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Pipe Bursting Sewer Pipe Replacement in San Diego, CA

The only way to replace a completely damaged pipe without destruction or high costs:

  • No digging
  • Smaller to Larger
  • Save money
  • Save your property

Plus, You’ll Get:

  • Free Estimates
  • Free Sewer Camera Inspection

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    Why epoxy pipe lining is best for you

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    Pipe bursting is the ideal solution for homeowners looking to replace old, damaged, or undersized sewer lines without the hassle of traditional trenching. It requires only two small holes, rather than long, deep trenches.

    This trenchless technology provides a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternative, making it the preferred choice for many property owners in the San Diego area.

    No Need for Trenching

    Only two holes are required for both sides of the pipe to replace 2"-4" pipe up to 150 feet.

    Less Property Damage

    Minimizes damage to your yard, driveway, sidewalks, and other structures

    Higher Capacity

    Improves flow and reduces the risk of future blockages. 3" sewer pipe can be upgraded to 4" without trenching.

    Eco-friendly

    Min-excavation means less disruption to local residents, less noise and air pollution during the work.

    At Epoxy Pipe Lining San Diego, subdivision of Almco Plumbing company, we are dedicated to providing top-notch pipe bursting sewer replacement services to the San Diego State.

    With over 20 years of plumbing experience, we offer a 7-year warranty on our work and a 100+ year life expectancy. You can trust us to deliver a quality, durable solution to your sewer pipe needs.

    What is Pipe Bursting Sewer Replacement?

    Pipe bursting is a trenchless sewer pipe replacement method that involves breaking apart the old, damaged pipe and simultaneously installing a new, durable plastic SDR-17 pipe in its place. This method is ideal for replacing pipes that are severely damaged, corroded, or undersized, providing a quick and cost-effective solution without the need for expansive excavation.

    How does pipe bursting work?

    First, small access points are created at both ends of the pipe section to be replaced.

    Next, a bursting head attached to a new pipe is inserted into the old pipe. As the bursting head is pulled through, it breaks apart the existing pipe.

    Simultaneously, a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is pulled into place behind the bursting head, replacing the old pipe.

    Pipe bursting is a state-of-the-art trenchless technology used to replace old, damaged sewer pipes with minimal disruption to your property. This method allows for pipe replacement without extensive digging, preserving your landscaping, driveway, and other property features. Most projects are completed in just 1-3 days, leaving you with a brand-new sewer line designed to last for decades.

    Vlad Khorenko, CEO Almco Plumbing

    Pipe Bursting Sewer Replacement: Pros and Cons for Customers in San Diego

    Pipe bursting is an effective method for replacing old or undersized sewer pipes with minimal excavation. However, like any technique, it has its own set of pros and cons.

    • Pipe bursting eliminates the need for extensive digging, preserving your home’s rooms, landscaping, driveway, and other property features.
    • Reduces labor and restoration costs compared to traditional methods, which often require significant excavation and landscaping repairs.
    • The new pipes installed through pipe bursting are typically made from durable materials like HDPE or SDR-17, which can last for over 100 years.
    • Allows for the installation of larger diameter pipes, increasing the flow capacity of your sewer system.
    • Most pipe bursting projects are completed within 1-3 days, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
    • Saves $20K-$50K in secondary damage when compared to traditional jackhammering through the entire house and driveway.
    • Trenchless replacement of a damaged old pipe with a completely new one, when the first pipe is badly damaged and cannot be repaired with epoxy pipe bursting.
    • Pipe bursting can be challenging in areas with extremely hard soils (such as certain types of rocky soils) or where the surrounding soil is too loose.
    • Although it is a trenchless method, pipe bursting still requires access pits at the beginning and end of the pipe to be replaced. In some cases, space limitations can make it difficult to dig these pits.
    • If the pipe runs through the foundation, a jackhammer and a hole in the foundation are required to burst the pipe.
    • Not able to burst pipe with belly, new pipe will repeat the same belly.

    Pipe Bursting Process Step-by-Step

    Pipe Bursting is an excellent, high-quality trenchless method for sewer replacement in San Diego County, particularly when the existing pipe is in relatively good structural condition. The result is a brand-new sewer system for the homeowner.

    Here’s how the process works, step-by-step.

    Initial Inspection

    We start with a thorough camera inspection to evaluate the condition of your existing sewer line and determine if pipe bursting is the best solution

    Setup of Access Points

    Small access pits are dug at the beginning and end of the section to be replaced.

     Insertion of Bursting Equipment

    The bursting head and new pipe are inserted into the existing pipe. As the bursting head moves through, it fractures the old pipe while simultaneously pulling the new pipe into place.

