Comparing Pipe Bursting and CIPP Repair: 5 Factors to Consider
Trenchless pipe repair is more than just a trend. Trenchless repair costs less, does less damage, and takes less time, no matter which method you choose to add to your plumbing company’s services. Pipe bursting is one example: it can be perfect for certain types of pipe replacement work, but it might not work at all in other situations.
Pipe bursting and CIPP repair have plenty in common, but key differences in their processes, applications, and uses will make the difference between a great investment for your company or a missed opportunity. Let’s explore both options to see what you need to know about pipe bursting and CIPP repair before investing.
What Is Pipe Bursting?
Pipe bursting is a trenchless pipe replacement method that involves specialized machines that pull a bursting rod through an existing pipe to fragment it. At the same time, the bursting head pulls a new pipe into place behind it.
Pipe bursting can be done with hydraulic or pneumatic push systems, or with a winch and cable system. The bursting head, a conical bit attached to the front of the bursting rod, can either be static or dynamic. Static bursting heads use pressure and force to burst the pipes, while dynamic heads can expand and contract to fragment the existing pipe.
The process itself is fairly straightforward, but the preparation of the work site is a key part of its effectiveness. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the steps it takes to install new pipe through pipe bursting.
1: Site Research and Inspection
Before any work can start, crews need to know what they’re going to run into underground. Site plans, utilities and service lines, and soil conditions need to be researched and mapped properly. In addition, a CCTV inspection should be carried out to locate any blockages, obstructions, or deviations within the repaired line.
2: Bypass Installation
Once the research and inspection are complete, crews should put a bypass system in place for any vital services that could be disrupted when replacing the old pipe. This is especially important for large-scale repairs of sewer and potable water lines, where disruption can create problems for homeowners.
3: Access Pits
Although it may not always be necessary, crews will likely need to dig access pits on one or both ends of the stretch of pipe. Pits may not be necessary if the damaged stretch can be accessed through manholes or existing access points.
4: Service Disconnection and Rerouting
Prior to bursting, the service line is disconnected and then rerouted through the bypass system for prolonged repair times. In the case of small-scale projects, rerouting may not be necessary.
5: Removal of Obstructions
The final step before the pipes can be replaced is to eliminate obstructions in the existing line. These obstructions can reduce the efficiency of the pipe bursting equipment and could also cause the bursting rod to shift from its intended route. That shift could damage adjacent service lines or cause damage to the ground around the repair.
6: Pipe Bursting and Reinstallation
Now that all the prep work is done, the old pipe is fragmented by the bursting head and rod while the new pipe is pulled into place behind the head. Once the existing pipe is completely burst, the new pipe can be attached to the existing connections.
7: Testing and Reinstatement
In order to ensure the quality of the repair, crews perform pressure testing on the new line. Any leaks in the connections are addressed before reinstatement. Once testing is complete, the line can be reinstated, with the bypass being removed.
Pipe Bursting and CIPP Repair: What Do They Have In Common?
Pipe bursting and CIPP repair both avoid some of the biggest problems with conventional pipe repair and replacement, but in different ways. As two trenchless options, here’s what you can expect to see in common:
No trenches
Fast repairs and reinstatements
Reduced expenses compared to conventional digging
Environmentally friendly alternatives
But with all that in common, there are still some differences in what pipe bursting and CIPP repair are designed to do.
Pipe Bursting Versus CIPP Repair: What Are the Differences?
The key areas that pipe bursting and CIPP repair show their advantages and drawbacks are mostly functional, but financial and environmental considerations play a role as well.
Applications
Both pipe bursting and CIPP can work for a variety of projects. With pipe diameters from 2 to 48 inches, pipe bursting has few limits to the pipe size it can replace. But cured-in-place pipe lining can be used for pipes as big as 10 feet in diameter.
Both methods can work for long stretches of pipe, but pipe bursting has been effectively used in stretches over 1,000 feet. CIPP repair typically caps off at around 500 feet due to the weight of the resin in the liners.
But one advantage of CIPP repair is its ability to negotiate bends in the existing pipe. Pipe bursting is designed strictly for straight lateral work.
There are some limitations for pipe bursting in terms of compatibility as well. CIPP repairs can be used with almost any type of existing pipe, but pipe bursting isn’t capable of addressing issues in existing HDPE pipe, reinforced concrete, or ductile iron pipes. Pipe bursting is also limited to specific soil types. Rocky and sandy soils aren’t suitable for pipe bursting, and shallow bursting can cause damage to the surface above the repair stretch.
Process
CIPP repair is perfect for small installation footprints, like residential homes and apartments. The relatively small equipment can be brought into just about any space without worrying about maneuverability. This is not the case with pipe bursting. The equipment is generally large, and the pipe lay-down area (where the new pipe is set up for installation) requires a great deal more space.
Additionally, CIPP repair rarely requires any pit construction for access. In some situations, a small pit (a few feet across) could be required, but if the line is accessible from an existing pipe terminal, no digging is necessary at all. Pipe bursting requires large enough trenches to reach the existing pipe, pull the winch through, and then extend the new pipe into place. These trenches could be several feet long on either side of the damaged section of pipe.
The installation turnaround for pipe bursting is still relatively short, but CIPP repair can be completed in hours when techniques like UV curing are used. Pipe bursting still requires time for site preparation and cleanup, although the bursting itself is fast. CIPP does tend to be faster, though.
CIPP and pipe bursting both offer more environmentally friendly repairs than conventional trenching since they maintain landscaping and trees and reduce the disruption of contaminants like asbestos, mold, and sewer leakage.
Cost
Both pipe bursting and CIPP repairs are far less expensive than conventional trenching. By eliminating a great deal of manual labor and reducing the necessary crew requirements, you can expect to spend less on these repairs, which allows you to pass the savings on to your customers.
But in both cases, much of your reduced expense comes after your initial investment in the specialized equipment required for CIPP repairs and pipe bursting. The heavy equipment for pipe bursting is generally a bigger expense than the equipment for CIPP repairs, but the materials for CIPP are more expensive than pipe bursting materials.
Which Trenchless Repair System is Best for You?
If you’re trying to decide between pipe bursting and CIPP repair for your plumbing business, you need to consider the type of work you do most often, the diameters you work with, and how much you can invest in equipment.
Residential Versus Municipal
If most of your clients are residential repairs, CIPP is a much better option. But if you’re doing contract work for cities or industrial companies, pipe bursting could be more beneficial. CIPP tends to be a perfect option for plumbing companies that help homeowners with damaged sewer and water lines.
Pipes and Work Areas
Diameters for residential plumbing generally fall within the range of 2 inches to 6 inches, and both pipe bursting and CIPP methods work well within this range. But few residential plumbing jobs require the lengths that pipe bursting can cover.
The real issue is the space you have to work in. CIPP repair systems are definitely more flexible than pipe bursting. Even a small bathroom is often enough space to complete a CIPP repair, while pipe bursting needs yards of space on either side of the access pits.
CIPP Lining Repairs: Ideal for Residential Plumbing Companies
Industrial plumbing companies will most likely run into situations that require pipe bursting, specifically in urban areas that can’t be excavated conveniently. But residential companies won’t see a solid return on their investment with pipe bursting.
Instead, invest in a repair service that can fit into small spaces, avoids tearing apart yards and driveways, and gets repairs done in hours rather than weeks. CIPP repair checks all of these boxes while offering a more affordable solution for homeowners.
Get started today by calling our experts to see what an investment in CIPP services looks like for your business. Not only do we supply industry-leading equipment, but we also offer training on whatever equipment you choose—whether we sold it to you or you got it somewhere else. Contact us today to learn more!