting Process Causes Less Damage To The Site
When it comes to repairing sewer pipes, pipe bursting is a method that offers several advantages. First and foremost, it causes minimal damage to the surrounding area, which translates to less cleanup and repair work. In addition to being less intrusive, pipe bursting is also an eco-friendly option compared to traditional methods that involve excavation. During excavation, there is a higher likelihood of hazardous materials being handled, which can be detrimental to the environment. With pipe bursting, there is no digging involved, which eliminates the possibility of toxic substances entering the water supply or causing harm to the surrounding land.
The Pipe Bursting Process is Cost-Effective
If you’re faced with the daunting task of repairing a damaged sewer pipe, you may be wondering which method is the most cost-effective. It’s worth considering pipe bursting as an option, as it can ultimately save you a significant amount of money.
When you opt for traditional repair methods, such as excavation, you’ll need to hire multiple workers to dig a hole large enough to access the damaged pipe. Once the repair is complete, you’ll also need to pay for the site to be cleaned up, which can include hiring landscapers and purchasing new soil, grass, and plants. All of these expenses can add up quickly, leaving a significant dent in your wallet.
Alternatively, pipe bursting requires only a few workers to complete the job. This method uses a specialized machine to burst the damaged pipe and replace it with a new one, leaving the surrounding site intact. By avoiding the need for excavation and landscaping, pipe bursting can be a more cost-effective option for sewer pipe repair.
The Pipe Bursting Method is Safe
Excavations can pose significant safety risks due to the presence of harmful elements such as mold and asbestos which are commonly found underground. Exposure to these elements can result in serious health concerns. However, in situations where the ground is not disturbed, such as in the case of a sewer pipe bursting, the risk of exposure to these harmful elements is minimized, thereby reducing potential health hazards.
Productivity is Higher with the Pipe Bursting Method
Pipe bursting is a trenchless method of repairing pipes that has several advantages over traditional excavation methods. One of the main benefits of pipe bursting is that it significantly reduces the amount of time spent digging and cleaning up the mess, which allows workers to focus on the actual job that needs to be done. With pipe bursting, it is possible to repair up to 200m of pipe per day, depending on the specific job requirements. This method is known for its accuracy and effectiveness, making it a popular choice for many pipe repair projects.
Increase The Flow Capacity Of The Pipe with the Pipe Bursting Method
Throughout our discussions, we’ve extensively covered the numerous environmental, safety, and cost advantages of pipe bursting. However, we’ve yet to delve into the benefits that this technology offers to the functionality of the pipe itself. It’s worth highlighting that pipe bursting can significantly enhance the flow capacity of the existing pipeline by installing either a pipe of the same size or a larger one.
The Pipe Bursting Method Reduces Trench Settlement
Did you know that trenches often subside even with the best excavation jobs? This can cause pavement to settle, which not only looks unsightly but also makes it inconvenient to walk on. To address this issue, many excavation projects account for pavement settlement over time before the final paving. However, this additional step can increase the overall cost of the project. Additionally, trench settlement can negatively affect nearby utilities, as the surrounding soil shifts with the subsiding trench. It’s essential to take these factors into consideration when planning and executing excavation projects to ensure safety and prevent potential damage.
Lifetime Guarantee on Pipe Bursting Technology
If you are in need of pipe repair, it is important to choose a contractor who offers a lifetime guarantee on their pipes. Reputable contractors use high-quality, seamless pipes that are designed to prevent root intrusion and gapped joints. With the advent of trenchless technology methods, contractors are now able to offer a guarantee of work that was previously unthinkable with traditional repair methods. This means that you can rest assured that your pipes will be repaired efficiently and effectively with minimal disruption to your property.
The Pipe Bursting Process Encourages Technological Innovation
Pipe bursting is a method of replacing old or damaged pipes that has gained popularity in recent years for its many benefits. Not only does it save time and money by eliminating the need for excavation, but it also causes less disruption to the surrounding environment. However, there is also an ideological benefit to pipe bursting that often goes overlooked.
One of the advantages of using this method is that it encourages innovations in engineering. Companies and clients who choose to utilize the latest forms of technology to accomplish a particular task are opening the door for further innovation. As more and more companies continue to employ pipe-bursting procedures, they will inevitably discover ways to improve upon the method.
This process of continuous improvement can lead to the development of even better technologies and procedures that will advance the field of engineering. In fact, it is entirely possible that the pipe-bursting procedure itself could someday be replaced by a more efficient and effective method, thanks to the constant pursuit of innovation.
It is important to note that technological progress cannot occur if people continue to rely on outdated methods, such as digging ditches, to solve problems that can be solved more efficiently with advanced technologies. By embracing new and innovative methods like pipe bursting, we are not only improving our infrastructure but also paving the way for future advancements in engineering and beyond.
Need Pipe Bursting in Cincinnati?
At Curry and Son’s, we’re pipe bursting experts here in the Greater Cincinnati area. We use the latest in trenchless pipe bursting technology, so that way you can get the most bang for your buck with minimal digging to your Cincinnati home or property. Whether you need your sewer lines inspected or if you need a pipe replacement or repair in the Cincinnati area, contact our team of professional plumbers today. We’ll provide a free quote so you won’t have to guess your pipe bursting cost.