    Final Inspection and Testing

    Once the new pipe is installed, we perform a final inspection to ensure everything is correctly in place and that the sewer system is functioning properly.

    Pipe Bursting Cases: Before and After

    Epoxy Pipe Lining San Diego has extensive experience in solving a range of customer plumbing problems. Here are a few examples of pipe bursting technology in action.

    A homeowner in Point Loma was experiencing recurring sewer line collapses due to an old clay pipe. Traditional methods would have required tearing up the entire front yard.

    Our Solution: Pipe bursting enabled us to replace the entire length of the pipe without disrupting the beautiful landscape, resulting in a quick, efficient, and long-lasting fix.

    *Photos are for illustrative purposes only

    Before
    After

    In Serra Mesa, a homeowner needed to expand an existing sewer line to accommodate increased capacity due to a house renovation.

    Our Solution: Our team used the pipe bursting method to install a larger diameter pipe, significantly increasing the sewer line’s capacity without extensive digging or disruption.

    **Photos are for illustrative purposes only

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    After

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    FAQ

    What is pipe bursting?

    Pipe bursting is a trenchless method for replacing old or damaged sewer pipes. It involves breaking apart the existing pipe while simultaneously installing a new, durable pipe in its place. This process eliminates the need for extensive digging and trenching, preserving your property and reducing repair time.

    How does pipe bursting work?

    The process begins with creating small access points at each end of the pipe to be replaced. A bursting head is inserted into the old pipe and pulled through, breaking the old pipe apart as a new pipe is pulled into place behind it. This results in a seamless replacement with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

    What types of pipes can be replaced using pipe bursting?

    Pipe bursting can replace various types of pipes, including clay, cast iron, PVC, concrete, and Orangeburg pipes. It is particularly suitable for sewer lines when the existing pipes are damaged, deteriorated, or need to be upsized. Additionally, it can replace straight stub water pipes with diameters of 2 inches or more.

    What are the benefits of pipe bursting over traditional pipe replacement?

    Here are some key advantages of pipe bursting trenchless technology:

    • Allows for upsizing the pipe diameter, improving flow capacity and reducing the risk of future blockages.
    • No need for extensive digging or trenching, preserving landscaping, driveways, and other property features.
    • Lower overall costs due to reduced labor and minimal restoration work.
    • New pipe materials, such as HDPE or SDR-17, are highly durable and can last 100+ years.
    • Pipes in poor condition, unsuitable for epoxy lining, can still be replaced with pipe bursting.
    • It is the highest quality method for trenchless sewer repair, providing you with a brand-new sewer system.

    How long does the pipe bursting process take?

    The duration of a pipe bursting project depends on the length and complexity of the pipe being replaced. Most residential projects are completed within 1 to 3 days, which is significantly faster than traditional excavation methods.

    Is pipe bursting suitable for all types of sewer problems?

    Pipe bursting is ideal for replacing pipes that are severely damaged, corroded, or collapsed. However, it may not be suitable for pipes located near other utilities or those with severe structural damage. A professional inspection is required to determine if pipe bursting is the best solution for your specific situation.

    Will pipe bursting damage my property?

    One of the main advantages of pipe bursting is its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional methods that require large trenches, pipe bursting only requires small entry and exit points, minimizing damage to your yard, driveway, and other property features.

    Can pipe bursting be used to increase the size of my sewer pipe?

    Yes, one of the advantages of pipe bursting is the ability to upsize the diameter of the new pipe. This is particularly useful for properties that require increased sewer capacity or for replacing pipes that are prone to clogging due to inadequate size.

    Is the new pipe installed through pipe bursting durable?

    Absolutely. The new pipe installed through pipe bursting is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or SDR-17, both of which are highly durable, resistant to corrosion and root intrusion, and have a lifespan of 100 years or more.

    How do I know if pipe bursting is right for my property?

    A professional assessment, including a camera inspection of your current sewer line, is necessary to determine if pipe bursting is the most suitable method. Our team at Almco Plumbing can provide a detailed evaluation and recommend the best solution based on the condition of your pipes and your specific needs.

    How much does pipe bursting cost on average?

    Pipe bursting typically costs between $135 and $165 per foot, with a minimum of 20 feet. Epoxy Pipe Lining San Diego provides a free estimate with a camera inspection to deliver an accurate price, ensuring no change orders during the repair process.

    For an average main line pipe burst from a house bathroom to the property drop in the front yard (approximately 40 feet), the cost will range from $9,000 to $12,000, depending on the depth of the main line.

    For whole-house pipe bursts, such as 2″ kitchen drains and 3″-4″ main lines, with 3 points of access, the cost typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000.

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