Open Excavation Versus Trenchless Repairs: Why More Plumbing Companies Are Turning to CIPP Lining for Sewer Line Repairs
Plumbing companies know the need for sewer line replacements in aging communities. Tree root intrusion, shifting ground, and natural disasters can all create issues with old cast iron and clay sewer lines. But providing sewer repair services means choosing the right repair methods for your customers.
And when sizing up open excavation versus trenchless repair options, the repair you choose is a matter of time, money, and convenience for both companies and their customers.
Open Excavation versus Trenchless Sewer Line Repair: What’s the Difference?
The most apparent difference between open excavation and trenchless repair is digging. But for plumbing companies, there’s a lot more to consider before investing in a sewer repair method for your business. Let’s start by looking at what each method takes to complete.
Open Excavation for Sewer Repair: Step-By-Step
Breaking it down to its most basic components, there are nine essential steps to any open excavation sewer repair, starting with locating the sewer line itself. From there, the process requires careful work to keep other buried utilities intact.
The repair will take digging down to the sewer line. This could require removal of hardscapes, sod, and concrete to complete the repairs.
Locate the sewer line
Locate utilities near the sewer line
Mark the excavation area
Remove obstructions
Dig the trench
Cut out tree roots
Assess the repair needs
Replace the sewer line
Rehab the trench and any landscaping, hardscaping, or other damage
Trenchless CIPP Lining for Sewer Repair: Step-By-Step
Without the need to physically map out the location of the sewer line, trenchless repair typically starts with a visual inspection with a CCTV system. After prepping materials and locating an access point, which is typically an interior line or a small pit close to the damaged pipe, the line is cleaned. The liner is then installed and cured, with a final inspection before reinstatement.
Inspect the pipe
Prep materials
Locate access points
Clean the pipe
Install the liner
Cure the resin
Inspect the finished job
Reinstate service
In both open excavation and trenchless repair, the work requires training and preparation to keep teams and customers safe. And in both cases, the results are clean, secure sewer lines that will last for decades. But the amount of disruption for the two jobs is quite different. And this is where companies should determine the best investment.
What’s Better: Open Excavation or Trenchless Repair?
Choosing open excavation or trenchless repair for your plumbing business is a big decision. And that decision depends on the types of work you typically see. Most residential repair work could benefit more from trenchless repair than open excavation, but if your company focuses on large-scale repair and replacement work, open excavation might be necessary in more situations.
Pros and Cons of Open Excavation
Open excavation offers a more versatile repair option than trenchless repairs, but it comes with some drawbacks that could be detrimental in some situations. While direct access to the lines helps ensure the quality of the repairs, it also means disrupting the areas around the sewer line.
Pros:
The work can be physically inspected
Any type of issue can be addressed, including bellies and collapses
Cons:
Sewer lines must be located accurately to avoid disrupting other utilities
Typically requires destruction of adjacent features like landscaping and concrete
Longer timelines for repairs and rehab of property
Often more expensive than trenchless methods
Trenching is considered highly dangerous, especially for deeper excavations
Pros and Cons of Trenchless Repair
Although a physical inspection of the work isn’t possible, trenchless repairs like CIPP lining use video inspections that can make sure the liner is properly cured and ready for reinstatement. But trenchless repairs save both time and money by avoiding landscape tear-out.
Pros:
Fast turnaround for repairs
No need for repairing or replacing features disrupted by trenches
No heavy machinery required
Cons:
Requires specialized equipment and training
Safety, Convenience, and Expense
When these pros and cons are weighed against each other, trenchless repair comes out ahead far more often than open excavation. It’s safer, more efficient, less expensive, and faster. And with proper CCTV inspections, trenchless sewer repairs are just as effective as open excavation repairs.
Is It Worth Investing in CIPP for Sewer Repair?
Trenchless CIPP repair is a game changer for small- to medium-sized plumbing companies. The initial investment may seem steep, but the return on that investment is significant. Since CIPP lining requires no disruption of roadways, destruction of property, or time-consuming rehabilitation, repair teams can provide better customer experiences with less time and effort for each job.
And with financing options available, T3 Lining Supply can work with your budget to get you started. Our experienced training team is available in person, on location, or virtually to help you start your trenchless sewer repair service quickly and without frustration.
Contact T3 today to find out more about starting a CIPP repair business or adding trenchless sewer repair to your company!