Leak Detection Guide
Pipe lining involves inserting a resin-coated liner into the existing damaged pipe, then curing it in place to form a new, smooth pipe within the old one. It works well for cracks, small root intrusions, and general deterioration, as long as the original pipe hasn't fully collapsed.
Pipe bursting pulls a new pipe through the path of the old one while simultaneously breaking apart and displacing the damaged pipe outward into the surrounding soil. It's used when the existing pipe's diameter needs to change or when lining alone wouldn't address the damage.
A fully collapsed section, severe misalignment between pipe segments, certain incompatible pipe materials, or damage located very close to other underground utilities can all rule out trenchless methods, making direct excavation and replacement the more reliable option.
Trenchless methods often cost less overall once landscaping and hardscape restoration are factored in, since there's minimal digging to repair afterward. However, trenchless equipment and materials can cost more upfront than a simple dig-and-replace on an easily accessible, shallow line — which is why the right choice depends on the specific job, not a blanket rule.
Trenchless repairs are often completed in a single day for a typical residential line, since there's no lengthy trench to dig and later fill back in. Traditional excavation timelines vary more, depending on the length and depth of the trench and how much landscaping needs to be restored afterward.
A camera inspection shows the pipe's material, its exact condition along its full length, the precise location and type of damage, and whether the surrounding pipe is stable enough to support a liner or a burst-and-pull. That direct visual information, not a general preference, is what determines the right repair method.
