What Is Pipe Bursting and How Does it Work?

If you’re dealing with a failing underground sewer line, you might think a full-scale dig is your only option. But there’s a modern, efficient solution that avoids tearing up your yard: pipe bursting. Trenchless pipe bursting lets professionals replace buried pipes with minimal surface disruption, saving time, money, and landscaping.

Let’s explore what sewer pipe bursting means, how it works, and when it’s the right solution for your sewer line.

What Is Trenchless Pipe Bursting?

Trenchless pipe bursting is a method of sewer line replacement that doesn’t require digging trenches. Instead, it uses hydraulic power and special equipment to break apart the old pipe underground and pull a new pipe into place.

It’s one of the two primary trenchless repair methods, the other being pipe relining (which rehabilitates the old pipe, essentially by installing a new pipe within the old one, rather than replacing it). While both trenchless approaches are non-invasive, sewer pipe bursting is ideal when a pipe is too damaged or collapsed for relining.

How Does the Pipe Bursting Method Work?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how pipe-bursting sewer line replacement works:

• A plumber and crew dig access pits at the entry and exit points of the damaged pipe.
• They’ll insert a bursting head into the old pipe. It fractures the existing pipe outward as the new pipe is laid.
• Trenchless pipe bursting equipment pulls a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into the space left behind.
• The new pipe is connected to your existing plumbing, creating a seamless replacement.

With this pipe bursting method, there’s no reason to dig up your yard and pay thousands in landscaping fees to get everything back to normal. The whole process should take just two to three days, meaning you’ll be back to normal before you know it.

Bursting head and equipment

The bursting head is the main piece of trenchless pipe bursting equipment used. It splits or bursts the old pipe while towing in the new line through its path. This process is powered by hydraulic or pneumatic systems, depending on the job. Other equipment used might include:

• Pulling rods or cables
• Winch or cable reel
• Fusion machine

Pipe material and replacement process

Most new sewer lines installed using pipe bursting are HDPE pipes, which are durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. They’re fused together before the pull-in, creating a joint-free pipe that’s less likely to leak or fail and should provide trouble-free service for decades.

When Is Sewer Line Pipe Bursting the Right Solution?

Pipe bursting is ideal for:

• Replacing collapsed, structurally damaged, or heavily corroded pipes
• Upgrading outdated clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes
• Homes or businesses with landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, or patios above the pipe
• Situations where full excavation would be disruptive or expensive

You may also be able to use pipe bursting for certain water line replacements, depending on local codes.

Pipe Bursting Limitations and Considerations

While highly effective, sewer line pipe bursting does have limitations:

• Requires stable soil conditions and sufficient space for access pits
• May not work in extremely shallow or deeply buried lines
• Not ideal near utilities or areas with underground congestion
• Some municipalities restrict its use or require special permitting

It’s important to think about these pipe bursting limitations before making your decision. For some people, more traditional sewer line repairs might be a better (or the only) option.

How Much Does Pipe Bursting Sewer Line Replacement Cost?

Pipe bursting sewer line replacement costs vary based on the following:

• Length and diameter of the pipe
• Soil conditions and depth
• Local labor and permit rates
• Obstacles like trees, patios, or utilities

Typically, pipe bursting sewer line replacement results in long-term savings by minimizing collateral damage, landscape restoration, and project time. So even if it costs slightly more upfront than the alternative, you’ll save overall because you won’t have to pay to put your yard back together.

Benefits of the Pipe Bursting Method

Here’s why pipe bursting is becoming the go-to solution for sewer line replacement:

• Trenchless: No need to dig up your entire lawn
• Durable replacement: HDPE pipes last 50+ years
• Fast turnaround: Most jobs take just 1-2 days
• Minimal disruption: Protects driveways, landscaping, and sidewalks
• Scalable: Works for residential, commercial, or municipal systems

Overall, the pipe bursting method is faster, more efficient, and less disruptive than traditional excavation. Check out this infographic to learn more about the benefits of trenchless pipe bursting technology. 

Pipe Bursting That Won’t Burst Your Wallet

Pipe bursting offers a long-lasting result with the convenience of non-invasive sewer line replacement. Whether you’re facing root intrusion, collapsed lines, or aging infrastructure, Roto-Rooter has the tools and trenchless technology to do the job right without wrecking your property.

Call the Roto-Rooter plumbing professionals today for expert diagnostics, advanced trenchless tech, and minimal disruption service. However, it’s important to note that services vary by location, and pipe bursting may not be available everywhere.